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Declarative SQL: Using References

There are several ingenious ways of using SQL References to enforce integrity declaratively. Declarative Referential Integrity (DRI) is more effective than using procedural code in triggers, procedures or application layers because it uses the SQL paradigm, thereby making optimisation easier and providing clearer expression of the rules underlying the data. Joe Celko explains.

2016-01-12

6,270 reads

External Article

JSON support in SQL Server 2016

At last, SQL Server has caught up with other RDBMSs by providing a useful measure of JSON-support. It is a useful start, even though it is nothing like as comprehensive as the existing XML support. For many applications, what is provided will be sufficient. Robert Sheldon describes what is there and what isn't.

2016-01-07

9,007 reads

External Article

Exploration of SQL Server 2016 Always Encrypted – Part 2

It is important to only allow authorized individuals access to confidential data. Therefore when setting up an Always Encrypted table it is important to consider splitting configuration tasks between multiple individuals/groups to improve security. Follow Greg Larsen as he shows how to setup up SQL Server Always Encrypted tables where database administrators can’t see the clear text confidential data.

2016-01-06

4,919 reads

External Article

The Boardgame of Office Politics

Sometimes the stress of interdepartmental friction within organisations can get on top of you, especially between the business and IT when the going gets tough. Simple-Talk's answer is a board game to put it all into perspective. Instead of getting carried away, play the board game instead and reach catharsis.

2016-01-04

2,372 reads

External Article

The PoSh DBA - Using the Basic PowerShell Paradigms

PowerShell is like any computer language: you must understand the paradigms, the constructs, and the way it is designed to work to get the most value from it. It is no good just translating 'sausage-string' procedural algorithms. To demonstrate how Powersahell should be used as its' creators intended, Laerte Junior shows the difference between PowerShell problem-solving with, and without, PowerShell paradigms.

2016-01-01

6,637 reads

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Multiple Deployment Processes

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How to Use sqlpackage to Detect Schema Drift Between Azure SQL Databases

By Kunal Rathi

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Upgrading Admin Queries

By Steve Jones - SSC Editor

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Question of the Day

Upgrading Admin Queries

I have a query from a former DBA that we run on SQL Server 2025 to check on database metadata. This query references sys.sysaltfiles. I want to refactor this code to be more modern. Which DMV should I reference instead?  

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