SQL Server Interview Question #194

What is DBCC CHECKDB?

Security, Backup, Recovery, Administration & Real-World Scenarios Senior Advanced

Quick Interview Answer

DBCC CHECKDB checks the logical and physical integrity of database objects and allocation structures. It is a core SQL Server database-integrity tool. Production environments should run CHECKDB on a schedule appropriate to database size, criticality, and operational constraints. If corruption is found, the preferred response is normally to determine the cause and restore from known-good backups rather than immediately using repair options that may cause data loss.

Detailed Explanation

DBCC CHECKDB checks the logical and physical integrity of database objects and allocation structures. It is a core SQL Server database-integrity tool.

Production environments should run CHECKDB on a schedule appropriate to database size, criticality, and operational constraints. If corruption is found, the preferred response is normally to determine the cause and restore from known-good backups rather than immediately using repair options that may cause data loss.

Code Example

DBCC CHECKDB ('SalesDb') WITH NO_INFOMSGS;