Showing posts with label sql server. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sql server. Show all posts

Performance Tuning with SQL Server Dynamic Management Views (High Performance Sql Server) Review

Performance Tuning with SQL Server Dynamic Management Views (High Performance Sql Server)
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Performance Tuning with SQL Server Dynamic Management Views (High Performance Sql Server) ReviewYou know those technical manuals that sit on your desk, slowly collecting little post-it tabs with notes on them, the spines are cracked, the covers are wrinkled, when people come to borrow them you snatch it from their hands? You know those books? Yeah, well, this is one of them. I've only owned it for a few days, but I've already opened it several times to look stuff up, even stuff I had just finished reading.
I really like the approach the authors, Louis Davidson & Tim Ford, took to the book. Instead of just laying out a bunch of Dynamic Management Objects (DMO) in alphabetical order or something, they focused on the DMOs associated with Performance Tuning. Then, they took the trouble to break the DMOs apart into different areas of data and performance metrics like "Query Plan MetaData" and "Transactions." They introduced each topic with an overview of the topic, why DMOs are useful to gathering data on that topic and then dived into which DMO did what to help you with the information you need to do performance tuning on your system.
The writing is very clear and to the point. Also, I wasn't able to detect different "voices" as I read through the book. Despite more than one author, there's not that disjointed feeling you can get as you hop from one chapter to another and switch authors at the same time. I really liked the sample queries and the way they built on each other, showing you the true strength available in DMOs, which is combining them to put together extremely useful views on the data in the system. I also liked the fonts used and the layout of the book, the way important code was called out through bolding & font changes. I did think that the screen captures were a bit fuzzy, but not to the degree that it detracted from the book in any way.
The argument can be made that books like this just rewrite the Books Online (BOL). But, in addition to extremely clear explanations, and a focused methodology showing you not just how to use the DMOs but where and why to use the DMOs, you also get the unique code samples. The thing about DMOs is that in isolation, they're useful. But it's in combination that they become powerful. The examples emphasize how these building blocks can be put together to create new, interesting and useful reports. Examples such as these are just not available in BOL.
For all these reasons, I highly recommend this book. If you're responsible for maintaining or developing SQL Server systems, you'll find something useful in this book that you can put to work, right away.Performance Tuning with SQL Server Dynamic Management Views (High Performance Sql Server) OverviewDynamic Management Views (DMVs) are a significant and valuable addition to the DBA's troubleshooting armory, laying bare previously unavailable information regarding the under-the-covers activity of your database sessions and transactions.Why, then, aren't all DBAs using them? Why do many DBAs continue to ignore them in favour of "tried and trusted" tools such as sp_who2, DBCC OPENTRAN, and so on, or make do with the "ready made" reports built into SSMS? Why do even those that do use the DMVs speak wistfully about "good old sysprocesses"?There seem to be two main factors at work. Firstly, some DBAs are simply unaware of the depth and breadth of the information that is available from the DMvs, or how it might help them troubleshoot common issues. This book investigates all of the DMVs that are most frequently useful to the DBA in investigating query execution, index usage, session and transaction activity, disk IO, and how SQL Server is using or abusing the operating system.Secondly, the DMVs have a reputation of being difficult to use. In the process of exposing as much useful data as possible, sysprocesses has been de-normalized, and many new views and columns have been added. This fact, coupled with the initially-baffling choices of what columns will be exposed where, has lead to some DBAs to liken querying DMVs to "collecting mystic spells".In fact, however, once you start to write your own scripts, you'll see the same tricks, and similar join patterns, being used time and again. As such, a relatively small core set of scripts can be readily adapted to suit any requirement. This book is here to de-mystify the process of collecting the information you need to troubleshoot SQL Server problems. It will highlight the core techniques and "patterns" that you need to master, and will provide a core set of scripts that you can use and adapt for your own systems, including how to:* Root out the queries that are causing memory or CPU pressure on your system* Investigate caching, and query plan reuse* Identify index usage patterns* Track fragmentation in clustered indexes and heaps* Get full details on blocking and blocked transactions, including the exact commands being executed, and by whom.* Find out where SQL Server is spending time waiting for resources to be released, before proceeding* Monitor usage and growth of tempdbThe DMVs don't make existing, built-in, performance tools obsolete. On the contrary, they complement these tools, and offer a flexibility, richness and granularity that are simply not available elsewhere. Furthermore, you don't need to master a new GUI, or a new language in order to use them; it's all done in a language all DBAs know and mostly love: T-SQL.

