Learn how to apply the tracing functionality in Microsoft data access technologies such as ADO.NET 2.0, MDAC 2.82, SQL Server Native Client, and the JDBC driver; and in the SQL Server network protocols and the Microsoft SQL Server database engine.  Read more...

In this article, we provide a simple way to get a comma delimited list from a table of entries without having to use a CURSOR or a WHILE loop to read through the table.  Read more...

A short interview with Sundar Raghavan of Amazon Web Services about SQL Server and their support and offerings of cloud data services.  Read more...

This article details how to reinitialise a Log Shipping scenario from a primary differential backup  Read more...

Win one of two $50 Amazon vouchers by entering our database management survey. We’re finding out more about how SQL database professionals are doing backup and recovery, using cloud services and more. Answer the short survey for a chance to win.  Read more...

The tSQLt framework is a great way of writing unit tests in the same language as the one being tested, but there are some 'Gotchas' that can catch you out. Dave Green lists a few tips he wished he'd read beforehand.  Read more...

Jonathan Lewis (Oracle Ace Director, OakTable Network) and Grant Fritchey (Microsoft SQL Server MVP) will host a live discussion on Oracle and SQL Server, this time in relation to temporary tables.  Read more...

We have a number of SQL Server hosts with multiple SQL Server instances. From time to time we have CPU issues, but we are not sure which instance is causing the issue. How do you find which SQL Server instance is causing CPU pressure on machine with multiple SQL Server instances? Check out this tip for ideas on how to find the correct SQL Server instance which is causing CPU pressure.  Read more...

A database security survey for a CS student. If you can spare a few minutes, I know he'd appreciate it.   Read more...

Robert Sheldon describes SQL Server's XML Data Type, and shows that it is as easy to configure a variable, column, or parameter with the XML data type as configuring one of these objects with any other datatype  Read more...

Start the week in Seattle off with a free day of training on Nov 5, 2012 with SQL in the City. Grant Fritchey, Steve Jones and more will be talking SQL Server in the Pacific Northwest. Join us and debate and discuss SQL Server the Red Gate Way.  Read more...

Meredith Ryan – DBA at the Bell Group –was elected by judges and the SQL Server community as the Exceptional DBA of 2012. So who is Meredith, and how did she become a DBA? What makes her exceptional at her work? Simple-Talk sent Richard Morris to investigate.  Read more...

In this document I will attempt to talk you through writing your first very simple DAX queries. For the purpose of this document I will query the rather familiar Adventure Works Tabular Cube.   Read more...

Most common monitoring metrics are important and useful, especially over time, but they can fall short. How do you gather information to determine, for example, if you have buffer cache pressure? Register now for the free webinar. Wednesday, October 17 2012 4:00pm - 5:00pm BST  Read more...

Once again Jonathan Lewis (Oracle Ace Director, OakTable Network) and Grant Fritchey (Microsoft SQL Server MVP) will host a live discussion on Oracle and SQL Server, this time in relation to temporary tables. Will they agree on some common ground? Or will it be an out and out argument? Either way, be prepared for a lively exchange that will not only entertain, but will teach you key concepts on Oracle and SQL Server.  Read more...

There are several reliable indications, using SQL Queries, of what is causing SQL Server performance problems. Some of these are fairly obvious, but others aren't. Grant shows how you can get clues from any SQL Server as to the cause of stress.  Read more...

You may think that if your database has backed up without errors, that it's going to restore without errors. Think again, says Paul Randal.  Read more...