Loading a Database for USD$5
See how Claude Code helped load a lot of messy data into a database for less than $5.
2026-01-05
1,908 reads
Articles
Optimize SQL Server Query without Changing the Query
Sometimes we cannot improve query performance because we don’t have control over the code. Consider a query that is generated by Entity Framework (EF) from the application and you do not have access to the source code. The main question is how you can improve SQL Server query optimization for a poorly performing query?
2026-01-05
The OUTPUT Clause for INSERT and DELETE Statements
In this article, I will provide a set of examples to show case the use of OUTPUT clause for INSERT and DELETE statements.
2026-01-02 (first published: 2017-05-25)
305,699 reads
10 Key Concepts Developers Should Know About the SQL Server model Database
This article covers the 10 key concepts developers should understand to avoid surprises and to use the model database intentionally.
2026-01-02
Fixing "Login failed for user" error in SQL Server
In this article, I am going to explain fixing a problem related login failure error with SQL Server. The Problem One of the common error in the SQL Server error log is "Login failed for user 'DomainName\ServerName$'. 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)
53,597 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
1,702 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)
5,764 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
Blogs
I recommend Smart Brevity (book) for communications
By Brian Kelley
Following the advice in Smart Brevity improves communication.
SQL Server 2025 Developer Edition – One size fits all
By John
Microsoft has released SQL Server 2025, bringing big improvements to its main database engine....
Monday Monitor Tips: Learning While Using the Tool
By Steve Jones
A customer was asking about what certain items in Redgate Monitor mean. They have...
Forums
Switch partition: NULL boundary id
I have table: t1 in schema1 with 19 billion records. I have another table...
Minimally Viable Security
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Minimally Viable Security
Encoding NULL
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Encoding NULL
Question of the Day
Encoding NULL
What is returned from this code in SQL Server 2025?
SELECT BASE64_ENCODE(NULL)See possible answers