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SQL Trace Terminology

The following terms describe the key concepts of SQL Trace.

  • Event
    The occurrence of an action within an instance of the Microsoft SQL Server Database Engine.

  • Data column
    An attribute of an event.

  • Event class
    A type of event that can be traced. The event class contains all of the data columns that can be reported by an event.

  • Event category
    A group of related event classes.

  • Trace (noun)
    A collection of events and data returned by the Database Engine.

  • Trace (verb)
    To collect and monitor events in an instance of SQL Server.

  • Tracedefinition
    A collection of event classes, data columns and filters that identify the types of events to be collected during a trace.

  • Filter
    Criteria that limit the events that are collected in a trace.

  • Trace file
    A file created when a trace is saved.

  • Template
    In SQL Server Profiler, a file that defines the event classes and data columns to be collected in a trace.

  • Trace table
    In SQL Server Profiler, a table that is created when a trace is saved to a table.

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