Sys.dm_exec_sql_text on SQL Server Scripts

SQL Server Long-Running Queries: Find Active Sessions

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Find Active Long-Running Queries in SQL Server

This script queries sys.dm_exec_requests and sys.dm_exec_sql_text to show all currently executing queries on the SQL Server instance, sorted by how long they have been running, along with CPU time, I/O activity, blocking status, and wait type information.

Purpose and Overview

A query that normally completes in seconds but has been running for many minutes is one of the most common performance problems a DBA investigates. The cause could be blocking from another session, a missing index, parameter sniffing producing a bad plan, or a sudden increase in data volume. The first step in diagnosing the problem is knowing what is running right now. SQL Server exposes this through the sys.dm_exec_requests dynamic management view, which holds one row for every active request currently executing on the instance. Combined with sys.dm_exec_sql_text, which returns the actual T-SQL text for a given SQL handle, this query gives you immediate visibility into what every session is doing, how long it has been running, and whether it is waiting on something.

SQL Server Top Queries by CPU and IO: dm_exec_query_stats

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Find the Top CPU and IO Consuming Queries in SQL Server

This script queries sys.dm_exec_query_stats to identify the most resource-intensive queries currently cached in the plan cache, showing logical reads, writes, CPU time, and elapsed time — with the full query text and execution plan for each.

Purpose and Overview

When a SQL Server instance is under CPU or I/O pressure, the first diagnostic step is finding which queries are responsible. sys.dm_exec_query_stats holds cumulative execution statistics for every query plan currently in the plan cache. Sorted by total logical reads or total CPU time, it quickly surfaces the queries doing the most work. This script, adapted from the DBA-Scripts collection by Bulent Gucuk, combines sys.dm_exec_query_stats with sys.dm_exec_sql_text and sys.dm_exec_query_plan to return the query text and execution plan alongside the performance metrics — giving you everything needed to begin tuning in a single result set.

SQL Server Blocking Detection: Find Blocked Sessions

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Blocking in SQL Server occurs when one session holds a lock that another session needs, causing the second session to wait. This T-SQL script queries the dynamic management views to show all currently blocked sessions, the blocking session, wait type, wait duration, and the SQL text involved.

Purpose and Overview

When users report slow queries or application timeouts, blocking is a common cause. SQL Server does not alert you to blocking by default — you must query the DMVs to see what is happening in real time.