Sql-server – SQL Server Database Experimentation Assistant Analysis Reports

performance-testingsql server

I am using the Database Experimentation Assistant v2.6 to capture a workload using extended events (.xel) on SQL Server 2017 that is installed on an Azure VM. I'm then replaying it on a Azure SQL Database Managed Instance. The capture and the replay work great. I'm getting multiple .xel files from the replay, 15 from the VM and 7 from the Managed Instance.

My issue is when I create the analysis report it only allows me to select 1 .xel file in each of the the "Trace for Target 1 SQL Server" and "Trace for Target 2 SQL Server" fields to compare. My expectation is that I can run one report for the entire replay by selecting the directories the files are in but this does not appear to be an option? When I try to select just the directory it will not allow me to exit the directory window. Below is the screen I'm referring to : New analysis report screenshot

I've looked through multiple articles but the only ones I've found, including this one from Microsoft, refer to selecting only one file and normally a .trc file not a .xel file.

How can I compare multiple .xel files at once?

Best Answer

I contacted Microsoft support in regards to my question. They informed me that even though you only select 1 .xel file all .xel files in the directory are processed and you can verify it in the log.

DEA Information: 0 : DiagnosticEvent, 05/08/2020 16:32:47, Data: {"Message":"Processing file 1 of 7
DEA Information: 0 : DiagnosticEvent, 05/08/2020 16:33:20, Data: {"Message":"Processing file 2 of 7
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DEA Information: 0 : DiagnosticEvent, 05/08/2020 16:36:03, Data: {"Message":"Processing file 7 of 7

They are planning on making this more transparent in a future release.

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