Abstract

SQL Server is primarily designed for set-based operations, so writing code that performs Row-By-Agonizing-Row (RBAR) operations is going against the design, rather than working with it. In this code filled “Developer–to–Developer” session, we will examine several recent additions to SQL Server, and learn how the vast majority of RBAR code can be replaced with efficient, set-based code. Learn how the APPLY operator works with table-valued functions; iterate through incoming data just once with the MERGE statement instead of once per DML operation; see how the Windowing (ranking) functions allow you to “slice and dice” your data, and then perform operations on those groupings; discover how re-writing your multi-statement table-valued functions to be inline functions can help the optimizer and speed up your queries; and learn how to create a grouped delimited list – without loops! Come to this demo-packed session and learn how the vast majority of loop-based operations can be replaced with very efficient set-based operations!

Where:  Location: Markel Plaza

4600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060 [map]

Register: Click here to register!

This Months Sponsor:

Abstract

Understanding Indexes in SQL Server 2008
Understanding the fundamentals of how indexes work and how they are best utilized is an essential part of any DBA or SQL developer's repertoire. Many people assume if you create an index on a column or columns of a table that it will automatically be used when you reference that column. While that may be true under some conditions the actual usage depends on several key factors and they may surprise you. We will cover the fundamentals of how the indexes work under the covers and why you need to know this in order to ensure your indexes are actually helping and not hurting your performance.

Where:  Location: Markel Plaza
4600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060 [map]

Register: Click here to register!

This Months Sponsor:

Grant Fritchey is a SQL Server MVP with over 20 years experience in IT including time spent in support and development. He has worked with SQL Server since 6.0 back in 1995. He has developed in VB, VB.Net, C# and Java. Grant volunteers with PASS and is president of the Southern New England SQL Server Users Group (SNESSUG). He has authored books for Apress and Simple-Talk and joined Red Gate as a Product Evangelist in January 2011.

Reading Execution Plans

It’s one thing to know to look for scans instead of seeks, but if you really want to know what’s going on in an execution plan, you need to dive deep. This session will cover reading execution plans from the basics, but goes way beyond the basics to cover as much of the information available within an execution plan as you might possibly ever need. We’ll cover the basics, like looking for fat pipes, but we’ll also go into how to understand how to interpret parameter sniffing and spot when a join operation is not performing the way you would want. We’ll use the graphical plan and the XML behind to thoroughly explore execution plans.

Where:  Location: Markel Plaza
4600 Cox Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060 [map]

Register: Click here to register!

This Months Sponsor:

Bob Lambert presents Normalize Metadata for Data Integration Analysis!

When: June 10th, 2010, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Social Time starts at 6:00 PM!

Who: 
Bob Lambert

Bob Lambert, a consultant with CapTech Ventures, specializes in data management, business intelligence strategy, and system architecture. His interests encompass how IT and business get together to build and maintain business value, especially with databases and data warehousing. Recent projects have focused on real estate, health care, and financial services. Bob has authored a number of articles, most recently publications at Dr Dobbs and Information Management.

When: October 8, 2009, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Social Time starts at 6:00 PM!

Who: 
Tim Ford

What: Dynamic Management Objects  - With the release of Microsoft SQL Server 2005, the curious DBA had a new arsenal of tools available for indentifying performance issues, automating maintenance tasks, and documenting their environments.  These tools are called Dynamic Management Objects.  Join Tim Ford as he takes you on a tour through some of his favorite Dynamic Management Objects and see why you just may have found you new favorite thing about Microsoft SQL Server.

Register: Click here to register!

This Months Sponsor: