SQL Server

Understand SQL Server storage internals: page structure, extents, allocation units, GAM/SGAM/PFS/IAM allocation pages, plus transaction log basics (VLF, log blocks, LSN).

Learn the difference between unallocated space and unused space in SQL Server. Understand pages, extents, and how sp_spaceused reports storage.

Learn how to map a high-CPU OS thread ID to a specific SQL Server session and query. This step-by-step guide uses DMVs and Process Explorer to connect OS-level threads with SQL Server workloads for easier performance troubleshooting.

Learn how SQL Server transaction isolation levels work, from Read Uncommitted to Snapshot and RCSI. Understand dirty reads, non-repeatable reads, and phantom reads.

Deep dive into optimized locking in SQL Server 2025 and Azure SQL: TID, LAQ, SIL, setup steps, and before/after demos to reduce blocking and deadlocks.

Learn what Quorum is in Windows Server Failover Cluster (WSFC). Understand how votes, witnesses, and Dynamic Quorum work, and explore configuration methods, scenarios, and best practices.

Comprehensive guide to Row-Level Security (RLS) in SQL Server. Learn how it works, use cases, filter and block predicates, and step-by-step examples.

Learn how to use SQL Server Dynamic Data Masking (DDM) to secure sensitive data by controlling visibility at the database level. Step-by-step guide with examples.

Learn how to enable and use Always Encrypted with Secure Enclaves in SQL Server. This guide covers prerequisites, VBS enclave setup, certificate and key creation, column design, and PowerShell/ODBC testing—highlighting differences from the traditional Always Encrypted approach.

1. IntroductionAlways Encrypted is a SQL Server feature that encrypts sensitive data between your application and the da...