A common requirement in database applications is that users want a function to search a set of data from a large set of possible search conditions. The challenge is to implement such searches in a way that is both maintainable and efficient in terms of performance. This session looks at the two main techniques to implement such searches and highlights their strengths and limitations.

In this revamped version of the session, we will also look at the new feature in SQL 2025, Optional Parameter Plan Optimization and why it does not suffice to solve these problems.

This is a level 300 session aimed at developers who have been working with T-SQL for a few years.