Understanding Query Optimization in SQL Server from Pluralsight

Retrieving the data from SQL Server is something that every data professional should know. However, retrieving the data from SQL Server in an efficient and performant way is a mastery of its own!

Retrieving the data from SQL Server in an efficient and performant way is a mastery of its own! In this course, Understanding Query Optimization in SQL Server, you’ll gain the ability to create and maintain efficient and performant T-SQL queries. First, you’ll explore when and how to start troubleshooting your queries. Next, you’ll discover why it is important to read and understand query plans and how plan caching features may speed up query execution. You’ll also understand the benefit of having a proper indexing strategy and up to date statistics. Finally, you’ll learn how to optimize T-SQL queries in various scenarios and how to avoid the most common pitfalls when writing your T-SQL code. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of query optimization in SQL Server needed to retrieve the data from SQL Server in the most efficient and performant way.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introducing Query Optimization in SQL Server

Understanding Query Plans

Understanding Plan Reuse and Plan Cache

Understanding Indexing and Statistics

Optimizing Ad-hoc Expressions and Parameterization

Understanding Plan Guides and Query Hints

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers how to maintain T-SQL queries, which is important for longevity

Intended for data professionals and students who want to improve their efficiency and performance with SQL queries

Demonstrates how to avoid common pitfalls when writing T-SQL code

Helps learners optimize T-SQL queries in various scenarios

Teaches methods to read and understand query plans

Might require students to come in with some background knowledge

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding Query Optimization in SQL Server with these activities:

Create a knowledge base of resources on SQL Server query optimization

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Enhance your learning experience by organizing and consolidating valuable resources on query optimization in one place.

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Gather relevant articles, tutorials, and documentation on SQL Server query optimization
Organize the resources into a structured knowledge base
Regularly update the knowledge base with new and relevant information

Seek out a mentor who has experience with SQL Server query optimization

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Accelerate your learning by connecting with an experienced mentor who can provide guidance and support.

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Identify potential mentors within your network or through online platforms
Reach out to your chosen mentor and express your interest in learning about SQL Server query optimization
Establish regular meetings or communication channels with your mentor

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Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Query Optimization in SQL Server will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

Data Analysts analyze data to extract insights and inform business decisions. They use their knowledge of SQL to query and manipulate data, and their understanding of query optimization can help them to do so in an efficient and performant way. This course can help Data Analysts to improve their skills in query optimization, which can lead to more accurate and timely insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design and build data architectures and pipelines. They use their knowledge of SQL to extract, transform, and load data, and their understanding of query optimization can help them to do so in an efficient and performant way. This course can help Data Engineers to improve their skills in query optimization, which can lead to more efficient and scalable data pipelines.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for the maintenance and performance of databases. They use their knowledge of SQL to create and manage databases, and their understanding of query optimization can help them to ensure that queries run efficiently. This course can help Database Administrators to improve their skills in query optimization, which can lead to improved database performance.

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Software Developer

Software Developers use their knowledge of SQL to create and maintain software applications. Their understanding of query optimization can help them to write code that runs efficiently and performs well. This course can help Software Developers to improve their skills in query optimization, which can lead to better performing software applications.

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Information Architect

Information Architects design and manage information systems. They use their knowledge of SQL to create and manage databases, and their understanding of query optimization can help them to ensure that queries run efficiently. This course can help Information Architects to improve their skills in query optimization, which can lead to more efficient and scalable information systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Database Architect

Database Architects design and build database systems. They use their knowledge of SQL to create and manage databases, and their understanding of query optimization can help them to ensure that queries run efficiently. This course can help Database Architects to improve their skills in query optimization, which can lead to more efficient and scalable database systems.

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Data Warehouse Architect

Data Warehouse Architects design and build data warehouses. They use their knowledge of SQL to create and manage data warehouses, and their understanding of query optimization can help them to ensure that queries run efficiently. This course can help Data Warehouse Architects to improve their skills in query optimization, which can lead to more efficient and scalable data warehouses.

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Data Governance Analyst

Data Governance Analysts ensure the quality and integrity of data. They use their knowledge of SQL to create and manage data governance policies, and their understanding of query optimization can help them to do so in an efficient and effective way. This course can help Data Governance Analysts to improve their skills in query optimization, which can lead to better data quality and governance.

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Performance Engineer

Performance Engineers optimize the performance of software systems. They use their knowledge of SQL to identify and fix performance bottlenecks, and their understanding of query optimization can help them to do so in an efficient and effective way. This course can help Performance Engineers to improve their skills in query optimization, which can lead to better performing software systems.

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Data Security Analyst

Data Security Analysts protect the security of data. They use their knowledge of SQL to create and manage data security policies, and their understanding of query optimization can help them to do so in an efficient and effective way. This course can help Data Security Analysts to improve their skills in query optimization, which can lead to better data security.

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Data Privacy Analyst

Data Privacy Analysts protect the privacy of data. They use their knowledge of SQL to create and manage data privacy policies, and their understanding of query optimization can help them to do so in an efficient and effective way. This course can help Data Privacy Analysts to improve their skills in query optimization, which can lead to better data privacy protection.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to build models and predict outcomes. They use their knowledge of SQL to extract and analyze data, and their understanding of query optimization can help them to do so in an efficient and performant way. This course can help Data Scientists to improve their skills in query optimization, which can lead to more accurate and reliable models.

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Capacity Planner

Capacity Planners plan and manage the capacity of IT systems. They use their knowledge of SQL to estimate the performance of queries, and their understanding of query optimization can help them to do so in an accurate and reliable way. This course can help Capacity Planners to improve their skills in query optimization, which can lead to more efficient and cost-effective IT systems.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors audit the security and compliance of IT systems. They use their knowledge of SQL to review and analyze data, and their understanding of query optimization can help them to do so in an efficient and effective way. This course can help IT Auditors to improve their skills in query optimization, which can lead to more efficient and effective IT audits.

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Business Intelligence Analyst

Business Intelligence Analysts use data to help businesses make better decisions. They use their knowledge of SQL to extract and analyze data, and their understanding of query optimization can help them to do so in an efficient and performant way. This course can help Business Intelligence Analysts to improve their skills in query optimization, which can lead to more accurate and timely business insights.

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