Take a deep dive into perhaps the single most important facet of query performance-indexes-and how to best use them. Newly updated for SQL Server 2022 and Azure SQL, this fourth edition includes new guidance and features related to columnstore indexes, improved and consolidated content on Query Store, deeper content around Intelligent Query Processing, and other updates to help you optimize query execution and make performance improvements to even the most challenging workloads.

The book begins with explanations of the types of indexes and how they are stored in a database. Moving further into the book, you will learn how statistics are critical for optimal index usage and how the Index Advisor can assist in reviewing and optimizing index health. This book helps you build a clear understanding of how indexes work, how to implement and use them, and the many options available to tame even the most large and complex workloads.

What You Will Learn

Jason Strate is a database architect and administrator with more than 15 years of experience. He has been a recipient of Microsoft's Most Valuable Professional designation for SQL Server since July 2009. His experience includes design and implementation of both OLTP and OLAP solutions, as well as assessment and implementation of SQL Server environments for best practices, performance, and high availability solutions. He is a SQL Server MCITP and participated in the development of Microsoft Certification exams for SQL Server 2008.Jason is actively involved with his local PASS chapter (SQL Server User Group) and serves as its director of program development. He worked with the board to organize the PASSMN SQL Summit 2009 for the local community. He enjoys helping others in the SQL Server community and does this by presenting at technical conferences and user group meetings. Most recently, he has presented at the SSWUG Virtual Conferences, TechFuse, numerous SQL Saturdays, and at PASSMN user group meetings.