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Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management and Administration Review

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management and Administration
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Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management and Administration ReviewProduction database administrators have to know at least a little about a lot of things:
* How to install or upgrade SQL Servers
* How to build clusters
* How to plan for disaster recovery and high availability
* How to do performance tuning
* How to secure and protect databases
The production role revolves around management, not creation. Sure, they do need to know T-SQL and be able to debug problem code, but the majority of their day is making the trains run on time - not designing the seats inside the train cars.
Windows administrators who are forced into the SQL Server DBA role need this same type of information. They get handed a database server to manage, often with a database from a third party vendor like Citrix or Blackberry. They have to manage the server, make sure it performs as needed, and back it up safely - but they'll never touch a line of T-SQL code that runs on the server.
Ross Mistry and Hilary Cotter's book Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management and Administration is a great companion for production DBAs and accidental DBAs. It covers this wide variety of topics in a good depth, and leaves topics like beginning T-SQL or how to write stored procedures out to other books.Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management and Administration OverviewIf you need to deploy, manage, or secure Microsoft SQL Server 2008, this is the complete, fast-paced, task-based reference you've been searching for. Authored by a world-class expert on SQL Server in the enterprise, this book goes far beyond the basics, taking on the complex tasks that DBAs need to make the most of Microsoft's flagship database platform. SQL Server MVP, Ross Mistry presents proven techniques for SQL Server 2008 installation, upgrades, backup/restore, data transfer, indexing, high availability, security, and much more. He draws on extensive testing in high-profile production environments to offer step-by-step solutions and powerful tips you won't find anywhere else. Every chapter begins with a section identifying SQL Server 2008's most significant new improvements, and concludes with a convenient summary of best practices. Each chapter also outlines the benefits of leveraging Windows Server 2008.

Understand how to:
Master DBA tips, tricks, and best practices proven in actual enterprise environments

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SQL Server MVP Deep Dives Review

SQL Server MVP Deep Dives
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SQL Server MVP Deep Dives ReviewI bought this book for full price at the SQL PASS conference in 2009 and I didn't even feel bad about paying full price because of the cause. After reading through a number of the chapters, I still don't feel bad for paying full price :-)
This book contains 59 golden nuggets. You name the topic and there is likely a white paper quality or beyond chapter for your interest. From Database Design, to development best practices to complex administrative or BI issues, it covers it.
I could not put the book down on my flights back and still have managed to find the time to leaf throw more. I will be suggesting all of the developers and system administrators (part reluctant DBA) purchase their own copy (primarily because I don't want to share my copy :-P) and get learning.
Some great approaches to common problems, some great forays into areas I have, unfortunately, not forced myself to get into (like Power Shell for my administrative tasks). I will be taking some of the tips, like the Tools database and Aaron Bertrand's version of a great utility script to easily show the important info on active tasks, and putting them to use as early as I find the time next week.
I am also going to force my SSIS developers to read Andy Leonard's chapter on Incremental loads and other SSIS chapters while re-reading Erin Welker's chapter on BI For the relational guy (that's me) a few times myself.
Every chapter is top quality and I really liked the in depth approach. This is a good reference to add to a library with some of the great internals books or in depth books on a single topic. Also nice knowing that these top notch MVPs, mostly all great speakers and authors, gave up their time and royalties to give to a worthy cause.SQL Server MVP Deep Dives Overview
This is not an ordinary SQL Server Book. SQL Server MVP Deep Dives brings together the world's most highly-regarded SQL Server experts to create a masterful collection of tips, techniques, and experience-driven best practices for SQL Server development and administration. These SQL Server MVPs-53 in all-each selected a topic of great interest to them, and in this unique book, they share their knowledge and passion with you.

