What are VLFs and why should you care

Here is a short video on managing VLFs on SQL Server

https://youtu.be/VjsgTWkws8M?si=ywngDBtdL9uE2i0X

Best Practices for Managing VLFs

• Preallocate Log File Size: Instead of allowing SQL Server to expand the log file in small increments, preallocate a sufficient log file size to minimize growth events.
• Use Larger Growth Increments: Set the log file growth increment to a reasonable value (e.g., 512 MB or more) to avoid creating too many VLFs during growth.
• Monitor Regularly: Use the VLF Report in Database Health Monitor as part of your routine database maintenance to identify and address issues before they impact performance.

Conclusion

The VLF Report in Database Health Monitor is an indispensable tool for SQL Server administrators looking to optimize their transaction log performance. By providing detailed insights into active and inactive VLFs and offering the ability to shrink or expand the log file, this report simplifies what could otherwise be a complex maintenance task.

For more tips on SQL Server performance tuning and expert guidance, contact Stedman Solutions. Our team specializes in helping you resolve database performance issues quickly and effectively. Let us help you get the most out of your SQL Server!