In the past few weeks, I have been reading “Inside Microsoft SQL Server 2008: T-SQL Querying” by Itzik Ben-Gan et al. In the next few lines, I will be providing a quick book review having finished reading this valuable resource on SQL Server 2008.

In this book, the authors have targeted most of the common as well as advanced T-SQL Querying scenarios that one would use for development on a SQL Server database. Book content covered sufficient theory and practice to empower its readers to systematically write better performance-tuned queries.

Chapter one introduced a quick refresher of the basics of query processing. Chapters 2 and 3 followed with a thorough coverage of applicable relational algebra concepts which set a good stage for chapter 4 to dive deep into query tuning.

Chapter 4 has been my favorite chapter of the book as it provided nice illustrations of the internals of indexes, waits, statistics and query plans. I particularly appreciated the thorough explanation of execution plans which helped clarify some areas I may have not paid particular attention to in the past.

The book continues to focus on SQL operators tackling a few in each chapter and covering their internal workings and the best practices to follow when used. Figures and illustrations have been particularly helpful in grasping advanced concepts covered therein.

In conclusion, Inside Microsoft SQL Server 2008: T-SQL Querying provided me with 750+ pages of focused, advanced and practical knowledge that has added a few tips and tricks to my arsenal of query tuning strategies.

Many thanks to the O’Reilly User Group Program and its support of our West Palm Beach Developers’ Group.

--Sam Abraham