Data Pages, Allocation Units, IAM Chains Oh My!

Dive into the intricacies of SQL Server data organization in this 56-minute conference talk from PASS Data Community Summit. Explore how tables and indexes are stored in data files, and learn to apply this knowledge as a DBA or developer. Begin with an examination of row structure and data pages, then progress to special page types like index allocation maps. Compare heap and clustered index structures, and understand their implications for database design. Discover the tracking mechanisms for allocated pages and available space. Gain valuable insights into database internals, from file headers to mixed extents, to enhance your ability to design efficient SQL Server solutions.