How to Find Missing Indexes

How to Find Missing Indexes
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In SQL Server, missing indexes are indexes that the query optimizer has determined would improve query performance, but do not exist in the database. Identifying and creating missing indexes can improve query performance and help ensure that the database is running efficiently.

To find missing indexes in SQL Server, the administrator can use the sys.dm_db_missing_index_details dynamic management view. This view provides detailed information about missing indexes, such as the table and column on which the index is missing, the estimated improvement in query performance that the index would provide, and the number of times that the query optimizer has recommended the index.

To use the sys.dm_db_missing_index_details view, the administrator can run a query similar to the following:

SELECT *

FROM sys.dm_db_missing_index_details

WHERE database_id = DB_ID('MyDatabase')

This query will return a row for each missing index in the MyDatabase database. The administrator can then use this information to decide which missing indexes to create.

To create a missing index, the administrator can use the CREATE INDEX statement, specifying the table, column, and other index options, such as the fill factor and index type.

For example:

CREATE INDEX MyIndex

ON MyTable (MyColumn)

WITH FILLFACTOR = 95;

This example creates a new index on the MyColumn column of the MyTable table, with a fill factor of 95%.

By regularly checking for missing indexes and creating them as needed, the administrator can improve query performance and help ensure that the database is running efficiently. This can help provide a better experience for users and reduce the workload on the database server.

If you would like the easier way, you can just use Database Health Monitor and check out the missing indexes report or the enterprise index reports.

Database Health Monitor

http://DatabaseHealth.com

 

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