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
Articles
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)
55,893 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
2,613 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)
6,637 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
4,348 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)
2,424 reads
SQL Server Change Tracking to Optimize Data Refreshes for Reporting
You’re a developer responsible for maintaining a SQL Server database used to feed data to Power BI. You realize that some tables don’t have a modifiedDate column and some do. Also, you know the data is updated by the application as well as other processes which makes the modifiedDate unreliable. This is because it may not always be updated when data changes. You need a way to track data changes to ensure only changed rows are updated on reports in Power BI.
2025-12-24
Blogs
The SUM of Nothing: #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
I caught this interesting item over on Pinal Dave’s blog: Eleven Interview Questions that...
How to Move the SSMS Status Bar to the Top and Color-Code SQL Server Connections
By Hemantgiri
I use color-coded connections in SSMS to distinguish Production, Pre-Production, UAT, and Development. But...
Forums
Building a SQL Server Fleet Audit That Leadership Actually Reads
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Building a SQL Server Fleet...
Smart AI Agents and Data Security
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Smart AI Agents and Data...
RegEx Functions IV
Comments posted to this topic are about the item RegEx Functions IV
Question of the Day
RegEx Functions IV
I have this data in a table in a SQL Server 2025 database:
EmailAddressID EmailAddress 7 dylan0@ADVENTURE-WORKS.COM 8 Diane1@ADVENTURE-WORKS.COMIf I run this query, which row(s) are returned?
SELECT top 10 * FROM person.EmailAddress WHERE REGEXP_LIKE(EmailAddress, '^D', 'i') AND BusinessEntityID IN (7,8)See possible answers