Introduction to GitHub Actions Part 2: GitHub-hosted runners
In this article, you’ll learn about the many options for using a GitHub-hosted runner, including Docker.
2025-05-23
Additional Articles
SQL STRING_AGG Function Use and Examples
The STRING_AGG function concatenates strings separated by a specified separator. This was introduced with SQL Server 2017.
2025-05-21
Securing the DevOps Pipeline Part 2: Hardening Kubernetes and Cloud Security
In Part 2, we shift our focus to securing containerized deployments and cloud infrastructure. We will cover Kubernetes security hardening, real-time monitoring, infrastructure as code (IaC) security, and shifting security left to catch misconfigurations early. These strategies will help your team secure workloads in production and respond to potential threats before they lead to a security breach.
2025-05-19
SQL ASCII Function Use and Examples
The ASCII function is used to return the ASCII value for the first character in a string.
2025-05-16
Your SQL Server Needs Spring Cleaning, Too.
First things first: pick up that filthy keyboard, take it over to the trash can, turn it upside down, and give it a good, vigorous shake.
2025-05-14
Evaluating the Randomness of SQL Server Random Number Functions
Microsoft provides T-SQL developers with three functions (rand, newid, and crypt_gen_random) for generating random numbers. Each of these functions is effective at returning random values, but feature sets associated with each function make them best suited to different use cases. This tip’s Solution section presents an overview of common use cases for random numbers in SQL Server along with references to learn more about random numbers in SQL Server.
2025-05-12
Exploring the SQL Server CHOOSE Function
I preface a lot of what I write with whether or not it is for a “practical” use. One of the Simple Talk authors used this function in a forthcoming article. and I realized I hadn’t heard of it before (or I forgot about it… which is not completely unlikely.) The practical use was to generate some data and have at least a little variety to the values.
2025-05-09
SQL Server Cursor Example
I know SQL cursors exist, but I am not sure how or why to use them. Can you provide a SQL cursor example? Can you give any guidance on when to use a SQL Server cursor?
2025-05-07
Building AI Calls into the First Responder Kit
No, that isn’t an April 1st joke, heh. I know a lot of vendors are shoving AI down your throat, but I can think of a few ways I actually want to get quick, easy advice from large language models (LLM) when I’m calling the sp_Blitz scripts:
2025-05-05
Return stored procedure parameter values to a calling stored procedure
In a previous topic we discussed how to pass parameters into a stored procedure, but another option is to pass parameter values back out from a stored procedure. One option for this may be that you call another stored procedure that does not return any data, but returns parameter values to be used by the calling stored procedure.
2025-05-02
Blogs
Monday Monitor Tips: Configuring Access to the MCP Server
By Steve Jones
I have been experimenting with MCP servers in a few ways, including the Redgate...
The GO Barrier: Why SSMS Multi-Server Query Waits for the Slowest Connection
By Zikato
I deployed a schema change to 30 servers using multi-server query and deploy-at-low-priority. Small...
10 Things I Hate About Fabric Deployment Pipelines— And Some Alternatives
Fabric deployment pipelines look like they solve CI/CD for Fabric content, especially for people...
Forums
A Challenge of Our Knowledge
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The memory toll of VARCHAR(MAX) in SQL Server
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The memory toll of VARCHAR(MAX)...
Question of the Day
Transaction Log Truncation
In SQL Server 2025, where can I find information about items that prevent or delay the transaction log truncation?
See possible answers