What profiler to use with sql express? [closed] - sql-server

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is there a way to monitor detail of sql calls in express version?

Try SQL Express Profiler.
I've used it a bit and it seems to work as advertised.

As most of the profilers mentioned above seem to be dead or gone commercial, I would like to share what I found some days ago:
SQL Express Profiler
Since CodePlex has been retired, the project moved to GitHub and seems to have no binary download options anymore, so you have to compile it from source code.
I'm currently using it with SQL Server Express 2012 to monitor queries form my NHibernate applications (didn't want to add log4net just for this purpose and show_sql outputs only to console window which I don't have in my WCF service).
Really nice and stable utility. I find it much easier to use than MS SQL Profiler which needs various settings, trace profiles for various server versions and what not. Express Profiler - just launch, hit Run, and all the T-SQL and sp_execute queries are displayed.
It's open source, you can add even more features if you wish. I guess, Clear button would be useful because now you have to Stop and Run again to clear the list.

Express edition is just the full version with some limitations (2GB ram, 2 cpu cores, 4GB DB), so if you have the tools for the full version, use them. I think the trial version off the MS website will allow you to use the tools - but not the engine - for more than 60 days..... tho there may be an official package of the tools around for express

I have been using AnjLab Sql Profiler for quite some time. I have had no problems with it.
Edit:
Here is the link: http://anjlab.com/en/projects/opensource/sqlprofiler

The mentioned SqlProfiler For Express Edition works fine for development.
But I have not found it always useful in solving production emergencies, like when sqlexpress takes 100% of server processor capacity. I couldn't get the profiler produce any trace in one such case. Perhaps there are similar experiences?

The free SQL profiler others mention appears no longer available. Next best alternative might be something like this:
http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/20173/MS-SQL-Server-Profiler-with-NET

You could rather use SQL Server Extended Events instead of any Profiler.
Extended Events are available from within the Express version. There is UI management from SQL Server 2012 under the Management folder of a server in the Object Explorer window.
You can read a good answer on the advantages of using Extended Events over SQL Profiler -which include less performance overhead- at Stack Exchange:
https://dba.stackexchange.com/questions/2665/when-should-extended-events-be-used-instead-of-sql-profiler-perfmon
"Extended Events is the future of monitoring & troubleshooting going forward and some day in the future SQL Trace will be removed"
Regards.

As a developer we can buy SQL Server 2005/08 Developer Edition which is available for $50 or so. It has full featured SQL Profiler and works beyond SQL Server Express SKUs limitations.
If not than use SQL Express Profiler
Hope this helps!

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are there any Query Optimization Tools for SQL Server? [closed]

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Are there any tools that do Query Optimizations for SQL Server 2005 and above?
I've searched & didn't find anything.
What do you recommend?
If this Question was repeated before you can close it but I didn't see anything similar
The best tool I've ever used for optimizing queries in MS SQL Server, by far, is the "Include Actual Execution Plan" option in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio. It displays detailed information about the execution path taken by the server when running your query. (Note that this works best when there's data in the tables. Of course, without a good bit of test data, any optimization is purely theoretical anyway.)
It basically gives you three very important things:
It tells you which steps take the most processing time and what they're doing at that step.
It tells you which steps carry the most data to the next step, including how many records, which helps identify places where you can be more specific about the data you want and exclude unnecessary records.
It gives you a ton of insight into the inner workings of SQL Server and what it does with your queries. This knowledge will help you optimize things a lot over time.
In SSMS - Tools | Database Engine Tuning Advisor - Does not work on Express versions.
One very good tool and now free for use is Plan Explorer from SentryOne: https://sentryone.com/plan-explorer
(they also have many other optimization software, like Azure specific software etc.)
One of the best query optimizers is just running the query in SQL Management Studio, and then inspecting the query plan. This will give you clues as to what indexes it is (or is not) using, and how you can change the query to take advantage of those.
As John Saunders commented, the best tool at your disposal is your own mind. Following bernd_k's comment, here are a few suggestions for sharpening that tool.
SQL Server 2008 Query Performance Tuning Distilled
Professional SQL Server 2008 Internals and Troubleshooting
SQL Server MVP Deep Dives
Also this is a good tool for monitor and optimize queries:
Sql Monitor by Red Gate

Should I learn SQL Server 2008 or Oracle 11g [closed]

