How to Draw Line Graphs in SSMS
Ever just need a quick visualization of some numbers to get a rough idea of the trend, like this
2026-04-15
Additional Articles
Everything you should know about the SQL Server Resource database
Every SQL Server instance contains a database that most people never query, never back up, and never even see in Object Explorer. Yet, without it, SQL Server would not start. Enter the SQL Server Resource database.
2026-04-13
DevOps anti-patterns: what they are and how to avoid them
In software development, DevOps promises faster delivery, increased collaboration, and more reliable deployments. However, many teams unknowingly fall into anti-patterns.
2026-04-10
Why use a Composite Index in SQL Server
SQL queries can take a long time to run, especially on large tables if not properly indexed. Full table scans can be costly operations when all a user wants is to fetch a few rows based on multiple columns and a WHERE filter. How can we properly index our tables to support multi-column queries?
2026-04-08
How to determine the last value used by a sequence in SQL Server
I’ve been a fan of sequences ever since they were added in SQL Server 2012. Prior to that, developers had a choice of IDENTITY columns or a roll-your-own table mechanism.
2026-04-06
IDENTITY vs SEQUENCE in SQL Server – which should you use?
This guide explains how IDENTITY columns and SEQUENCE objects differ in SQL Server, and how you might decide which one is appropriate for a given design.
2026-04-03
How to migrate from on-prem to the cloud: uncovering legacy system ‘skeletons’
In this article, Pat Wright explains how to identify hidden risks in legacy applications before moving to the cloud. It features practical advice and guidance to avoid migration failures and surprises.
2026-04-01
SQL Server Data Warehouse Concepts, Schema Design, and Implementation
Companies generate a huge amount of data on a daily basis from such things as sales transactions, inventory changes, and customer interactions. This data originates from different data sources and is stored in operational databases called OLTP (Online Transaction Processing) systems that primary focuses on transactions like data inserts, updates or deletes. Maintaining the transactional data in an OLTP database is important. However, if you need to analyze or report on the data, storing the data in a centralized repository in well-structured schema is necessary.
2026-03-30
What’s New in SSIS 2025?
There’s a new version of SQL Server released and we’re mainly an on-premises SQL Server shop. We’ve been using Integration Services (SSIS) for years now for all our ETL and data integration needs. With Microsoft’s focus on cloud (Azure and Fabric), does it make sense to upgrade our SSIS packages? Are there any new features?
2026-03-27
What are database keys? A practical guide
There’s not much to database keys, right? When you build a new table, you add a column to act as the primary key, then set it to auto-generate. Done. That’s all there is to know…right?
2026-03-25
Blogs
T-SQL Tuesday #203: Risk and Reward
By Steve Jones
This is timely, as I’m currently on a boat in the Adriatic taking a...
dataMinds Connect 2026 – Slides & Scripts
You can find the slides and SQL scripts for my session “Spice up your...
How to Clear the SSMS Cache (SSMS 21 and Later)
By SQLPals
How to Clear the SSMS Cache (SSMS 21 and Later) Updated...
Forums
Training the next generation
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Reusing Customer Specific Order Filtering Logic with CROSS APPLY and an Inline TVF (Part 4)
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PostgreSQL psql Meta Commands: Databases
Comments posted to this topic are about the item PostgreSQL psql Meta Commands: Databases
Question of the Day
PostgreSQL psql Meta Commands: Databases
Which of the following meta commands (sometimes called backslash or slash commands) within psql will provide you with information about the databases on the cluster?
See possible answers