Chapter 6. Improving Query Performance

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

• Generate query plans

• Read query plans

• Design your database so data is stored efficiently for how it will be used

• Use clustered and nonclustered indexes

• Index XML columns

• Index views

• Defragment indexes

• Use the Database Engine Tuning Advisor

In the previous chapter, you learned how to retrieve summary information about data in your database. SQL Server can return results, including summary information, quickly and efficiently if the data is stored appropriately in the database. This chapter will explain the different ways SQL Server stores data, how it retrieves data, and what you should consider when designing your database to achieve the most efficient performance from SQL Server.