Index Fragmentation - Internals, Analysis, and Solutions

Explore the intricacies of index fragmentation in SQL Server databases through this comprehensive conference talk from the PASS Data Community Summit. Delve into the internal workings, analysis techniques, and effective solutions presented by expert Paul Randal. Gain a deep understanding of index structure, singleton lookups, and range scans, including the concept of readahead. Learn about logical fragmentation, its impact on buffer pool usage, and the mechanics of page splits. Discover real-world examples of fragmentation causes and how to track them. Master the configuration of FILLFACTOR and the use of sys.dm_db_index_physical_stats for fragmentation analysis. Conclude with practical knowledge on correcting fragmentation using the ALTER INDEX ... REBUILD command, equipping you with valuable skills to optimize database performance.