When is TempDB Used? That’s a very good question!
In this SQL Server Administration quick tip, we will be discussing about, when the TempDB SQL Server system database is used.
About the TempDB System Database in SQL Server
TempDB is one of the system databases of SQL Server. As its name implies, it is being used for holding temporary stuff. However, after different discussions I had with a lot of people, I believe that many people have a misconception regarding when TempDB is actually used in SQL Server, and consequently, they might not be taking into full consideration the performance-related factors and guidelines about this special database.
So the question remains: When is TempDB Used?
TempDB is not only used for temporary tables
TempDB is not just used for storing temporary tables. Besides from storing user objects (global/local temporary tables and indexes, temporary stored procedures, table variables, Tables returned in table-valued functions, or cursors), the TempDB database is also used for storing internal objects which are created by the Database Engine such as:
– Work tables that are used for storing intermediate results.
– Work files for hash join or hash aggregate operations.
– Intermmediate sort results of operations such as index rebuild, etc.
Moreover, tempdb is used to store version stores, that is collection of data pages that contain data which is used by operations that utilize row versioning.
For all the above reasons, you need to take into consideration the performance optimization guidelines regarding the TempDB database, as it plays a significant role to the overall performance of your SQL Server instance.
I have written another more comprehensive article in the past, dedicated to the TempDB system database in SQL Server. Feel free to check it here.
Moreover, feel free to check out my eBook “Tuning SQL Server” where I dedicated a full chapter on the TempDB database.
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Artemakis Artemiou is a seasoned Senior Database and AI/Automation Architect with over 20 years of expertise in the IT industry. As a Certified Database, Cloud, and AI professional, he has been recognized as a thought leader, earning the prestigious Microsoft Data Platform MVP title for nine consecutive years (2009-2018). Driven by a passion for simplifying complex topics, Artemakis shares his expertise through articles, online courses, and speaking engagements. He empowers professionals around the globe to excel in Databases, Cloud, AI, Automation, and Software Development. Committed to innovation and education, Artemakis strives to make technology accessible and impactful for everyone.