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Included columns index
Learn Included columns index in T-SQL through a focused explanation, a dedicated construct-specific example, an engineering boundary, and a mastery check.
Included columns index is an atomic T-SQL topic inside SQL Server Features. This lesson focuses on how the Included columns index construct is written, what it changes, and when it is the right tool.
Trace the example line by line. Identify the exact syntax for Included columns index, the input state before it runs, and the resulting value, control flow, database state, hardware behavior, or runtime effect afterward. Neighboring lessons use different constructs rather than renamed copies of this one.
Topic-specific example
CREATE INDEX IX_Orders_Customer ON Orders(customer_id) INCLUDE(total,status);
For Included columns index, test the boundary that belongs to this exact feature rather than a generic failure case. Check invalid or empty input, NULL/unknown state, numeric limits, transaction or exception behavior, synthesis/runtime constraints, ownership/permission rules, or backtracking/control-flow effects where they apply.