Answer
Seek predicates allow precise navigation through an index.
Residual predicates apply filters after the seek when the index does not fully cover the query.
Quick Answer
Seek predicate is the condition used to enter the index — it actually narrows which rows are retrieved. Residual predicate is a secondary filter applied after the seek, on rows already found. A residual predicate means SQL Server fetched more rows than needed and filtered them post-retrieval — less efficient.
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SugharaIQ Editorial Team
Verified Answer
This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.
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Source: SugharaIQ