SQL Server MVP Deep Dives is organized into five parts: Design and Architecture, Development, Administration, Performance Tuning and Optimization, and Business Intelligence. Within each part, you'll find a collection of brilliantly concise and focused chapters that take on key topics like mobile data strategies, Dynamic Management Views, or query performance. The range of subjects covered is comprehensive, from database design tips to data profiling strategies for BI.

Additionally, the authors of this book have generously donated 100% of their royalties to support War Child International. War Child International is a network of independent organizations, working across the world to help children affected by war. War Child was founded upon a fundamental goal: to advance the cause of peace through investing hope in the lives of children caught up in the horrors of war. War Child works in many different conflict areas around the world, helping hundreds of thousands of children every year. Visit www.warchild.org for more information.


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Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Stored Procedure Programming in T-SQL & .NET Review

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Stored Procedure Programming in T-SQL and .NET
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Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Stored Procedure Programming in T-SQL & .NET ReviewThis book contains much useful information on SQL Server 2005 T-SQL enhancements, but it regularly employs functions and constructs in its examples that are only explained in later passages. Specifically, when attempting to absorb a new concept by examining a code example, you must also contend with looking up items which have not yet been covered. This is a mild stumbling block but it hurts the flow of the book.
Also, the practice database (Asset5) did not attach properly (on my SQL Server 2005 STD edition install regarding appropriate permissions to modify objects) and the most direct workaround was: (1) To use the included, but unreferenced script to initialize the database and all its objects using a "new name" for the database (2) Attach the original database - Asset5 (3) Use the data import feature to populate the "new name" database tables (4) Drop the attached database Asset5 (5) Rename the "new name" database to Asset5. I did first attempt to modify the permissions associated with the login I was using - unsuccessfully...
By way of comparison I am using Oracle Press' "Oracle 9i The Complete Reference" by Koch and Loney as a standard of clarity and conceptual organization for PL-SQL. It is on this basis that I assign this book 3 stars, but admit that I have yet to discover a better book for advanced T-SQL topics. Please feel free to forward me better titles.
As an aside, Murach's SQL for SQL Server is the best introductory text I have found for T-SQL.
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Stored Procedure Programming in T-SQL & .NET Overview
Create and Use Stored Procedures for Optimal Database Performance

Develop complex stored procedures to retrieve, manipulate, update, and delete data. Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Stored Procedure Programming in T-SQL & .NET identifies and describes the key concepts, techniques, and best practices you need to master in order to take full advantage of stored procedures using SQL Server's native Transact-SQL and .NET CLR languages. You'll learn to incorporate effective Transact-SQL stored procedures into client or middleware code, and produce CLR methods that will be compiled into CLR stored procedures. This is a must-have resource for all SQL Server 2005 developers.

Essential Skills for Database Professionals
Group and execute T-SQL statements using batches, scripts, and transactionsCreate user-defined, system, extended, temporary, global temporary, and remote stored procedures Develop and manage stored procedures using C# and Visual Basic .NETImplement database access using ADO.NETCreate CLR user-defined functions and triggersImplement reliable debugging and error handling techniques and security measuresManage source code in a repository such as Visual SourceSafeCreate stored procedures for web search enginesUse system and extended stored procedures to interact with the SQL Server environment




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Applied Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services Review

