Author: Paul White

Paul White (@SQL_Kiwi) is an independent SQL Server technical consultant with 15 years experience, specializing in performance tuning the SQL Server Core Engine, and is well known for his expertise in execution plans, the query processor, and the query optimizer. Currently living in New Zealand, Paul writes the SQL Server internals blog Page Free Space at SQLblog.com. Over the years, Paul has worked internationally on a number of high-volume critical systems where ultimate performance and reliability were the primary goals. A recently re-awarded SQL Server MVP, he contributes regularly to a range of web sites and forums, including Stack Exchange, SQL Server Central, SimpleTalk, and MSDN. Paul also speaks at a variety of user groups and community events such as SQL Saturdays and the annual SQL Pass Summit.

The Halloween Problem – Part 2

In the first part of this series, we saw how the Halloween Problem applies to UPDATE queries. In this post, we will see how the same underlying issue can affect INSERT and DELETE statements.

Paul White ◆ February 15, 2013

The Halloween Problem – Part 1

Much has been written over the years about understanding and optimizing SELECT queries, but rather less about data modification. This series of posts looks at an issue that is specific to INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE and MERGE queries – the Halloween Problem.

Paul White ◆ February 13, 2013