Managing Log Files Sizes the Easy Way
Learn an easy, rough, and ready way to manage log files in this piece.
2016-12-16 (first published: 2015-03-09)
10,142 reads
Articles
Introduction to C# Scripting for SQL Server DBAs
Microsoft has introduced an interactive C# scripting technology inside the Visual Studio 2015 environment. In this post, Jeffrey Yao looks at how we can use this to perform SQL Server tasks.
2016-12-16
5,175 reads
Solving an SSIS Error – Cannot convert between Unicode and non-Unicode
When loading data with SSIS, sometimes there are various errors that may crop up. This article provides a solution when you get have a problem between Unicode and non-Unicode fields.
2016-12-15
158,633 reads
Deploying schema changes to multiple databases using the SQL Compare command line
Feodor Georgiev explains how SQL Compare Pro makes it possible to automate the process of synchronizing a source and target database. By calling SQL Compare from a simple batch script, he shows how to make it work for a whole list of targets, one after another.
2016-12-15
3,077 reads
Listing Duplicate Values by Group
Without question, one of the most common tasks performed by Database Administrators (DBAs) is identifying and weeding out duplicate values in tables. Despite the inordinate number of queries written by other DBAs to locate duplicate values in their database tables, the real challenge is in locating a useable SQL statement to go by. Rob Gravelle presents a few solutions that will save you some time down the road.
2016-12-15
6,301 reads
The Hibernate ORM and SQL Server
Using an ORM with SQL Server introduces unique challenges. I have listed a few of my experiences, hoping it can help someone.
2016-12-14
5,271 reads
Retrieving SQL Server Query Execution Plans
Execution plans explain all you need to know about query performance, and how to fine-tune. Sure, you can see them in SSMS, but what if you need to drill into to the important details? What about using DMVs, Extended Events or SET statements to get at the execution plans? To get the best use of execution plans you need to be able to get right information from the right plan at the right time. Robert Sheldon explains how.
2016-12-14
3,977 reads
Generate Deadlock Summary Information
This article will show you how to extract a summary of tables affected by deadlocks.
2016-12-13
3,711 reads
A Big Deal : SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 1
Microsoft has made a bold change with SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 1 : Many Enterprise features are now available in lower editions. Read on for details.
2016-12-13
10,390 reads
Creating SSRS Tabular Reports with Sparklines and Charts
Learn how to add a sparkline and line chart to your SQL Server 2014 Reporting Services reports.
2016-12-12
5,068 reads
Blogs
Announcements from the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference — Barcelona 2026
By James Serra
Microsoft shared a broad set of Fabric, Power BI, and SQL updates at FabCon...
Au Revoir for now
By Steve Jones
No, I’m not quitting or retiring. Just going on vacation, but I leave tonight...
Forums
Let's Talk Certifications
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Let's Talk Certifications, which is...
The Hidden Security Risks of Role Combination in SSAS Tabular
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Hidden Security Risks of...
The Empty Aggregate
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Empty Aggregate
Question of the Day
The Empty Aggregate
I have this table in a SQL Server 2025 database:
CREATE TABLE [dbo].[CustomerOrder] ( [OrderID] [int] NULL, [CustomerID] [int] NULL, [total] [money] NULL ) ON [PRIMARY] GOWhat is returned from this code? (answers are for the sum and then the count)
SELECT SUM(total) AS sum,
COUNT(total) AS count
FROM dbo.CustomerOrder;
See possible answers