Author: stevestedman

The WRITELOG wait type in SQL Server is a critical performance indicator that reflects the time SQL Server spends waiting for transaction log records to be written to disk. This wait type is tied to the database engine’s commitment to ensuring data durability, a cornerstone of the ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) properties that guarantee reliable database operations. The transaction log serves as a sequential record of all data modifications, and SQL Server must flush these records to disk before …

Analysis of the WRITELOG Wait Type in SQL Server Read more »

Enabling Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) on SQL Server is a fundamental step in securing sensitive data by encrypting database files at rest, ensuring protection against unauthorized access if physical storage media, such as hard drives or backup tapes, are compromised. TDE operates at the file level, encrypting the entire database—including data files, transaction logs, and backups—without requiring any changes to application code. This seamless integration allows organizations to implement robust security measures without disrupting existing workflows or incurring significant development …

Enabling TDE in SQL Server Read more »

In SQL Server, managing concurrency is essential for maintaining database performance and data integrity. One common concurrency issue is blocking, where transactions compete for access to database resources. This blog post explains what blocking is, how it occurs, and how to monitor and resolve it using Database Health Monitor. What is Blocking in SQL Server? Blocking happens when one transaction holds a lock on a database resource—such as a table, row, or page—preventing another transaction from accessing or modifying it …

Understanding Blocking in SQL Server Read more »

Understanding Common SQL Server Wait Types: SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD, WRITELOG, CXPACKET, CXCONSUMER, and LCK_M* In the world of SQL Server Performance tuning, understanding wait types is essential for diagnosing and resolving performance issues. Wait types indicate the specific resources SQL Server is waiting on during query execution, and identifying the predominant wait types can help in pinpointing performance bottlenecks. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some of the most common wait types: SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD, WRITELOG, CXPACKET, CXCONSUMER, and LCK_M*. SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD The SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD …

Backup and Recovery Self Assessment Read more »

Monitoring Blocking with Database Health Monitor Database Health Monitor is a powerful tool for identifying and troubleshooting blocking in SQL Server. It provides real-time insights into database performance, offering a dedicated view for detecting blocking sessions. With Database Health Monitor, you can: Identify which sessions are causing blocks and which transactions are waiting. View details about the locked resources, including tables, rows, or pages involved. Analyze the duration and impact of blocking to prioritize optimization efforts. Track blocking trends over …

Finding Blocking on SQL Server Read more »

Understanding the WRITELOG Wait Type in SQL Server The WRITELOG wait type in SQL Server is associated with the process of writing transaction log records to disk. It occurs when SQL Server waits for log records to be flushed to the transaction log, ensuring data durability as part of the ACID properties. This wait is critical for maintaining consistency but can become a bottleneck under heavy transactional workloads. Why WRITELOG Waits Happen WRITELOG waits typically arise during operations that modify …

WriteLog Wait Type Read more »

SQL Server wait types provide critical insights into performance bottlenecks by indicating what a session is waiting on during query or task execution. The LCK_M_S wait type, associated with locking, is a frequent culprit in performance issues, particularly in high-concurrency environments. This blog post offers a detailed examination of the LCK_M_S wait type, its causes, performance impact, diagnostic approaches, and advanced mitigation strategies. What is the LCK_M_S Wait Type? The LCK_M_S wait type occurs when a SQL Server session is …

In-Depth Guide to the LCK_M_S Wait Type in SQL Server Read more »

Understanding SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD Wait Type in SQL Server In SQL Server, wait types provide insight into performance bottlenecks, and one commonly encountered wait type is SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD. This blog post explains what SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD means, why it occurs, and how to address it effectively. Whether you’re a DBA, developer, or system administrator, understanding this wait type can help you optimize your SQL Server Performance. What is SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD? The SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD wait type is related to SQL Server’s internal scheduling mechanism. Here’s a breakdown of …

SOS_SCHEDULER YIELD Read more »