Applied Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services
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Applied Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services ReviewTeo drills down into the nitty gritty which some other books on SSRS can leave behind (or address at too high a level not useful to real-world developers). Case in point, chapter 5 presents a solid understanding of the new tablix region with step-by-step walkthroughs where needed (implementing grouping can be a little confusing at first if you're used to other tools like MS Access). As a seasoned developer, I found many little tips and tricks which another book I just finished on the subject didn't even begin to cover.
Teo understands what developers need and what they don't. Some of us don't have a lot of time to spend experimenting with a new tool or a new version. His explanations and examples cut to the chase and left me feeling confident in my ability to put the information to use. The videos on his website are a great compliment to the text. I recommend them both.Applied Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services OverviewEver wished for a tool that can turn enterprise data into meaningful reports that could be shared easily with co-workers, customers, and partners?
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services is the "magic wand" you need to unleash the hidden power of data. The author, who has worked closely with the Reporting Services Development Team, takes you on an insightful tour that provides an authoritative yet independent view of the technology.Supplying much-needed technological information to workers, administrators, and developers, Applied Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services shows you how to apply Reporting Services in real life to build innovative Business Intelligence solutions that drive decisions. Information workers will learn how to design feature-rich standard and ad hoc reports. The book gives administrators the necessary background to install, upgrade, and manage the report environment. It teaches developers powerful ways to extend Reporting Services and integrate it with a wide range of applications.The book doesn't assume any prior experience with Microsoft Reporting Services. It is designed as an easy-to-follow guide for navigating safely the most intricate aspects of the technology. New concepts are introduced with step-by-step instructions and hands-on lessons. Video presentations help the reader stay on track when a picture is worth more than a thousand words.The book website at www.prologika.com provides sample chapters, source code, discussion forum, and online video tutorials.

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The Guru's Guide to Transact-SQL Review

The Guru's Guide to Transact-SQL
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The Guru's Guide to Transact-SQL ReviewAh, where to begin. This book is a masterpiece. It is over the top. It distills, in one volume, all that's worth knowing about advanced Transact-SQL. If you've read the Books Online, this book is a natural next step in your T-SQL education. It took me from a rank amateur to an advanced coder within days. It gave me insights into new ways of coding that I'd never have thought of on my own. It showed me how to work in harmony with T-SQL and SQL Server, rather than try to get them to do things they weren't designed to do.
The best chapters, are, IMHO, these:
- DML Insights
- DDL Insights
- The Mighty SELECT
- Statistical Functions
- Transactions
- Cursors
- Sets
- Arrays
- Stored Procedures and Triggers
- T-SQL Performance Tuning
- Administrative T-SQL
- OLE Automation
- Undocumented T-SQL
There's so much good info in this book, it's hard to pick a list of the "best chapters." To be sure, there's not a weak chapter in the book, and you should read every last one of them.
[...] This book is a must-read for anyone serious about coding in Transact-SQL.The Guru's Guide to Transact-SQL OverviewSince its introduction over a decade ago, the Microsoft SQL Server query language, Transact-SQL, has become increasingly popular and more powerful. The current version sports such advanced features as OLE Automation support, cross-platform querying facilities, and full-text search management. This book is the consummate guide to Microsoft Transact-SQL. From data type nuances to complex statistical computations to the bevy of undocumented features in the language, The Guru's Guide to Transact-SQL imparts the knowledge you need to become a virtuoso of the language as quickly as possible. In this book, you will find the information, explanations, and advice you need to master Transact-SQL and develop the best possible Transact-SQL code. Some 600 code examples not only illustrate important concepts and best practices, but also provide working Transact-SQL code that can be incorporated into your own real-world DBMS applications. Your journey begins with an introduction explaining language fundamentals such as database and table creation, inserting and updating data, queries, joins, data presentation, and managing transactions. Moving on to more advanced topics, the journey continues with in-depth coverage of: Transact-SQL performance tuning using tools such as Query Analyzer and Performance Monitor Nuances of the various T-SQL data types Complex statistical calculations such as medians, modes, and sliding aggregates Run, sequence, and series identification and interrogation Advanced Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Management Language (DML) techniques Stored procedure and trigger best practices and coding methods Transaction management Optimal cursor use and caveats to look out for Full-text search Hierarchies and arrays Administrative Transact-SQL OLE Automation More than 100 undocumented commands and language features, including numerous unpublished DBCC command verbs, trace flags, stored procedures, and functions Comprehensive, written in understandable terms, and full of practical information and examples, The Guru's Guide to Transact-SQL is an indispensable reference for anyone working with this database development language. The accompanying CD-ROM includes the complete set of code examples found in the book as well as a SQL programming environment that will speed the development of your own top-notch Transact-SQL code.

