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SQL Server Optimization Guide

The document provides a comprehensive guide on SQL Server optimization focusing on the use of temporary tables and indexing strategies. It outlines when to use temporary tables, their benefits, best practices for indexing, and performance considerations while also highlighting common pitfalls and optimization tips. Additionally, it differentiates between the use of temporary tables and table variables based on data size and complexity of operations.

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Anitha Veeramane
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views

SQL Server Optimization Guide

The document provides a comprehensive guide on SQL Server optimization focusing on the use of temporary tables and indexing strategies. It outlines when to use temporary tables, their benefits, best practices for indexing, and performance considerations while also highlighting common pitfalls and optimization tips. Additionally, it differentiates between the use of temporary tables and table variables based on data size and complexity of operations.

Uploaded by

Anitha Veeramane
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SQL SERVER OPTIMIZATION GUIDE - INDEXES AND TEMP TABLES

1. TEMPORARY TABLES
------------------
WHEN TO USE:
- Large result sets that will be referenced multiple times
- Complex calculations that need staging
- Breaking down complex queries into manageable steps
- When you need to reference intermediate results multiple times
- Data that needs multiple transformations

BENEFITS:
- Reduces repeated calculations
- Improves query readability
- Better performance than table variables for larger datasets (>1000 rows)
- Statistics are available for query optimizer
- Can be indexed for better performance

BEST PRACTICES:
- Create indexes AFTER data load
- Only create necessary indexes
- Drop temp tables when no longer needed
- Use proper data types and sizes
- Consider using table variables for very small datasets (<1000 rows)

2. INDEXING STRATEGY
-------------------
TYPES OF INDEXES:
a) Clustered Index
• One per table
• Defines physical order of data
• Best for columns that:
- Are unique or have high selectivity
- Are accessed sequentially
- Are used in range queries
- Are used frequently in ORDER BY or GROUP BY

b) Non-Clustered Index
• Multiple per table
• Creates separate structure with pointers
• Best for columns that:
- Are frequently used in WHERE clauses
- Are used in JOIN conditions
- Have good selectivity
- Are used in foreign key relationships

WHEN TO CREATE INDEXES:


- On foreign key columns
- On columns frequently used in WHERE clauses
- On columns used in JOIN conditions
- On columns used in ORDER BY or GROUP BY
- On columns with high selectivity (many unique values)

WHEN TO AVOID INDEXES:


- Small tables (<1000 rows)
- Columns with low selectivity
- Columns that are frequently updated
- Tables with heavy insert workload
- Columns rarely used in queries
3. TEMP TABLE INDEXING
---------------------
BEST PRACTICES:
- Create indexes AFTER data insertion
- Index only columns used in:
- JOIN conditions
- WHERE clauses
- ORDER BY statements
- Consider the size of temp table:
- Small (<1000 rows): Might not need indexes
- Medium/Large: Index based on query patterns
- Drop indexes if doing heavy updates

EXAMPLE PATTERN:
CREATE TABLE #TempTable (Col1 INT, Col2 VARCHAR(50))
INSERT INTO #TempTable
SELECT Col1, Col2 FROM SourceTable
-- Create index after data load
CREATE INDEX IX_TempTable_Col1 ON #TempTable(Col1)

4. PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS
---------------------------
MONITORING:
- Use sys.dm_db_index_usage_stats to track index usage
- Monitor index fragmentation
- Watch for unused indexes
- Check execution plans for index usage

MAINTENANCE:
- Regularly rebuild/reorganize fragmented indexes
- Remove unused indexes
- Update statistics when necessary
- Monitor index size and impact on storage

5. COMMON PITFALLS
-----------------
- Creating too many indexes
- Not considering the maintenance overhead
- Creating redundant indexes
- Not accounting for update/insert performance impact
- Over-indexing small tables
- Under-indexing large tables
- Not considering the proper column order in composite indexes

6. OPTIMIZATION TIPS
------------------
- Always check execution plans
- Consider filtered indexes for specific queries
- Use included columns instead of covering indexes when possible
- Monitor missing index suggestions
- Consider columnstore indexes for data warehouse scenarios
- Use proper statistics maintenance
- Consider partitioning for very large tables

7. WHEN WORKING WITH TEMP TABLES VS TABLE VARIABLES


------------------------------------------------
USE TEMP TABLES WHEN:
- Dealing with large data sets (>1000 rows)
- Need to create indexes
- Need to update statistics
- Complex joins and multiple references

USE TABLE VARIABLES WHEN:


- Small data sets (<1000 rows)
- Single use/reference
- Simple operations
- Parallel execution plans are not needed

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