Non-clustered indexes are a powerful tool for optimizing query performance in SQL databases. However, creating effective non-clustered indexes requires understanding how they are structured and how they interact with the query optimizer.

In this session, you will learn how to use dynamic management views and execution plans to inspect how non-clustered indexes are stored and organized. You will also learn how to design non-clustered indexes that cover your queries, how to choose the optimal order of columns in multi-column indexes, and how to compare the benefits of index seeks vs scans. By the end of this session, you will be able to apply best practices for creating and using non-clustered indexes in your own databases.