Sql-server – Sql server database restore vs index rebuilds

sql serversql-server-2008

In SQL Server, if Database Restore Time takes less time compare to Index Rebuilds OR Reorganize . Can we Choose Restore as a option for DE-fragmentation.
If its not a 24/7 database.

Best Answer

That doesn't make much sense. If you restore a database from a time earlier, you won't be capturing data that has changed since the backup. (but I'm assuming you mean a backup directly followed by a restore)

If you're talking about taking a full backup and then immediately a restore, then you will persist the fragmentation in the restored database as it was when it was backed up.

So either way I will say no that is not advisable. Prudent index rebuilds/reorganization based on the fragmentation is best practice.

See this blog post that on database restoration and index fragmentation that debunks that myth. Restoring a database also restores the fragmentation at the time of the backup.