Data Pages, Allocation Units, IAM Chains Oh My!

This session explains how SQL Server stores tables and indexes in data files, covering row and page structure, allocation tracking, heaps, and clustered indexes. Demos connect these internals to database administration and solution design.

Syllabus

Intro
Technical Assistance
PASS SUMMIT 2015
Speaker Bio
Why learn the internals?
What we won't cover
High level view of a database and file groups
Data files
Special page: File header
Special page: Boot
Row structure on a data page
Structure of a page
Allocation units
Heaps
Heap Behavior
Clustered indexes
Tracking pages that are allocated to an object
Tracking pages available for allocation
Tracking mixed extents