New release: Data Masker 6.3 for SQL Server
The newest version of Data Masker for SQL Server includes a new rules window with in-product guidance for choosing the right rule, and a new menu bar for fast access to the items you need.
2019-07-29
Additional Articles
Azure Data Factory Stored Procedure Activity Transformation Activities
In this post we will discuss Azure Data Factory transformation related pipeline activities using Stored Procedure activity.
2019-07-26
Dealing with Server Objects, Settings and Features when Provisioning Databases
If we want the behavior and performance of our test databases to mimic that observed in production, then we must consider not only the database but also the server. Grant Frtichey reviews the server-level objects, settings and features that we may need to consider, and then shows how to 'synchronize' the linked servers, user logins and SQL Agent jobs, as part of an automated provisioning process, using SQL Provision.
2019-07-26
Modeling Time
There are those who argue that time doesn’t really exist; it’s just an illusion. That debate won’t keep you from storing and manipulating dates and time in SQL Server. In this article, Joe Celko discusses some of the many ways that SQL Server treats temporal data types.
2019-07-25
Static Data and Database Builds
Whichever way you wish to ensure that a database, when built, has all the data that will enable it to function properly, there are reasonably simple ways of doing it. Phil Factor explains the alternatives.
2019-07-25
Do you really know what’s happening with your servers?
As estates continue to grow and evolve, SQL Server professionals must continually adapt. But do you really know what’s happening with your servers? Jamie Wallis highlights the 4 key elements that are currently impacting the working life of an IT leader. Find out what they are here.
2019-07-24
How to Enable SQL Server CLR Integration using T-SQL
In this tip we look at how to enable SQL Server Common Runtime Language aka CLR using T-SQL commands.
2019-07-24
Data privacy next steps: Compliant Database DevOps
Over the last year we’ve seen a shift in customer concerns around personal data, as well as new legislation. Now is the time to implement a robust process to safeguard your data and your business, without hindering your DevOps journey. Read this blog post to find out the next steps for data privacy.
2019-07-23
How to find Updated Column in SQL Server Trigger
In this tip we look at how to which columns have been updated when using a SQL Server trigger by using the update and columns_updated functions
2019-07-22
Running Linux SQL Server as a Container
Phil Factor starts a series of articles that will demonstrate the use of temporary SQL Server instances, running in Linux containers, into which we can deploy the latest database build, stocked with data, for development and testing work. This initial article shows how to set up a SQL Server instance inside a Linux Docker container, create some sample databases, and persist data locally.
2019-07-19
Blogs
Methodology for dealing with bad data in production
By Brian Kelley
Pinal Dave wrote up his methodology for what to do when you discover bad...
How to Provision an Azure SQL Database
Aside from spinning up a SQL Server instance container, the free Azure SQL Database...
Claude finds two cryptographic weaknesses (but the sky isn’t falling)
By Brian Kelley
If you haven't seen the announcement, Anthropic was able to utilize Claude (Mythos Preview)...
Forums
Why SQL Server Database Attach fails and how to repair it
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Why SQL Server Database Attach...
Fixing P1 Queries
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Fixing P1 Queries
BIT_COUNT() IV
Comments posted to this topic are about the item BIT_COUNT() IV
Question of the Day
BIT_COUNT() IV
In SQL Server 2025, I run this code:
select bit_count('A')
What is returned? See possible answers