A Little About Forwarded Fetches In SQL Server

Description:
In this video, I dive into the fascinating world of heap tables and forwarded fetches in SQL Server. We explore why SQL Server uses these mechanisms, especially when rows within a heap table grow too large to fit on their original pages. By creating a sample heap table with specific row insertions and adding a nonclustered index, we observe how updates can trigger the creation of forwarded record pointers. I walk through the process step-by-step, explaining key concepts like page splits in clustered tables versus heaps, and demonstrate how these pointers are created and tracked using DMVs (Dynamic Management Views). This session is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of SQL Server's internal workings and optimize table designs for better performance.

CHAPTERS

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:47 - Business Plan for 2026
00:02:09 - Use the Content
00:02:48 - Family Time
00:03:14 - Presale Offer
00:03:52 - Companion Content
00:04:07 - Pass On Tour Event
00:06:10 - Unique-ifier Explanation
00:09:01 - Clustered Index Details
00:10:37 - Rids and Nonclustered Indexes
00:12:02 - Table Creation
00:14:04 - Funny Math in SSMS
00:15:16 - Page Splits with Heaps
00:18:03 - Forwarded Fetches
00:19:08 - Rebuilding Indexes
00:20:50 - Key Lookup
00:21:48 - Database Performance

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