Kevin Kline

AI For DBAs: Internals and Architecture of LLMs

Database expert Kevin Kline explains the internal architecture of Large Language Models, highlighting the fundamental difference that databases retrieve exact data while LLMs gener…

How To Create Database Alerts You Can Trust

Database expert Kevin Kline argues that effective database alerting requires building trust by reducing noise and addressing alert fatigue rather than simply collecting raw telemet…

More Databases, Same Headcount? How AI-Driven RCA Helps DBAs Scale Database Coverage

As database environments expand, DBAs are facing increased burnout due to constant reactive firefighting and growing workloads. To scale coverage without increasing headcount, the …

The High-Performance DBA: CPU Under Pressure, Part 2: Troubleshooting SQL Server

This article outlines a disciplined approach to troubleshooting SQL Server CPU pressure, emphasizing the use of wait statistics and thread scheduling metrics to distinguish between…

The High-Performance DBA: CPU Under Pressure, Part 1: How SQL Server Uses CPU

This article explains that high SQL Server CPU usage is often a symptom of broader system issues rather than just inefficient queries or an underpowered server. It emphasizes the i…

The High-Performance DBA: Total Recall, Part 2: SQL Server Memory Issues

This article explores how SQL Server memory pressure is often driven by plan cache bloat from ad hoc queries and inefficient query patterns, such as poor memory grants or unnecessa…

The High-Performance DBA: Total Recall, Part 2: SQL Server Memory Troubleshooting, Plan Cache, and Query Patterns

This article explores the primary causes of SQL Server memory pressure, specifically focusing on plan cache bloat from ad hoc queries and inefficient query patterns that lead to ex…

The High-Performance DBA: Total Recall, Part 1: SQL Server Memory Basics and Best Practices

This article emphasizes that while SQL Server is highly efficient at managing memory, DBAs must proactively set boundaries like "Max Server Memory" to prevent indirect performance …

Database Storage Optimization for the High-Performance DBA

This article highlights how often overlooked SQL Server storage configurations are a major contributor to DBA burnout and system instability. It argues that proactive storage manag…

The High-Performance DBA: Breaking the Burnout Cycle in Modern Database Teams

This article highlights the rising issue of burnout among Database Administrators (DBAs) due to increasingly demanding roles spanning diverse database environments. A recent report…

Inside the Black Box: Bridging the Database Observability Gap

This article highlights a critical “observability gap” in modern software development, where database performance and health are often overlooked despite advancements in Agile and …

The Wide World of Open Data

This article introduces the concept of Open Data as an extension of the Open Source Software movement, emphasizing community and accessibility. Open Data involves datasets that are…