Celko on SQL: Natural, Artificial and Surrogate Keys Explained
SQL programming guru Joe Celko offers a classification scheme and advice on using the right keys.
2007-10-25
3,595 reads
Additional Articles
SQL Server 2005 Express Edition - Part 8 - XCopy Deployment
Part 8 of our series provides an overview of User Instance model (also known as “Run As Normal User” or simply RANU) and automatic database connectivity, which serve as two primary enablers for XCopy deployment, facilitating distribution of single-user databases.
2007-10-25
1,766 reads
Working with Time Spans and Durations in SQL Server
What is the best way to return the "duration" of an event in SQL, given the start and end datetime values? How can we add up these durations to return grand totals? What data types should be used to return this data to our clients? How do we handle overflows, such as when hours go over 23 or minutes total up to over 59? Are there any T-SQL functions or other techniques that are useful in these scenarios?
2007-10-24
4,455 reads
Featured Blog: BACKUP LOG WITH NO_LOG
From one of the SQL Server 2005 storage engine lead developers comes this look at the impact of using the NO_LOG and TRUNCATE_ONLY options.
2007-10-24
3,313 reads
Microsoft Windows PowerShell and SQL Server 2005 SMO – Part 8
This installment illustrates how to use PowerShell in conjunction with SMO to display object properties of all SQL Server Objects.
2007-10-23
2,594 reads
Maximizing Attribute Relationship Aggregations in Changing Dimensions
When designing your SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services (SSAS) dimensions and related attributes—appropriately called attribute relationships—you should consider how changes in your dimension data will affect the underlying dimension aggregations and, in turn, processing and query performance.
2007-10-22
951 reads
Problem connecting to SQL Server 2000 Analysis Services?
Connecting to SQL Server 2000 Analysis Services could lie in the memory settings. Get possible problems and solutions to connect to Analysis Services server.
2007-10-22
2,033 reads
Keep Your Data Secure with the New Advanced Encryption Standard
The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a National Institute of Standards and Technology specification for the encryption of electronic data. It is expected to become the accepted means of encrypting digital information, including financial, telecommunications, and government data. This article presents an overview of AES and explains the algorithms it uses. Included is a complete C# implementation and examples of encrypting .NET data. After reading this article you will be able to encrypt data using AES, test AES-based software, and use AES encryption in your systems.
2007-10-19
2,427 reads
Microsoft Windows PowerShell and SQL Server 2005 SMO – Part 7
This installment of the series illustrates how to use PowerShell in conjunction with SMO to display SQL Server Objects.
2007-10-19
2,740 reads
SQL Server 2005 Express Edition - Part 6 - Post Installation Configuration Tasks (Encryption)
In our new article, we will continue coverage of this topic by describing other activities that alter default connectivity settings applied during standard installation, focusing in particular on encryption.
2007-10-18
2,137 reads
Blogs
Vibe Coding a Login Tracking System
By Steve Jones
A customer was asking about tracking logins and logouts in Redgate Monitor. We don’t...
4 CPE Opportunity (Virtual) for Charity
By Brian Kelley
Every year, the South Carolina State Internal Auditors Association and the South Carolina Midlands...
Data Céilí 2026 Call for Speakers!
Data Céilí 2026 Call for Speakers is now live! Data Céilí (pronounced kay-lee), is...
Forums
T-SQL in SQL Server 2025: The || Operator
Comments posted to this topic are about the item T-SQL in SQL Server 2025:...
Your Value from a Conference
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Your Value from a Conference
UNISTR Basics
Comments posted to this topic are about the item UNISTR Basics
Question of the Day
UNISTR Basics
What does this code return in SQL Server 2025+? (assume the database has an appropriate collation)
SELECT UNISTR('Hello 4E16754C') AS 'A Classic';
A: 
B: 
See possible answers