SQL Server Insights from Production Environments
Practical observations and approaches from real-world SQL Server environments.
SQL Server in the Real World
SQL Server rarely becomes difficult because of one configuration setting or one badly written query. Problems usually emerge from the interaction between workload, architecture, infrastructure, configuration, and decisions that have accumulated over time.
This is where the articles on CraftedSQL start. They are based on practical experience from production environments and focus on understanding what is actually happening inside SQL Server before changing anything. Topics range from performance troubleshooting and query behavior to high availability, security, migrations, upgrades, and day-to-day database operations.
The goal is not to collect generic best practices. It is to explain how SQL Server behaves in real environments, why seemingly reasonable decisions sometimes create problems later, and how those situations can be analyzed systematically.
What You'll Find Here
Performance & Troubleshooting
Slow queries, blocking, resource pressure, execution behavior, workload-related problems, and the process of finding the actual root cause.
Architecture & Operations
High availability, migrations, upgrades, patching, infrastructure decisions, and the operational details that determine whether systems remain stable and maintainable.
Security & Reliability
Permissions, access patterns, configuration, operational safeguards, and the technical decisions that can turn into larger risks over time.
Latest SQL Server Articles

SQL Server Execution Plans Need Runtime Context

Azure Arc-enabled SQL Server: Visibility Before Migration

A Restored Database Is Not the Same as a Recovered Service

Why Workload Placement Matters More Than the Platform Label for SQL Server

SQL Server Health Checks: Small Operational Gaps That Become Expensive Later

SQL Server Vector Search: What to Evaluate Before Production

SQL Server Query Store: Why Performance History Matters

SQL Server Backup Strategy: Why Successful Backups Are Not Enough
