Monitoring transactions is crucial for ensuring the integrity, performance, and reliability of applications, especially in enterprise environments. In a Windows environment, transaction monitoring can be achieved using various tools and techniques. This article will explore how to monitor transactions using Windows-native tools and third-party applications, providing practical examples to help you get started.

Examples:

1. Using Windows Event Viewer:
Windows Event Viewer is a powerful tool for monitoring system and application events. You can use it to track transaction-related events.

• Step-by-Step Guide:
  1. Open Event Viewer by typing eventvwr in the Run dialog (Win + R).
  2. Navigate to Windows Logs > Application to view application-related events.
  3. Use the Filter Current Log option to filter events based on specific criteria, such as Event ID or Source related to your transactions.

2. Using Performance Monitor:
Performance Monitor (PerfMon) allows you to track various performance metrics, including those related to transactions.

• Step-by-Step Guide:
  1. Open Performance Monitor by typing perfmon in the Run dialog (Win + R).
  2. Click on Performance Monitor in the left pane.
  3. Click the green plus icon (+) to add counters.
  4. Select relevant counters such as Transactions/sec under the SQLServer:Transactions category if monitoring SQL Server transactions.
  5. Click Add and then OK to start monitoring.

3. Using PowerShell:
PowerShell can be used to script and automate transaction monitoring tasks.

• 
  

  Example Script:

  
  

   # This script monitors SQL Server transactions
  
   $serverName = "YourSQLServerName"
  
   $databaseName = "YourDatabaseName"
  
   $query = "SELECT * FROM sys.dm_tran_database_transactions"
  
  
  
   Invoke-Sqlcmd -ServerInstance $serverName -Database $databaseName -Query $query | Format-Table

  
  

4. Using Third-Party Tools:
There are several third-party tools available for more advanced transaction monitoring, such as SolarWinds Database Performance Analyzer, Redgate SQL Monitor, and others. These tools often provide more detailed insights and easier-to-use interfaces.

• Example with SolarWinds Database Performance Analyzer:
  1. Install and configure SolarWinds Database Performance Analyzer.
  2. Connect it to your SQL Server instance.
  3. Use the dashboard to monitor transaction performance, deadlocks, and other relevant metrics.