When there’s a performance emergency, a lot of us perform the same manual tasks over and over. We run sp_BlitzWho or sp_WhoIsActive, look for blocking, long-running or out-of-control queries, and kill them.
2026-01-07
Sometimes we cannot improve query performance because we don’t have control over the code. Consider a query that is generated by Entity Framework (EF) from the application and you do not have access to the source code. The main question is how you can improve SQL Server query optimization for a poorly performing query?
2026-01-05
This article covers the 10 key concepts developers should understand to avoid surprises and to use the model database intentionally.
2026-01-02
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
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
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
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
First off, I understand if you read the headline and you have a knee-jerk reaction. I totally understand that there are a lot of people out there who hate AI, and believe me, I hate most uses of it. Lots of its advice can be misleading at best, and absolute garbage at worst.
2025-12-22
SQL Server 2025 includes new features and enhancements. In the previous SQL Server 2025 tips, we have explored many new features. Have you explored the new Product() function? If not, this will walk you through the Product() function with several examples.
2025-12-19
Securing SQL Server isn’t complicated, but it does require consistent attention to the areas where real risks arise, such as privileges, configuration, encryption, patching, and monitoring. This article outlines 15 practical, high-impact steps you can take to harden your SQL Server environment.
2025-12-17
Every organization I talk to has the same problem dressed up in different clothes....
By DataOnWheels
I am delighted to host this month’s T-SQL Tuesday invitation. If you are new...
By alevyinroc
Ten years (and a couple jobs) ago, I wrote about naming default constraints to...
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The day-to-day pressures of a...
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Using OPENJSON
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Data Modeling with dbt for...
I have some data in a table that looks like this:
BeerID BeerName brewer beerdescription 1 Becks Interbrew Beck's is a German-style pilsner beer 2 Fat Tire New Belgium Toasty malt, gentle sweetness, flash of fresh hop bitterness. 3 Mac n Jacks Mac & Jack's Brewery This beer erupts with a floral, hoppy taste 4 Alaskan Amber Alaskan Brewing Alaskan Brewing Amber Ale is an "alt" style beer 8 Kirin Kirin Brewing Kirin Ichiban is a Lager-type beerIf I run this, what is returned?
select t1.key
from openjson((select t.* FROM Beer AS t for json path)) t1 See possible answers