Implementing PostgreSQL with Python for Real-Time Logging and Monitoring
Learn how you can create a logging module in Python that can be used to insert real-time records in a PostgreSQL database and display them on a dashboard.
Internal Staff Growth
How do you approach adding to your team? Steve asks if you look internally or externally as a default.
JSON_CONTAINS Function in SQL Server 2025
I have data coming into my SQL Server database as JSON. Before I start parsing it which is quite intensive, I need to check if some values are present in the JSON. Is there a function I can use to do this? Let’s see what the new JSON_CONTAINS function in SQL Server 2025 can do.
Do You Really Need HA?
Steve asks the question about whether or not a particular environment really needs HA implemented.
MySQL’s BLACKHOLE Storage Engine: The Odd Feature I Wish SQL Server Shipped With
Learn about a MySQL feature that could be useful in some scenarios for SQL Server.
Unlocking the Power of FULL OUTER JOIN in SQL: Performance, Use Cases & Examples
Discover how the FULL OUTER JOIN in SQL can simplify queries, improve performance, and solve real-world data problems
Economics of AI: What is the Real Cost to Profit?
Artificial intelligence is everywhere: It’s in our tools, our workflows, our marketing pitches…and increasingly, in our bottom lines. But a thought-provoking article published recently on the AI bubble asks a far more sobering question: What’s it really going to cost to profit from AI? Many people will roll their eyes and say, “Isn’t that obvious? […]
Poor Name Choice
Steve has a few thoughts on the names we choose for tables, columns, files, and more.
T-SQL in SQL Server 2025: Substring Changes
This article takes a look at the changes in SQL Server 2025 to the SUBSTRING function.
SQL Server CROSS APPLY and OUTER APPLY Helpful Examples
Microsoft introduced the APPLY operator in SQL Server 2005. Similar to a JOIN, it allows correlation between two table expressions. The key difference between the JOIN and APPLY operators is when you have a table-valued expression on the right side and want to evaluate it for each row from the left table expression. Since they produce similar results, when do you choose an APPLY versus a JOIN?
Blogs
SQL Server 2025 RegEx and AI
By Steve Jones
One of the language changes in SQL Server 2025 that I’ve seen a lot...
T-SQL Tuesday #192: SQL Server 2025 Backup Changes
By Steve Jones
I hosted this month, but I decided to put my own entry in as...
Why Databases Still Fascinate Me
By Chris Yates
I get asked a lot about why or how I began working with databases...
Forums
How do you approach engineering services consulting?
I’ve been thinking a lot about the role of consulting in engineering projects. Having...
Columnstore index question
Hi experts, I’ve been going through several articles and videos about Columnstore indexes, but...
Transactional Replication
Recently stood up a 2022 Enterprise server. Have 8 publications with subscriptions on a...
Question of the Day
Identify a Slipstream Installation
I get a new SQL Server instance from my build team. How can I tell if the instance was installed using a slipstream installation later?
See possible answers