Query Tuning Strategies for Microsoft® SQL Server®

Knowing as many tuning tricks and techniques as possible expands your options when tuning for performance. In addition, knowing an effective process for analyzing query performance and behavior is an essential skill for any SQL Server professional.

This white paper introduces several basic elements that you can use to successfully tune queries, including:  

a) SET commands that show you what a query is doing

b) DBCC commands that help construct a useful “test jig” for query tuning

c) Key elements of an execution plan to consider

In addition, the paper describes a handful of scenarios where poor performance is common, and provides recommendations for improvement. 

Author: Kevin Kline