SQL Server Transaction Log Management by Tony Davis and Gail Shaw

When a SQL Server database is operating smoothly and performing well, there is no need to be particularly aware of the transaction log, beyond ensuring that every database has an appropriate backup regime and restore plan in place. When things go wrong, however, a DBA's reputation depends on a deeper understanding of the transaction log, both what it does, and how it works. An effective response to a crisis requires rapid decisions based on understanding its role in ensuring data integrity.

Stairway to Transaction Log Management in SQL Server Level, 8: Optimizing Log Throughput

This level takes a deeper look at how log fragmentation can affect the performance of operations that need to read the log, such as log backups, or the crash recovery process.

Stairway to Transaction Log Management in SQL Server, Level 7: Dealing with Excessive Log Growth

This level will examine the most common problems and forms of mismanagement that lead to excessive growth of the transaction log.

SQL Server Transaction Log Management by Tony Davis and Gail Shaw

When a SQL Server database is operating smoothly and performing well, there is no need to be particularly aware of the transaction log, beyond ensuring that every database has an appropriate backup regime and restore plan in place. When things go wrong, however, a DBA's reputation depends on a deeper understanding of the transaction log, both what it does, and how it works. An effective response to a crisis requires rapid decisions based on understanding its role in ensuring data integrity.

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Stairway to Transaction Log Management in SQL Server, Level 6: Managing the Log in BULK_LOGGED Recovery Model

A DBA may consider switching a database to the BULK_LOGGED recovery model in the short term during, for example, bulk load operations. When a database is operating in the BULK_LOGGED model these, and a few other operations such as index rebuilds, can be minimally logged and will therefore use much less space in the log

Why is my transaction log full?

Why does the transaction log fill up? There are a variety of reasons, and MVP Gail Shaw walks you through the various things to check.

Introduction to Indexes: Part 3 – The nonclustered index

Part 3 of a great series on the basics of indexes. Learn the structure, definition, and how to examine the use of these indexes in your queries.

Introduction to Indexes: Part 2 – The clustered index

In the second part of her series on indexing, MVP Gail Shaw examines clustered indexes. Learn what this index is, how it differs from a heap, and how it can help your queries.

An examination of bulk-logged recovery model

This article looks at the bulk-logged recovery model in depth and examines how it affects disaster recovery and logging.

Strings and Defaults