Q&A
Performance Tuning SQL Server Using Wait Statistics
Thomas LaRock: "Without a basic understanding of wait events and how the occur, you will waste a lot of time trying and guessing at how to improve the performance of a query."
Optimizing SQL Server performance is crucial for ensuring seamless database operations, efficient query execution and satisfied users. Among the various tuning strategies, understanding wait statistics stands out for its transformative impact. Wait statistics provide invaluable insights into query delays, empowering data professionals to pinpoint and address performance bottlenecks.
In the upcoming presentation, "Performance Tuning SQL Server Using Wait Statistics" at Live! 360 Orlando 2024, renowned database expert Thomas LaRock will delve into the intricacies of wait statistics. This session promises to equip attendees with practical skills to analyze and resolve performance issues.
Before the session, Redmond had the opportunity to sit down with LaRock for a Q&A to discuss what attendees can expect, including diving into common wait types, causes, and remedies using wait time response analysis. Attend this session and leave with the knowledge of how the SQL Server engine works, and what knobs you can turn to improve performance.
And start making your plans to hear LaRock and our great lineup of experts at this year's Live! 360 Tech Con, taking place in Orlando, Fla. Nov. 17-22. Register by Oct. 29 to save up to $300!
Redmond: What inspired you to focus on wait statistics for SQL Server performance tuning?
LaRock: When you know and understand what your queries are waiting for, you have the opportunity to become an expert in database performance tuning.
"Without a basic understanding of wait events and how the occur, you will waste a lot of time trying and guessing at how to improve the performance of a query."
Thomas LaRock, Manager, Data Engineering, BlackLine
Without a basic understanding of wait events and how the occur, you will waste a lot of time trying and guessing at how to improve the performance of a query.
Can you explain the most common wait types encountered in SQL Server and their typical causes?
One of the most common wait events is "blocking" , which is the natural result of locking, which is caused by the database engine maintaining data integrity during normal workloads. My session will cover how and when locking, and blocking, occurs.
How can understanding wait statistics improve query performance in SQL Server?
Understanding wait statistics allows the data professional to tune individual queries or, if necessary, to tune entire workloads at once. It is not difficult to collect and understand if a query or workload is being hampered by shortage of memory, CPU, or storage.
What tools or techniques do you recommend for analyzing wait time response in SQL Server?
SQL Server comes with a feature called Query Store, which provides some performance details, including wait information. For more deeper diagnostic information there are a handful of third-party tools available on the market.
What are the key indicators that suggest a need for performance tuning in SQL Server?
Well, if your phone rings and a user is upset with you because a query is taking long, that is a pretty good indication something needs tuning. There are also specific dynamic management objects which provide a wealth of information, and we will review these during the session as well.
What should participants expect from your session, and what practical skills will they gain?
Attendees should expect to understand how the database engine works, how and when wait events happen, and what actions to take to remediate issues related to specific wait events. We will walk through demos to reinforce learning the concepts from the lecture, with the hope participants will return to work the following week and be more productive in their performance tuning activities.
How do you stay updated with the latest advancements and techniques in SQL Server performance tuning?
I review the release notes for each new version of SQL Server to look for new features which will enhance performance or perhaps make troubleshooting easier. I also interact with a lot of Microsoft data platform professionals, including many who work for Microsoft, during MVP events which allows me to keep an ear to the ground on what is new and upcoming.