22-25 April 2026 
DeepSQL: How To Discover SQL Server Internals
Proposed session for SQLBits 2026TL; DR
If you've wondered how SQL Server does what it does, how it works on the inside, and how to figure out where to look for these things, this session will open the door to finding all the treasure under the SQL!
Session Details
This session will cover SQL Server internals and demonstrate how to explore them for yourself. Get to know the inner workings of DMVs, system databases and objects.
Using regular SQL statements, in addition to other tools, this session will demonstrate how to plumb the depths of the entire SQL Server environment, including undocumented features, and how different components work together. If you've even wondered what's underneath sp_help and sys.objects, this session will show you.
Exploring SQL Server is not that difficult and can be very rewarding and fun! Find out about hidden DBCC commands and parameters! See how to find all references between system objects! Learn how underdocumented features can help you answer big questions or solve vexing problems.
Attendees should have intermediate to advanced knowledge and experience with SQL Server, and be very curious to learn more about it.
Using regular SQL statements, in addition to other tools, this session will demonstrate how to plumb the depths of the entire SQL Server environment, including undocumented features, and how different components work together. If you've even wondered what's underneath sp_help and sys.objects, this session will show you.
Exploring SQL Server is not that difficult and can be very rewarding and fun! Find out about hidden DBCC commands and parameters! See how to find all references between system objects! Learn how underdocumented features can help you answer big questions or solve vexing problems.
Attendees should have intermediate to advanced knowledge and experience with SQL Server, and be very curious to learn more about it.
3 things you'll get out of this session
Attendees will learn about:
- SQL Server system databases and objects
- Undocumented features and how to find them
- How to explore internals and use SQL Server features in novel ways
Speakers
Rob Volk's other proposed sessions for 2026
Log Shipping for SQL Server - 2026
Revenge: The AI: Lightning Talk - 2026
Rob Volk's previous sessions
Thats So Metadata: Discover Your Database From the Inside
Learn about the metadata features in SQL Server that describe your database and how they can make documentation, tuning, and maintenance much easier.
Tame Your Unruly Data...With Constraints!
Is your data badly behaved and embarrassing you? Are you tired of cleaning up its messes? Constraints can help you straighten out your wayward data and put it on the right path before it gets into too much trouble.
Revenge: The SQL!
Are you a frustrated DBA? Ready to snap? Before you do, come see Revenge: The SQL! and learn a kinder, gentler form of vengeance.
Lego Sets: Relational Building Blocks
Introductory Relational Theory Using Lego Bricks to Model Data and Set Operations