The OUTPUT Clause for INSERT and DELETE Statements
In this article, I will provide a set of examples to show case the use of OUTPUT clause for INSERT and DELETE statements.
2026-01-02 (first published: 2017-05-25)
302,588 reads
Articles
10 Key Concepts Developers Should Know About the SQL Server model Database
This article covers the 10 key concepts developers should understand to avoid surprises and to use the model database intentionally.
2026-01-02
Fixing "Login failed for user" error in SQL Server
In this article, I am going to explain fixing a problem related login failure error with SQL Server. The Problem One of the common error in the SQL Server error log is "Login failed for user 'DomainName\ServerName$'. Reason: Could not find a login matching the name provided. [CLIENT: <local machine>]". Even though it says that […]
2025-12-31 (first published: 2020-11-24)
53,229 reads
Preparing SQL Servers and Data for Quantum Computing
Just like advances in artificial intelligence, I have heard that quantum computing is going to be a disruptive technology for our future. For instance, there’s the concern that it’s going to break/crack a lot of network encryption and potentially data encryption. What’s going to be affected, how long do we have, and what do I (and my organization) need to do to prepare for it?
2025-12-31
SQL Server 2025 Backup Compression Algorithm
Learn about the new ZSTD compression algorithm in SQL Server 2025.
2025-12-29
1,525 reads
Making AI Talk to Your Database: AI-Powered Database Queries Made Simple
Beneath the surface though, AI is just a tool that learns certain patterns and draws conclusions from information on the Web to answer questions, make decisions, or craft a code sample or two. Those that have used AI in the past will know that just as it’s capable of providing valuable information, AI tools can also generate inaccurate responses, and that’s why it’s important to use it wisely.
2025-12-29
PowerShell Day By Day: The Pipeline
In this article, I wanted to discuss the PowerShell (PoSh) pipeline, which was confusing to me at first and took some time to get used to working with. I had used one in Linux before, but the PoSh one is more powerful, but also slightly different. Hopefully I can demystify some of the concepts for […]
2025-12-26 (first published: 2020-12-31)
5,631 reads
Controlling SQL Window Functions with Framing
I’ve used SQL window functions for years, but I’ve never fully understood framing. To truly master window functions, you need at least a basic grasp of framing and how to apply it to your queries. Framing is especially helpful when working with aggregate functions. How can you overcome this hesitation to try framing?
2025-12-26
SQL Art: I Made a Christmas Card In SSMS
A little Christmas fun for you using the spatial features in SQL Server and SSMS.
2025-12-24
3,531 reads
Steps for Installing AlwaysOn Availability Groups - SQL 2019
With SQL Server 2012 Microsoft introduced the AlwaysOn Availability Group feature, and since then many changes and improvements have been made. This article is an update to another article, and will cover the prerequisites and steps for installing AlwaysOn in your SQL Server 2019 environment. Prerequisites Before implementing your AlwaysOn Availability Group (AG), make sure […]
2025-12-24 (first published: 2025-11-25)
564 reads
Blogs
Advice I Like: Pyramid Schemes
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If someone is trying to convince you it’s not a pyramid scheme, it’s a...
Using Prompt AI for a Travel Data Analysis
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I was looking back at my year and decided to see if SQL Prompt...
FinOps for Kubernetes: Leveraging OpenCost, KubeGreen, and Kubecost for Cost Efficiency
In the era of cloud-native applications, Kubernetes has become the default standard platform for...
Forums
Database file shrink issue.
Hi experts, I have a 3+ TB database on a 2019 sql server which...
The North Star for the Year
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The North Star for the...
Multiple Escape Characters
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Multiple Escape Characters
Question of the Day
Multiple Escape Characters
In SQL Server 2025, I run this code (in a database with the appropriate collation):
SELECT UNISTR('%*3041%*308A%*304C%*3068 and good night', '%*') AS 'A Classic';
What is returned? See possible answers