Data Pages, Allocation Units, IAM Chains Oh My!

Dive into the intricacies of SQL Server data organization in this 56-minute conference talk from PASS Data Community Summit. Explore how tables and indexes are stored in data files, and learn to apply this knowledge as a DBA or developer. Begin with an examination of row structure and data pages, then progress to special page types like index allocation maps. Compare heap and clustered index structures, and understand their implications for database design. Discover the tracking mechanisms for allocated pages and available space. Gain valuable insights into database internals, from file headers to mixed extents, to enhance your ability to design efficient SQL Server solutions.

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