Question

I would like a tool that monitors sql server while I test my application. THe applicatino will of course run different queries.

From the tool I would like an output like:
– this query was slow because index is missing on this field

and this kind of info.

But I’d like to have a way to highlight crucial data, there can be for example 100 index missing, but 99 of them would improve the performance of 0.05%, while one of those would give a 6000% benefit on a query. So Highlighting hot spots is important too.

Also a commercial product (with full features – no limited – trial) is desired.

Answer 1

You don’t exactly need a tool. I personally use the following query to show me what indexes SQL Server thinks it needs, this shows how often SQL Server looked for the index, estimated improvement etc…

SELECT user_seeks * avg_total_user_cost * (avg_user_impact * 0.01) AS index_advantage,
   migs.last_user_seek,
   mid.statement AS 'Database.Schema.Table',
   mid.equality_columns,
   mid.inequality_columns,
   mid.included_columns,
   migs.unique_compiles,
   migs.user_seeks,
   migs.avg_total_user_cost,
   migs.avg_user_impact
FROM sys.dm_db_missing_index_group_stats AS migs WITH (NOLOCK)
INNER JOIN sys.dm_db_missing_index_groups AS mig WITH (NOLOCK) 
    ON migs.group_handle = mig.index_group_handle
INNER JOIN sys.dm_db_missing_index_details AS mid WITH (NOLOCK) 
    ON mig.index_handle = mid.index_handle
ORDER BY index_advantage DESC;

If you want to identify slow queries SQL Profiler is your friend, just set a filter on duration and you’re set. Then run this query through the Database Engine Tuning Advisor (both come with SQL Server).