Database Performance Tuning: SQL Server Masterclass

Unlock advanced strategies to diagnose, optimize, and accelerate SQL Server databases for peak performance and scalability.

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Database Performance Tuning: SQL Server Masterclass

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Course Overview:

"Database Performance Tuning: SQL Server Masterclass" is a specialized 5-day corporate training designed to equip database administrators and technical professionals with practical skills and deep understanding of performance tuning in Microsoft SQL Server environments. With a focus on real-world performance issues and their solutions, this course delves into SQL performance optimization, execution plans, indexing techniques, and database optimization techniques using tools like SQL Server Profiler and Management Studio. Through hands-on examples, participants will learn how to identify bottlenecks, optimize queries, and tune systems for peak performance. Key topics include T-SQL optimization techniques, SQL Server execution plans, indexing best practices, and strategies for resolving slow queries. Participants will also gain insight into how to monitor workloads and manage performance efficiently using native SQL Server tools.

Target Audience:

Database Administrators (DBAs)
Database Developers
Data Engineers
IT System Analysts
Software Engineers working with enterprise databases
Technical Project Leads involved in performance-critical systems

Targeted Organizational Departments:

IT Infrastructure
Data Management Teams
Software Development Units
Enterprise Architecture Groups
DevOps Teams
Application Performance Monitoring Units

Targeted Industries:

Banking and Financial Services
Telecommunications
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Government & Public Sector
E-commerce & Retail
Insurance & Risk Management
Oil & Gas and Energy Sectors

Course Offerings:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyze and interpret SQL Server execution plans
Apply SQL performance optimization techniques in Microsoft SQL Server
Tune T-SQL for efficient processing
Use SQL Server Profiler and Extended Events for diagnostics
Implement indexing strategies and query rewriting
Apply advanced tuning techniques for enterprise-grade workloads
Resolve common performance bottlenecks
Monitor and optimize database workloads using SQL Server tools

Training Methodology:

This training course uses a blend of instructor-led sessions, real-time database labs, hands-on case studies, and collaborative diagnostics exercises. Participants will engage in performance troubleshooting drills, tuning labs, and guided walkthroughs of tools like SQL Server Management Studio and Profiler. The course emphasizes experiential learning using real SQL tuning scenarios, performance dashboards, and slow query analysis within Microsoft SQL Server environments.

Course Toolbox:

Sample SQL Server databases for labs
Query optimization checklists
Execution plan templates and comparison sheets
Troubleshooting flowcharts for SQL Profiler and Extended Events
Access to Microsoft reference guides
Tuning scripts and index templates
Case-based assignments and solution decks
Diagnostic tool overview slides (insights only; tools are not provided)

Course Agenda:

Day 1: SQL Server Architecture and Performance Foundations

Topic 1: SQL Server Core Components and Architecture
Topic 2: Execution Lifecycle and Query Processing Flow
Topic 3: SQL Server Configuration Settings That Impact Performance
Topic 4: Understanding Wait Types and Bottlenecks
Topic 5: Performance Impact of TempDB and System Resources
Topic 6: Introduction to Execution Plans and DMVs
Reflection & Review: Key Architectural Insights for Tuning Readiness

Day 2: Query Tuning and Optimization Techniques

Topic 1: Writing High-Performance T-SQL Queries
Topic 2: Analyzing Query Plans and Identifying Costly Operators
Topic 3: Avoiding Common Anti-Patterns in Query Design
Topic 4: Understanding Parameter Sniffing and Query Recompilation
Topic 5: Optimizing Joins, Subqueries, and Aggregations
Topic 6: Leveraging Stored Procedures and Compiled Plans
Reflection & Review: Techniques for Smarter Query Writing

Day 3: Indexing and Execution Plan Mastery

Topic 1: Index Types and Their Performance Impact (Clustered, Non-Clustered, Filtered)
Topic 2: Identifying Missing and Unused Indexes
Topic 3: Statistics and Index Maintenance Best Practices
Topic 4: Advanced Execution Plan Analysis and Query Store Usage
Topic 5: Balancing Reads vs. Writes with Index Strategies
Topic 6: Understanding Seek vs. Scan and Cardinality Estimation
Reflection & Review: Index Strategy Deep Dive

Day 4: Monitoring and Troubleshooting SQL Server Workloads

Topic 1: Real-Time Monitoring with Activity Monitor and Dynamic Management Views
Topic 2: Using Extended Events and SQL Server Profiler
Topic 3: Troubleshooting Blocking, Deadlocks, and Concurrency Issues
Topic 4: Diagnosing TempDB and I/O Performance Issues
Topic 5: Using Query Store and Resource Governor
Topic 6: Building Performance Baselines and Dashboards
Reflection & Review: Proactive Monitoring Strategies

Day 5: Advanced Tuning, Automation, and Troubleshooting Lab

Topic 1: Optimization for ETL, Reporting, and Batch Operations
Topic 2: Performance Tuning in Azure SQL and Cloud-Hosted Instances
Topic 3: Automating Performance Monitoring and Alerts
Topic 4: Final Lab: End-to-End Slow Query Diagnosis and Fix
Topic 5: Final Lab: Resource Optimization and Deadlock Resolution
Topic 6: Creating a Sustainable Tuning Strategy and Action Plan
Reflection & Review: Lessons Learned and Next Steps

FAQ:

What specific qualifications or prerequisites are needed for participants before enrolling in the course?

A basic understanding of SQL and relational database concepts is expected. Prior hands-on experience with Microsoft SQL Server is highly recommended for maximum benefit.

How long is each day's session, and is there a total number of hours required for the entire course?

Each day's session is generally structured to last around 4-5 hours, with breaks and interactive activities included. The total course duration spans five days, approximately 20-25 hours of instruction.

Can this course be applied in cloud-hosted or hybrid SQL Server environments?

Yes. The techniques and diagnostics tools discussed can be applied to both on-premise and cloud-based SQL Server deployments, including Azure SQL.

How This Course is Different from Other SQL Server Tuning Courses:

Unlike general SQL Server courses that provide broad overviews, this masterclass focuses specifically on performance tuning with hands-on labs, diagnostic frameworks, and scenario-based troubleshooting. It goes beyond textbook methods by equipping professionals with actionable tuning skills using SQL Server Profiler, Extended Events, and advanced indexing strategies. The course emphasizes solving real-world slow query issues and managing workloads efficiently, providing a strategic performance mindset tailored to Microsoft SQL Server environments.

credits: 5 credit per day

Course Mode: full-time

Provider: Agile Leaders Training Center