Can we shrink data files?

Question

To shrink a data or log file. In Object Explorer, connect to an instance of the SQL Server Database Engine and then expand that instance. Expand Databases and then right-click the database that you want to shrink. Point to Tasks, point to Shrink, and then select Files.

Is it safe to shrink data file?

Precautions. If you want to shrink the reserved space of the database after you delete data and the reserved space needs to be increased later as data is inserted again, then this procedure may create physical disk fragmentation and affect performance.

Should I shrink database or files?

Databases tend to grow as more data gets put in them. It's in their nature. Shrinking causes massive fragmentation and will just result in the data file growing again next time data gets added. When that happens, the entire system will slow down as the file is expanded.

Is Shrinking database good?

SQL SERVER – Shrinking Database is Bad – Increases Fragmentation – Reduces Performance.

How do I shrink a large database?

Shrinking a large database with limited outage windows1First of all I like to target my shrinks by using DBCC SHRINKFILE instead of DBCC SHRINKDATABASE. ... 2Both SHRINKDATABASE and SHRINKFILE have an option TRUNCATEONLY. ... 3You can move tables from one filegroup to another. ... 4This is a very important part of the BOL entry:Shrinking a large database with limited outage windows | SQL Studies

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