Azure SQL Database: Diagnosing Performance Issues with DMVs
Slow queries killing your cloud database? This course teaches you to diagnose and resolve Azure SQL performance bottlenecks using Dynamic Management Views (DMVs)—the same techniques Microsoft’s own engineers rely on. In 90 minutes, you’ll move from reactive firefighting to proactive optimisation.
AIU.ac Verdict: Essential for database administrators, cloud engineers, and DevOps professionals managing Azure SQL workloads in production. You’ll gain immediate, actionable diagnostic skills. Note: assumes foundational SQL Server knowledge; pure beginners may need prerequisite exposure to T-SQL basics.
What This Course Covers
You’ll explore DMV queries that expose query execution plans, wait statistics, index fragmentation, and resource contention—the hidden signals that reveal why your database underperforms. The course walks through real diagnostic scenarios: identifying missing indexes, detecting CPU throttling, and spotting locking patterns that tank throughput. Glenn Berry’s approach is forensic: learn which DMVs to query first, how to interpret their output, and how to translate findings into concrete tuning actions.
Hands-on labs let you run diagnostics against live Azure SQL instances, building muscle memory for troubleshooting under pressure. You’ll leave with a mental model of the Azure SQL stack and a repeatable diagnostic workflow—the difference between guessing and knowing what’s actually broken.
Who Is This Course For?
Ideal for:
- Azure SQL Database Administrators: Responsible for performance SLAs; need rapid diagnosis tools to reduce MTTR and prevent escalations.
- Cloud DevOps Engineers: Managing infrastructure-as-code pipelines; must spot performance regressions before production incidents.
- Database Performance Specialists: Hired to optimise slow systems; DMV mastery is your primary diagnostic weapon and credibility marker.
May not suit:
- SQL Server Newcomers: Without T-SQL fluency and query plan literacy, DMV output will feel cryptic; start with SQL fundamentals first.
- NoSQL or Non-Relational Specialists: If your stack is MongoDB or DynamoDB, this Azure SQL-specific course won’t transfer directly to your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Azure SQL Database: Diagnosing Performance Issues with DMVs take?
90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes). Designed for focused, high-impact learning—watch in one sitting or split across two sessions.
Do I need Azure SQL experience before starting?
You should be comfortable with T-SQL and basic SQL Server concepts. If you’ve written queries and read execution plans, you’re ready. Pure SQL beginners should complete a T-SQL fundamentals course first.
Are there hands-on labs included?
Yes. Pluralsight’s sandbox environment lets you run DMV queries against live Azure SQL instances, so you practise on real data, not just watch demos.
Who is Glenn Berry and why should I trust his teaching?
Glenn Berry is a renowned SQL Server and Azure SQL expert, recognised as a Microsoft MVP. Only 5.5% of applicants become Pluralsight course authors; his selection reflects deep expertise and teaching ability.
Will this help me pass Azure certifications?
It’s highly relevant to AZ-104 (Azure Administrator) and AZ-305 (Azure Solutions Architect) exams, though it’s not a certification-focused course—it’s practical, hands-on training.
Course by Glenn Berry on Pluralsight. Duration: 1h 30m. Last verified by AIU.ac: March 2026.
