Question

I am working on quite a large database system and was wondering if there is a tool to evaluate a database design. Essentially I need something that would run through a database, point out slow downs and issue areas. Even better would be if the tool could look at statistics on already running databases and offer suggestions.

Answer 1

If you are using SQL Server, you will benefit from the Database Engine Tuning Advisor. Quoted directly from TechNet, here are the capabilities:

Recommend the best mix of indexes for databases by using the query
optimizer to analyze queries in a workload.

Recommend aligned or non-aligned partitions for databases referenced
in a workload.

Recommend indexed views for databases referenced in a workload.

Analyze the effects of the proposed changes, including index usage,
query distribution among tables, and query performance in the
workload.

Recommend ways to tune the database for a small set of problem
queries.

Allow you to customize the recommendation by specifying advanced
options such as disk space constraints.

Provide reports that summarize the effects of implementing the
recommendations for a given workload.

Consider alternatives in which you supply possible design choices in
the form of hypothetical configurations for Database Engine Tuning
Advisor to evaluate.