The eight annual edition of Austin Code Camp is almost here, and I’ll again be presenting two SQL Server topics. The event takes place at the New Horizons Learning Center (near Highland Mall). This is a full-day event filled with presentations from expert developer and IT experts from Austin and beyond.
Registration via EventBrite is required, as space is limited. It looks like the tickets are selling out quickly, so be sure to get yours soon if you’re in the Austin area and want to attend!
Here are the details on my updated presentations:
SQL Server Performance Monitoring & Optimization
Developers often overlook the art and science of query optimization, despite the importance of storing and accessing data in all types of applications. Developers can dramatically improve their users’ experience by monitoring and optimizing how they leverage their database. This session will cover practical ways in which attendees can monitor performance at various levels, and how they can use this information to optimize queries. We’ll start with an overview of the many different SQL Server tools that can be used for finding and troubleshooting performance issues. Then, we’ll walk through the process of using SQL Profiler to collect data for supporting real-world questions and goals, including: Generating a "hit list" of worst-performing queries based on execution times and frequency, and finding sources of bottlenecks.
Next, we’ll go through the process of using the Database Tuning Advisor to use captured workloads to optimize physical database structures such as indexes and partitions. Also included will be ways in which developers can use built-in reports and dynamic management views to gain further insight into their production systems. Finally, the presentation will include an overview of analyzing query plans. The overall emphasis will be on solving practical, real-world database performance problems.
SQL Server Reporting Services: Developing and Managing Reports
SQL Server Reporting Services allows developers to author and distribute complex reports that come from a variety of data sources. This session will begin with an architectural overview of Reporting Services and demos of how developers can install and configure the required services. Then, we will walk through the process of creating new reports using Report Builder and Visual Studio. Reporting features including dynamic drill-downs, tablix reports, charts, and sorting will be demonstrated. Also included will be methods by which multiple levels of report parameters can be used to efficiently filter data.
A key goal for reports is to get data to the users who required them, and to manage performance, permissions, and report contents over time. This presentation will cover deployment details, including scheduling report execution, report subscriptions, data caching, creating snapshots, and managing security. Attendees are welcome to bring their reporting-related questions and issues for discussion.