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I have been using MySQL for my school projects, personal web site for years.
My company is using MySQL in all web projects as well.
Now I am thinking to pay for some classes to learn another new Database system, but
I have no idea whether I shall choose MS SQL Server 2008 or Oracle 11g.
I hope to find a better job with high paid salary.
I need some advice and suggestions.
Unless Oracle is giving away downloads of 11G for you to learn on, I'd say that Oracle will be a pricey path to take. They don't list prices that I can see on the web site. (Maybe I didn't look hard enough.) Oracle DBA certification is another expensive proposition. I think it's rigorous, so it might be worth having, but it'll cost you in courses and test fees.
SQL Server won't cost as much. You can download Express for free. I'm sure it won't help you with all the enterprise features that will be missing.
if you are a java developer i think Oracle 11g is better,
or if you are a .net developer ms sql would be a better choice.
Both MS SQL and Oracle has "express editions" which are somewhat restricted, but free versions that you can try at home. Pick the one you like the most.
The salary will depend more on how good you are than the system you pick (why not both?).
You certainly should not pay in order to learn a new database system. You can get a free version of MS SQL Server Express together with Management Studio on the web. There are loads and loads of materials and tutorials on the web on MS SQL Server. I bet the same can be said about Oracle. In general, go out there and explore the web, it's a much better way to learn than paying for some courses, which might not give you what you need.
It can also depend on your area and what you are trying to get into. It seems like certain segments of the business world use MSSQL or Oracle exclusively. I would say that MSSQL is easier to get into but that's just opinion. Overall it seems like there's more MSSQL jobs but the oracle jobs pay a little better...but again that's a very person experience. I don't think you'd go wrong with either direction. I would agree with the others though that you should just download the free versions and play around a little and see which ones catches your attention more and go from there.
Let's revert roles. I ask the question and you answer.
My question to you is "Should I learn to drive a Ford or should I learn to drive a chevy".
The answer is the same because the question is the same, the tiny and irrelevant difference of problem domain notwithstanding.
You should learn oracle as oracle is bitter complex to learn where as SQL Servers is easy becoz of GUI..once you hands on with oracle,,it is easier to learn SQL Server.As a DBA you should have the knowledge of both the DBses...expertise in oracle and minor knowledge of sql server...
Check this out guys .It is very useful .Share with your friends.
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=199110802022460749#editor/target=post;postID=7162651198801267960

Your favourite database client tool [closed]

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Wondering what is the best or most popular database client tool. Similar to Microsoft's SQL management studio, but one that can work with various databases. Other tools I have found are:
Toad for SQL Server
Database fishing tool
Apex SQL Studio
Some of these tools can even compare and sync database schema's and some cases the data itself as well. Very useful when deploying applications for example from a pre-production environment to production environment.
So what's your favourite database manager ? Maybe there is a nice open source tool out there that is well rounded with the most useful features.
SQuirreL SQL
Open source
Works with many databases
SqlDbx - www.sqldbx.com - has a free edition, is portable and works with quite a few dbs.
Also AnySQL Maestro - http://www.sqlmaestro.com/products/anysql/maestro/
I use PL/SQL Developer, as soon as I have to work on an Oracle Database. I like the UI, simple and fast.
I'm using Aqua Data Studio for many years now and it is the most valuable of all my tools - see Aquafold
I use Navicat myself. It supports MySQL, PostgreSQL and Oracle.
SQL Developer is nice for Oracle and has plugins for several other databases.
http://www.oracle.com/technology/products/database/sql_developer/index.html
Eclipse Data Tools Platform within Eclipse (my primary IDE):
Open source, works with many databases
Do all the basics and some advanced stuff. In recent versions you can find some kind of visual query builder as well.
Oracle has a plugin where implemented some Oracle-specific functions.
If you are using PostgreSQL (and, really, you should be!), PgAdmin rocks. It lets you query, explore tables, do administrative tasks, manage users, visually explain complex queries, graphically build queries and much more. It runs on Windows, Linux and OS X and can connect to local or remote PostgreSQL servers.
DbVisualizer - there's a free version with a bit limited functionality and a fully fledged one for $149.
If your're using MS Sql Server, try using LinqPad; it's much more lightweight than the Management Studio, and you'll be practicing writing queries in linq in the meantime as well.
(source: linqpad.net)
I prefer...
PL/SQL Developer for Oracle
The inbuilt tool for MSSQL
The inbuilt tool for DB2
RazorSQL - it works with pretty much any database you can think of.
Any comments on LyteRAD? Not a pure database management tool, but good for creating and prototyping db apps quickly.
I've used Query Express and it's great because it's actually a standalone 100 KB file, no installation needed. It only does querying but it's fast and free.
SQLyog for MySQL.
TOAD for when I worked with Oracle.
If you need data comparison, schema comparison or visual query builder, than you should take a look at our database tools for SQL Server:
dbForge Schema Compare for SQL Server
dbForge Data Compare for SQL Server
dbForge Query Builder for SQL Server
All these tools are quite affordable and have 30-days trial period.

