Lee Brownhill

Learning SQL Server 2025: DOP Feedback Discover SQL Server 2025 DOP Feedback, how it optimizes query parallelism, improves performance, and why Microsoft enabled it by default.

DOP Feedback first appeared in SQL Server 2022, but had to be enabled manually. In SQL Server 2025, it’s now on by default.

In my latest post, I show how it works and demo it in action.

#sqlserver2025 #sql2025 #dopfeedback

www.leebrownhill.com/posts/15_sql...

T-SQL Tuesday: Notes to Yourself From the Past and Future Reflecting on 10 years in SQL Server, from imposter syndrome to growth, community, and life lessons that still drive curiosity today

I’ve just published my latest blog as part of T‑SQL Tuesday #193, hosted by Mike Walsh.
In it, I look back at the doubts and imposter syndrome of “10‑Years‑Ago Me,” and forward to the encouragement I hope “2035 Me” will give.

www.leebrownhill.com/posts/14_tsq...

#tsql2sday #personaldevelopment

Simple Talk Podcast – Coffee Chat with Lee Brownhill YouTube video by Redgate Software

I recently joined Steve Jones on the @redgate-software.bsky.social Simple Talks Podcast and had a blast.

Topics covered include:
• The data community
• Blog writing
• Working in the cloud

Thanks for having me, Steve!

youtu.be/cWlLbjsgCwc?...

Learning SQL Server 2025: Optimized sp_executesql Explore SQL Server 2025’s OPTIMIZED_SP_EXECUTESQL feature with a hands-on demo showing how it reduces plan cache bloat and boosts query performance.

New blog post!

In a bid to learn the new features within SQL 2025, today's blog post covers the SQL 2025 feature – OPTIMIZED_SP_EXECUTESQL.

We walk through a straightforward demo to highlight how this feature can reduce plan cache bloat.

#sql #sql2025

www.leebrownhill.com/posts/13_sql...

Parameter Sniffing: Practical Fixes That Work Struggling with parameter sniffing in SQL Server? This guide explains simple, effective fixes using built-in tools and features

Parameter Sniffing in SQL Server? I'm here to help!

In my last post, I shared a simple demo showing how parameter sniffing can lead to inconsistent performance.
This follow-up explores practical solutions I’ve seen work.

#SQLServer #QueryTuning

www.leebrownhill.com/posts/12_sol...

Parameter Sniffing: A Simple Example Explore how SQL Servers parameter sensitivity can impact performance, with a clear demo showing plan reuse pitfalls and practical insights.

New Blog Post! 🎺

Ever had a SQL query run fine one day, then crawl the next?
You might be facing Parameter Sensitivity.

In my latest post, I walk through a real world scenario where a procedure went from quick to 31M reads.

www.leebrownhill.com/posts/11_par...

#SQLServer #ParameterSniffing

SQLBits 2025: Helping out and having fun Brent Ozar, Erin Stellato & Bob Ward were highlights—but SQLBits 2025 was really about community, connection, and stepping up as a first-time volunteer.

New Blog Post! 🎺

This year I joined the incredible SQLBits 2025 helper crew. Two days in the orange T-shirt, on my feet, and loving every minute.

Thinking of helping out next year? Do it.

#sqlbits #dataevents #volunteering

www.leebrownhill.com/posts/10_sql...

Podcasts, Speaking, and Why I’m Doing This Now I recently stepped outside my comfort zone by appearing on two YouTube podcasts about data. Heres why I am doing this, what I learned, and where this journey might take me next.

New Blog Post! 🎺

I recently joined two fantastic data podcasts:
1️⃣ SQL_Squared with David – where we dived into all things data
2️⃣ Finding Data Friends with Jess Pomfret and Ben Weissman

Check it out:
www.leebrownhill.com/posts/9_podc...

#DataCommunity #PublicSpeaking #CareerGrowth #PodcastLife

Redgate SQLTest and SQLCop SQLCop, part of Redgate SQL Test, provides over 100 tSQLt-based tests to standardise databases, enforce best practices, and detect common issues. It helps teams adopt structured SQL Server unit testin...

Automated Database Testing with Redgate SQLCop

SQLCop offers 100+ open-source tests to enhance database security and standardisation.

See my latest blog post on how to install, run and apply SQLCop to your SQL Server setup.

www.leebrownhill.com/posts/8_redg...

#SQLServer #Redgate #SQLCop #tSQLt

Parallelism Problems within SQL Server Understanding SQL Server parallelism and the risks of default settings — optimise queries for better performance

New Blog Post! 🎺

Many SQL Server installs stick with defaults like Cost Threshold for Parallelism and Max Degree of Parallelism, but those defaults can quietly hurt performance.

#sqlserver #performance #cxpacket #parallelism

www.leebrownhill.com/posts/7_para...

SQL Server Optimisation: Why Less Is More A blog post discussing the merits of minimising your SQL Server code to improve not only readability but also performance

New Post! 🎺

In my latest post, I explain how refining SQL queries, minimising unnecessary operations, and guiding the optimiser can transform sluggish queries into efficient, scalable solutions.

Check out the full post here:
www.leebrownhill.com/posts/6_sqlo...

#sql #server #performance #tuning