Dave is a freelance SQL Server database architect / designer / developer / consultant and lives near London, England. He takes a keen interest in all things SQL and data related and is never happier than picking apart a poorly executing query. He has also created an open sourced add-in for SQL Server data tools (SSDT) called "TSQL Smells". This detects and reports on 'suspect' code within a project and can be found at http://tsqlsmellsssdt.codeplex.com . Outside of work he is husband, father of 3 and exasperated archer.
Dave Ballantyne
Dave Ballantyne's Sessions
Estimation and Statistics : The Basis of query optimizationSQLBits 2015
This will be a deep dive into how the optimizer makes its decisions to give you a plan, the things that can go wrong and how you can have influence over these choices.
SQL2014 : The all new cardinality estimatorSQLBits 2015
In SQL Server 2014, there have been many changes aimed at giving a more accurate number of rows, and therefore better plans. This session will be a look at these changes, comparing and contrasting with SQL2012/2008 to see how they help.
Query Optimizer Internals : Traceflag funSQLBits 2014
The query optimizer is at the heart of SQL Server. Much of the its' internal workings are hidden from the user, but can be revealed by using a selection of undocumented trace flags. This session will be a deep dive into the these internals.
Estimation, Statistics and “Oh My!”SQLBits 2013
At the heart of SQL Server is the cost based optimizer. This is driven by estimates and they in turn are driven by statistics.
This will be a deep dive into how the optimizer makes its decisions to give you a plan, the things that can go wrong.
SSIS Custom ComponentsSQLBits 2011
Writing your first SSIS custom components can seem like a very steep learning curve. In this session i shall walk you through a simple skeletal one to start you on your way.
Whats new in Denali-TSQLSQLBits 2011
A look at the new TSQL functionality within denali
TSQL Techniques - Why and how to tune a routineSQLBits 2010
An overview of some everyday TSQL tuning techniques.