SQL Server Startup
From time to time I see a question asking how to determine the last time a SQL Server was either...
2011-03-25
1,313 reads
Articles
SQL Server random numerics data generation using CLR
You need to generate random data directly into SQL Server table columns or close to the database engine as variables or expressions. Looking at the SQL Server available functions, you notice that only RAND function offers support for random data generation. Although RAND([seed]) is a built-in function, it can only return a float value between 0 and 1, and has other limitations in regards to seed values. Because your table columns may be of various data types, and each data type may have a lower value and an upper value, you would prefer to create your custom random data generators. This is when SQL Server CLR functions come into play and provide a viable solution.
2011-03-24
3,275 reads
Naturally Increasing Data Value with Hierarchical Structures
Hierarchical structures have an inherent ability for significant data value increases beyond the data collected. This will be shown to exist in hierarchical structures and even more powerfully in their natural hierarchical processing capabilities. These will demonstrate flexible and efficient ways to increase data value automatically and will be discussed in this article. SQL will be used to perform a wide range of hierarchical processing operations that easily demonstrate these increasing data value capabilities.
2011-03-23
3,291 reads
SQL Bits VIII
SQL Bits 8 will be in Brighton in the UK on April 7th-9th. There are paid full days of training as well as a free day on Saturday. Register now for the premier SQL Server event in the UK.
2011-03-23 (first published: 2011-01-25)
4,818 reads
SQL Server Crossword #3
To mark my 30th Birthday today, as promised here’s a SQL Server Crossword for you to enjoy. You can find the previous...
2011-03-23
1,554 reads
Extracting Extended Properties
In this second article of a short series we look at using the Extended Properties which you have added to a database
2011-03-22
12,328 reads
SQL Server Central Webinar Series #8 - Source Control: Step One for Database Lifecycle Management
Join MVP Andy Leonard and Steve Jones in this webinar where you will learn how to get better control over your code and maintain versions using source control.
2011-03-22 (first published: 2011-03-10)
3,096 reads
Primary Keys – why accept the defaults.
G’day,
When I design a table in SQL SERVER, I like to have a reasonable understanding of how the table will...
2011-03-22
3,044 reads
Using Dynamic SQL in Stored Procedures
Dynamic SQL allows stored procedures to “write” or dynamically generate their SQL statements. The most common use case for dynamic SQL is stored procedures with optional parameters in the WHERE clause. These are typically called from reports or screens that have multiple, optional search criteria. This article describes how to write these types of stored procedures so they execute well and resist SQL injection attacks.
2011-03-22
7,301 reads
Pragmatic SSAS from BI expert Stacia Misner!
Learn dimensional modeling, cube design, MDX calculations and more in this 4 day online class from Pragmatic Works featuring BI expert Stacia Misner.
2011-03-21
1,329 reads
Blogs
Moving On-Prem PostgreSQL to the Cloud: Picking the Right Path for Big Tables
Every PostgreSQL migration eventually hits the same fork in the road. The database is...
A Spread of Vacation
By Steve Jones
I’m off on vacation today. Which is a little weird as I just got...
How AgentDBA Identifies Backup Failures
By Arun Sirpal
Every DBA has a box like this. Sitting untouched for months. Nobody’s proud of...
Forums
Have you done a Mid year check in?
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From SQL Server On-Premises to Claude Desktop: How I built a Full MCP Pipeline
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Independence Day 2026
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Independence Day 2026
Question of the Day
Independence Day 2026
In the original Independence Day movie (1996), what type of computer did Jeff Goldblum use to connect to the alien mainframe? Take a guess, don't look it up or ask AI.
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