The system catalog consists of tables describing the structure of objects such as databases, base tables, views, and indices. (These tables are called system base tables.) The Database Engine frequently accesses the system catalog for information … [Read more...] about Introduction to the System Catalog
System Catalog
Catalog Views, Querying Catalog Views
Catalog views are the most general interface to the metadata and provide the most efficient way to obtain customized forms of this information (see Examples 9.1 through 9.3). Catalog views belong to the sys schema, so you have to use the schema name … [Read more...] about Catalog Views, Querying Catalog Views
Dynamic Management Views and Functions
Dynamic management views (DMVs) and functions (DMFs) return server state information that can be used to observe active processes and therefore to tune system performance or to monitor the actual system state. In contrast to catalog views, the DMVs … [Read more...] about Dynamic Management Views and Functions
Information Schema
The information schema consists of read-only views that provide information about all tables, views, and columns of the Database Engine to which you have access. In contrast to the system catalog that manages the metadata applied to the system as a … [Read more...] about Information Schema
Proprietary Interfaces (System stored procedures etc)
The previous section describes the use of the general interfaces for accessing system base tables. You can also retrieve system information using one of the following proprietary mechanisms of the Database Engine:System stored proceduresSystem … [Read more...] about Proprietary Interfaces (System stored procedures etc)