PostgreSQL Basics: Getting started with psql

PostgreSQL has a separate command-line tool that’s been available for decades and is included with any installation of PostgreSQL. Many long-term PostgreSQL users, developers, and administrators rely on psql to help them quickly connect to databases, examine the schema, and execute SQL queries.

Knowing how to install and use basic psql commands is an essential skill to have for anyone that will connect to PostgreSQL.

GENERATE_SERIES() Breaks Minimal Logging

tl;dr The title says it all. Prologue One of the keys to my personal learning is that, very early in my database career, I taught myself how to make lot’s of rows of Random Constrained Data in a comparatively short time. With the help of a few good folks over time, the method has been […]

PostgreSQL 101: A guide to PostgreSQL documentation & useful resources

It can be a daunting task for new users to get to grips with PostgreSQL documentation, particularly if you are not from a developer background.

If you are not sure where to start, we are here to help break down the different resources available so you can make the most of them.

In the latest webinar of our PostgreSQL 101 series, join Ryan Booz, PostgreSQL Advocate at Redgate, and Grant Fritchey, Microsoft Data Platform MVP, and discover:

- How to navigate PostgreSQL documentation
- The essential things you need to know about PostgreSQL documentation
- Other useful learning resources to help make your journey to using PostgreSQL easier

Register to join us on September 19th at 11am CT (5pm BST)

SQL Server Execution Plan Issues when using TOP Clause and Various Parameters

A query is sometimes super fast and sometimes very slow. One of the main reasons for this problem is Parameter Sniffing. There are several approaches to addressing the Parameter Sniffing issue and this article discusses effective methods for handling Parameter Sniffing in SELECT statements containing a TOP clause.

Yet Another Reason to Not Use sp_ in your SQL Server Object Names

In 2012, Aaron Bertrand said most everything I knew (and a bit more) about the issues with using the sp_ prefix. Procedures prefixed with sp_ have special powers when placed in the the master database in that it can be executed anywhere on the server after that.

Backup and Restore SQL Database to Azure Blob Storage

SQL databases are crucial for businesses, so it's critical to back them up. A dependable and affordable option is offered by Azure Blob Storage. Let's examine the advantages, the steps involved in backing up to and restoring from a device, recommended practices, and more.

Generate Test Data Sets for Testing SQL Server Database Applications

In this tip, we will discuss the process of generating test data to verify query logic without relying on real-life data, along with some helpful guidelines. We will also cover various scenarios and their corresponding solutions.

Webinar: The Impact of the Cloud on Databases

The PASS Data Community Summit is back in Seattle this November, with hundreds of speakers covering a wide variety of database topics, including cloud computing. We feature two of those speakers in this webinar: Bob Ward of Microsoft and Steve Jones of Redgate.

Arrays and Lists in SQL Server

Several methods on how to pass an array of values from a client to SQL Server, and performance data about the methods.

One use case for NOT using schema prefixes

I’ve long been a huge advocate for always referencing objects with a schema prefix in SQL Server.

In spite of what may be a controversial title to many of my regular blog readers, I don’t really want you to stop that practice in most of your T-SQL code, because the schema prefix is important and useful most of the time. At Stack Overflow, though, there is a very specific pattern we use where not specifying the schema is beneficial.