Erik Darling: Database Technical Debt – Episode 315

Challenges

  • Managing the evolution of SQL Server and addressing technical debt.
  • Dealing with performance issues caused by abstraction layers like ORMs.
  • Ensuring effective database schema design to improve performance.

Solutions

  • Implementing best practices for database schema design.
  • Continuously improving SQL Server environments based on performance tuning.
  • Utilizing tools and techniques to manage and reduce technical debt.

Benefits

  • Enhanced database performance and reliability.
  • Improved efficiency in managing SQL Server environments.
  • Stronger support for developers through better database practices.

Erik Darling makes your database faster in exchange for money. He is a DBA, developer, and architect with a track record of tackling even the most challenging technical issues. He runs a SQL Server Consulting and Coaching practice. In addition to his consulting services, he is also passionate about blogging, training, and contributing to open-source projects that help with SQL Server troubleshooting. He’s given many public speaking engagements on the topic at conferences and events around the world, like PASS Summit and SQLBits.

Topics of Discussion:
[02:57] Erik’s journey into SQL Server and database performance tuning.
[04:25] Challenges faced in early SQL Server work and evolving technical debt.
[07:47] The standard problems with databases over time.
[11:14] How technical debt shows up in SQL Server databases.
[15:20] How abstraction layers like ORMs contribute to technical debt.
[22:38] Performance issues as a result of technical debt in databases.
[25:19] Key advice on database schema design to improve performance.
[30:46] Key differences between Azure SQL DB and managed instances.
[37:23] Staffing challenges and solutions for managing SQL Server environments.