Best Sql Server IDE for scripting / development needs [closed]

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I am looking for the best Sql Server IDE for scripting / development needs. Must haves:
Visual GUI for creating complex queries
Intellisense for all db objects
Auto-format capability to format SQL script to a particular format / coding standard.
SELECT Sql output to .xls, .txt with custom choices in delimiters / format
Cost is not an issue. When you make a recommendation, can you state why you prefer it, and what other IDEs you have tried before. Thank you.
SQL Management Studio with SQL Assistant (www.softtreetech.com) or SQL Prompt (www.red-gate.com)
I would suggest looking at SQL Everywhere. I have completely moved off of MS SQL Studio Management tool. The biggest advantage to SQL Everywhere for me is auto-complete (Intelisense) even against a SQL 2005 server. The format SQL feature is ok.
Anything wrong with the management studio that comes with Sql Server? The 2008 version meets all your requirements.
[edit]: I take it back: it can do autoformatting in the right circumstances, but it's painful and to my knowledge doesn't allow you to specify the coding standard. Also, the intellisense is weak.
try linqpad.
Try out
EMS SQL MANAGER Lite Version
Toad For SQL Server
I personally like EMS SQL Manager Lite, its not so lite in making your job easier, trust me :)
ApexSQL Edit. Not wild about their GUI query editor, but great on intellisense and formatting. Also includes options to copy out of the result set to Excel, CSV, and HTML via clipboard and some handy custom column copying tools. I'm practically crippled in SSMS because ApexSQL Edit has me so spoiled.
As a well-performing tool for SQL developers I can recommend dbForge Studio for SQL Server. It matches all your requirements.
Specifically it has:
- Visual query builder that enables creating complex queries
- Intellisense that is comparable one provided by SQL Prompt
- SQL script formatting with multiple options
- SELECT output export to .xls and .txt plus 6 other formats (has wizard for export customization)

What are the downsides of sqlserver 2008 (vs 2005)

I'm starting a new project and I'm considering using sqlserver 2008.
I've had a lot of trouble getting teamsystem to work with it, and I'm wondering if sql server 2008 is widely used in productions environment yet.
What whould you choose? How do you compare sqlserver 2005 and 2008?
EDIT : I agree about the obvious and general tradeoff between new (new features, one painfull migration avoided in the future) and old (less bugs, more documentation). I've already browse the web about differences between 2005 and 2008. My question is more specific : Are YOU using 2008? are YOU experiencing problems (such as the FTS mentionned below?)
Maybe you should take a look at Breaking Changes to Database Engine Features in SQL Server 2008 for if you go with 2005 and try and upgrade later.
Personally at this stage I'd go with 2005 and avoid the features outlines in the article. Your customers/application/developers won't lose out on much (if any) functionality.
Database systems are one of the areas that considering the change is costly. From what I have seen so far, since 2005 works pretty well, large projects are probably still using it (some large projects even still use 2000). However, it doesn't mean 2008 is bad or doesn't worth it. If you are considering a new project, you should probably go with 2008. I don't think there are any big downside to do so.
About TFS, I got to say, team foundation server has one of the worst installation experiences I have ever seen in a Microsoft product. I believe it's an issue with TFS not SQL Server 2008. By the way TFS SP1 is compatible with 2008, but you have to integrate the service pack first.
One downside to 2008: Full-Text search is slower (in some cases, at least). This hit Stack Overflow (the link is to the SO blog). There are good reasons behind the change, but it's worth knowing about before you start.
If you don't need any of the functionality of SQL Server 2008, then I would recommend using SQL Server 2005 SP3. This is a mature, robust and feature-rich database platform. I am currently implementing a strategic database platform for a client right now and have standardised on SQL Server 2005 SP3 64bit clusters. None of my client's applications require any SQL Server 2008 features, and I get the comfort of knowing that SQL Server 2005 has been used in the field for three years now.
Main downside: you will be discovering the new bugs and you will be waiting for the corresponding packs or hotfixes. Please have a look at this page (cumulative update pack 11 for SQL server 2005) or navigate in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, close your eyes and imagine all the pain other users went through when they discovered these buggs ...
EDIT: we do not use SQL 2008. We do not need any of its new functionalities.
This is always a risk in moving to a new version of a program. These are some questions you should be asking yourself:
Have you already completed a lot of manual testing on the old version?
Can you cope with a bug in the new version?
How long has the new version been in use by other people?
Are you at the start or end of a project cycle?
The big risk in not moving to the new version now is that:
You will be forced to move later and that may not be such a good time for you. (But you may be able to skip a release so not having to repeat the pain as many times)
You can’t use what has been added to the new version
In the long term a lot less people will know how to use the old version
It is not good for your staff’s CV to be using too many very old versions of different things – hence it may affect your staff turnover etc.
So you need to plot, “pain” and “benefit” against time and then you will clearly see the right time to move; however we can’t see forward in time, and we can’t move back in time!

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