Truncate Tables Automatically Decrease Size of MDF File

  • I have a database on a server that is low on disk space. It is a CF_Variables database where the mdf file is out of control (size wise). If I truncate tables in that database, will that automatically decrease the size of the MDF file? Or is there something I need to do afterwards?

    Thank you.

    Rog

  • Roger Abram (9/2/2009)


    If I truncate tables in that database, will that automatically decrease the size of the MDF file?

    No

    Or is there something I need to do afterwards?

    Shrink the data file, then rebuild all the indexes afterwards to fix the fragmentation that the shrink caused. Be aware that the rebuild may grow the file again.

    When you say the mdf is growing out of control, is the amount of data growing? Do you foresee that storage requirement increasing?

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Thank you. What would the best command to shrink the database?

    Looks like the data needs to cleared out from time to time.. it's tracking user action on the web.

  • Roger Abram (9/2/2009)


    Thank you. What would the best command to shrink the database?

    DBCC SHRINKFILE

    look up the full syntax in Books Online

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • That said, shrinking the DB on a regular basis is not a good idea. Once you've got the size under control rather don't shrink the file regularly, just free up space and then allow the space to be reused.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass

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