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The Guru's Guide to SQL Server Stored Procedures, XML, and HTML Review

The Guru's Guide to SQL Server Stored Procedures, XML, and HTML
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The Guru's Guide to SQL Server Stored Procedures, XML, and HTML ReviewI never thought I'd say this but this book is even better than the first Gurus Guide book! Henderson cuts loose and just writes. It feels like you've got the guru sitting right next to as you read.
As with his first book, Henderson runs a tight ship with this one. There's no fluff or other filler material. Instead, you just get the goods, and you get them by the boatload.
My fav things about this one are:
* Extended Proc coverage. I've always wondered how to build these. The coverage in this book is absolutely excellent. It could be a book unto itself.
* XML coverage. I've never seen a better cut-to-the-chase introduction to XML and the XML features in SQL Server. It's a wonderful, hands-on tutorial written by a master.
* Emphasis on treating transact-sql as a real language. Henderson stresses this over and over and he's right. This book is every bit as good as the high-end programming books that feature languages like C++ and Java.
* Essays on software engineering. These are some of the best technical writing I've ever read.
I don't think you could spend your money on a better SQL Server book.
DjFThe Guru's Guide to SQL Server Stored Procedures, XML, and HTML OverviewSQL Server developers worldwide raved about Ken Henderson's The Guru's Guide to Transact-SQL: its exceptionally clear, conversational explanations, and its powerfully useful projects and code examples. This book helps SQL Server developers take the next step -- building more powerful, robust applications than ever before. Henderson identifies several key areas of SQL Server development that offer the greatest power -- and then covers each of them in exceptional detail. The book includes especially thorough coverage of Transact-SQL stored procedure programming, including features such as extended procedures, database design, and XML that are often disregarded in competitive books. Henderson introduces a method he has developed to add arrays to T-SQL, something previously thought impossible. He offers an ideal balance of theory and code, gradually building on basic techniques to create increasingly sophisticated solutions, and teaching the philosophy of Transact-SQL programming alongside syntax and technique. An accompanying CD-ROM includes extensive source code, including valuable proprietary code that makes T-SQL queries run faster. For every SQL Server developer.

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Microsoft SQL Server 2008 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) Review

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
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Microsoft SQL Server 2008 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) ReviewThe author is a good writer, he's well organized, he get's his point across well - the problem is that he doesn't do it enough. This is a nice introduction to MS SQL but its simply too short and ultimately too lightweight for the subject. There are other good beginners manuals out there that, if they aren't as entertaining, are more useful. Dummies cut the legs out from under this text by keeping it so compact - too bad, if he'd had more room he undoubtedly could have created a excellent manual.Microsoft SQL Server 2008 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) OverviewIf you're a database administrator, you know Microsoft SQL Server 2008 is revolutionizing database development. Get up to speed on SQL Server 2008, impress your boss, and improve your company's data management — read Microsoft SQL Server 2008 For Dummies!
SQL Server 2008 lets you build powerful databases and create database queries that give your organization the information it needs to excel. Microsoft SQL Server 2008 For Dummies helps you build the skills you need to set up, administer, and troubleshoot SQL Server 2008. You'll be able to:
Develop and maintain a SQL Server system
Design databases with integrity and efficiency
Turn data into information with SQL Server Reporting Services
Organize query results, summarizing data with aggregate functions and formatting output
Import large quantities of data with SSIS
Keep your server running smoothly
Protect data from prying eyes
Develop and implement a disaster recovery plan
Improve performance with database snapshots
Automate SQL Server 2008 administration

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 For Dummies is a great first step toward becoming a SQL Server 2008 pro!

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