The SQL Server Date Magic: When CAST and CONVERT Keep Your Index Seek
This article shows two scenarios, tested independently, with the full scripts and the real numbers from each run.
Explanation of SQL Server IO and Latches
I eventually found an explanation for this error message that, while not completely satisfactory, did lead me to diagnose wider-reaching I/O issues on the affected instance and led me to a better understanding of latching in general.
Take the 2027 State of the Database Landscape Survey
Share your view on the database landscape and you could win USD$500.
Re-Seeding a Broken Log Shipping Secondary (Without Touching the Primary)
A SQL Server upgrade left a log shipping secondary unable to accept transaction logs. Re-seeding it without touching the primary or its mirror is straightforward in principle — drop, restore full + diff + log with NORECOVERY, hand back to the job — but three undocumented traps will stop you along the way. Here's what they are and how to get past them.
The DBA is Dead! Long Live the !
I'm sure I've never mentioned this before, but I'm a little aged. I'm not real far from 40 years in IT, and I got started a little late in life. Regardless, I've heard this tale of woe before. And no, this isn't going to be a rehash of all the old stories ("self-tuning" SQL Server […]
Should your SQL Server database use foreign key constraints?
Should SQL Server databases enforce foreign key constraints? A veteran DBA breaks down the real arguments
Calculating Min-Max Normalization in PowerBI
Learn how to normalize values in Power BI to allow you to compare disparate different data.
It's Never Just One Thing
I was reading about a recent security failure when I saw the phrase "...a series of missed opportunities...". Made me giggle and say to myself "No Kidding Kojak" except I used Sherlock Holmes and a different word. Fact is, security failures, and hey, let's face it, process failures, almost never come down to a single […]
Simple way to export SQL Server data to Text Files
Since the transition from DTS to SSIS, I have found myself looking for alternative ways to do simple tasks such as exporting data from SQL Server into text files. SSIS is a far more powerful tool than DTS, but I generally try to stay away from it for simple operations. With the combination of a few T-SQL commands this tip shows you a simple way to export data to text files.
Let's Talk Certifications
In just over a week, I'm going to be in Valencia, Spain, for pgConf.eu. While there, I'm planning to take the first certification to come out of the Open Alliance for PostgreSQL Education. I'm more than a little nervous because I'm not sure I'm ready. However, I've been studying and reading, watching videos, practicing my […]
Blogs
T-SQL Tuesday #203: Risk and Reward
By Steve Jones
This is timely, as I’m currently on a boat in the Adriatic taking a...
dataMinds Connect 2026 – Slides & Scripts
You can find the slides and SQL scripts for my session “Spice up your...
How to Clear the SSMS Cache (SSMS 21 and Later)
By SQLPals
How to Clear the SSMS Cache (SSMS 21 and Later) Updated...
Forums
Risk Vs Reward, The never ending ROI discussion.
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Risk Vs Reward, The never...
Hyperscale Replicas IV
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Hyperscale Replicas IV
The SQL Server Date Magic: When CAST and CONVERT Keep Your Index Seek
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The SQL Server Date Magic:...
Question of the Day
Hyperscale Replicas IV
In Azure SQL Database Hyperscale Edition, how many geo-replicas can be created?
See possible answers