sql-server
Develop SQL Server databases with T-SQL, stored procedures, indexing, and performance optimization. Use when writing T-SQL queries, creating stored procedures/functions, designing index strategies, op
SKILL.md.claude/skills/sql-server/SKILL.md
GitHubSQL Server Database Development
Purpose: Production-ready SQL Server development for enterprise applications. Audience: Backend engineers and database administrators working with Microsoft SQL Server. Standard: Follows github/awesome-copilot SQL Server patterns.
When to Use This Skill
- Writing T-SQL queries and stored procedures
- Designing SQL Server index strategies
- Optimizing query execution plans
- Using window functions and CTEs
- Troubleshooting SQL Server performance issues
Prerequisites
- SQL Server 2019+ or Azure SQL Database
- SSMS, Azure Data Studio, or DBeaver client
Quick Reference
| Need | Solution | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Stored procedure | CREATE PROCEDURE | CREATE PROCEDURE GetUser @UserId INT AS BEGIN ... END |
| Transaction | BEGIN/COMMIT/ROLLBACK | BEGIN TRANSACTION; ... COMMIT; |
| Error handling | TRY...CATCH | BEGIN TRY ... END TRY BEGIN CATCH ... END CATCH |
| Indexing | CREATE INDEX | CREATE NONCLUSTERED INDEX ON Users(Email) |
| Query optimization | Execution plan | SET STATISTICS IO ON; SET STATISTICS TIME ON; |
| Upsert | MERGE statement | MERGE INTO target USING source ON ... |
SQL Server Version
Current: SQL Server 2022 Minimum: SQL Server 2019
Common Pitfalls
| Issue | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| **SELECT *** | Unnecessary data transfer | Select only needed columns |
| Missing indexes | Table scans | Add indexes on WHERE/JOIN columns |
| Functions on columns | Prevents index usage | Rewrite without functions |
| Implicit conversions | Performance hit | Match data types |
| CURSOR usage | Slow row-by-row processing | Use set-based operations |
| No error handling | Silent failures | Use TRY...CATCH blocks |
Resources
- SQL Server Docs: learn.microsoft.com/sql/sql-server
- Execution Plan Reference: use-the-index-luke.com
- SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): Official GUI tool
- Azure Data Studio: Cross-platform database tool
- Awesome Copilot: github.com/github/awesome-copilot
See Also: Skills.md - AGENTS.md - Database Skill
Last Updated: January 27, 2026
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Query timeout | Check execution plan for table scans, add missing indexes, update statistics |
| Deadlock victim errors | Access tables in consistent order, keep transactions short, use NOLOCK for read-only queries |
| Stored procedure parameter sniffing | Use OPTION (RECOMPILE) or local variables for parameter values |