Get-DbaOpenTransaction

Chrissy LeMaire (@cl), netnerds.net

Windows, Linux, macOS

Synopsis

Retrieves detailed information about open database transactions across SQL Server instances.

Queries SQL Server dynamic management views to identify open transactions that may be causing blocking, consuming transaction log space, or impacting performance. Returns comprehensive details including session information, database context, transaction duration, log space usage, and the last executed query with its execution plan.

This is particularly useful when troubleshooting blocking issues, investigating long-running transactions, or monitoring transaction log growth. The function helps DBAs quickly identify which sessions are holding transactions open and assess their potential impact on system performance.

This command is based on the open transaction monitoring script published by Paul Randal.
Reference: https://www.sqlskills.com/blogs/paul/script-open-transactions-with-text-and-plans/

Syntax

Get-DbaOpenTransaction
    [-SqlInstance] <DbaInstanceParameter[]>
    [[-SqlCredential] <PSCredential>]
    [-EnableException]
    [<CommonParameters>]

Examples

Example: 1

PS C:\> Get-DbaOpenTransaction -SqlInstance sqlserver2014a

Returns open transactions for sqlserver2014a

Example: 2

PS C:\> Get-DbaOpenTransaction -SqlInstance sqlserver2014a -SqlCredential sqladmin

Logs into sqlserver2014a using the login “sqladmin”

Required Parameters

-SqlInstance

The SQL Server instance

Property	Value
Alias
Required	True
Pipeline	true (ByValue)
Default Value

Optional Parameters

-SqlCredential

Login to the target instance using alternative credentials. Accepts PowerShell credentials (Get-Credential).
Windows Authentication, SQL Server Authentication, Active Directory - Password, and Active Directory - Integrated are all supported.
For MFA support, please use Connect-DbaInstance.

Property	Value
Alias
Required	False
Pipeline	false
Default Value

-EnableException

By default, when something goes wrong we try to catch it, interpret it and give you a friendly warning message.
This avoids overwhelming you with “sea of red” exceptions, but is inconvenient because it basically disables advanced scripting.
Using this switch turns this “nice by default” feature off and enables you to catch exceptions with your own try/catch.

Property	Value
Alias
Required	False
Pipeline	false
Default Value	False

Outputs

System.Management.Automation.PSCustomObject

Returns one object per open transaction found on the specified instance(s). If no open transactions exist, nothing is returned.

Properties:

ComputerName: The name of the computer hosting the SQL Server instance
InstanceName: The SQL Server instance name (defaults to ‘MSSQLSERVER’ for default instances)
SqlInstance: The full SQL Server instance name as registered on the server
Spid: The session ID (process ID) of the session holding the open transaction
Login: The login name associated with the session
Database: The name of the database in which the transaction is open
BeginTime: DateTime when the transaction began
LogBytesUsed: Number of bytes of transaction log space currently used by this transaction
LogBytesReserved: Number of bytes of transaction log space reserved by this transaction
LastQuery: The text of the most recently executed SQL command in the session
LastPlan: The execution plan XML for the most recently executed query (can be NULL if not available)