Azure-docs: Clarify impact of AUTOSHRINK

[devlead]

Customer just sent me a direct link to "Reclaim unused allocated space" ( https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/sql-database/sql-database-file-space-management#reclaim-unused-allocated-space ) and I got asked if it had any drawback, which my on prem SQL knowledge screamed it has :) But reading that section it wasn't totally apparent.

I think there should be added an disclaimer about performance impact of this setting, because when reading "Shrinking data files" ( https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/sql-database/sql-database-file-space-management#shrinking-data-files ) it's apparent that it has a performance impact.

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Document Details

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• ID: c60b2433-250b-009c-2794-f5924a8e6c3c
• Version Independent ID: 9448dc48-0b71-42e4-e2d8-d9fafa2d646e
• Content: Azure SQL Database single/pooled databases file space management
• Content Source: articles/sql-database/sql-database-file-space-management.md
• Service: sql-database
• Sub-service: operations
• GitHub Login: @oslake
• Microsoft Alias: moslake

[YASWANTHM-MSFT]

@devlead, Thanks for the Comment. We are actively investigating and will get back to you soon.

[Mike-Ubezzi-MSFT]

@devlead Want to pointout the following section of the documentation with regard to shrinking data files.

The SQL Database service does not automatically shrink data files to reclaim unused allocated space due to the potential impact to database performance. However, customers may shrink data files via self-service at a time of their choosing by following the steps described in reclaim unused allocated space.

So, I think it is adequately documented unless there is another reference that may need updating. Please let us know if there is an additional update needed. Thank you.

[devlead]

I had a second customer send a direct link to
reclaim unused allocated space and they didn't scroll up but instead did an alter table.

I just think you need to add a link/note to that segment at this section, as they took the wording _"particulary helpful"_ as an recommendation.

[Mike-Ubezzi-MSFT]

@oslake The Reclaim unused allocated space section is a candidate for a note or additional text indicating the performance hit. I can add this if there is a specific edit you wish to be made.

[langstonj]

My $02: I would never enable auto shrink for any of our Azure SQL Databases (~280 across five elastic pools) nor would I recommend it.

[CarlRabeler]

I too would never enable autoshrink. This topic is to cover a very specific scenario in which you may need to shrink a database, but this scenario is not common (but does occur).

[Mike-Ubezzi-MSFT]

Doc enhancement has been merged. We will now proceed to close this thread. If there are further questions regarding this matter, please comment and we will gladly continue the discussion.