Three big reasons T-SQL still beats the GUI – a MinionWare snippet
We like code better than mouse clicks for three basic reasons: T-SQL lets you do more. T-SQL lets you share your process. T-SQL lets you keep a record.
The...
2020-05-27
15 reads
Jen McCown
These five SQL tools are essential for 2020 – a MinionWare snippet
You’re going to need some solid SQL tools. Here are the five absolutely essential tools for SQL Server shops, as agreed on by the MinionWare team.
The post These five...
2020-05-19
66 reads
These five SQL tools are essential for 2020 – a MinionWare snippet
You’re going to need some solid SQL tools. Here are the five absolutely essential tools for SQL Server shops, as agreed on by the MinionWare team.
The post These five...
2020-05-19
17 reads
What to Pack for PASS Summit
In checklist form! Absolute I-probably-won’t-survive-without-this ESSENTIALS Wallet Prescriptions Glasses/contacts Phone and cord Laptop and cord (okay, maybe this is just me) A jacket (after all, Seattle) Generally A GOOD IDEA...
2019-10-29
29 reads
What to Pack for PASS Summit
In checklist form! Absolute I-probably-won’t-survive-without-this ESSENTIALS Wallet Prescriptions Glasses/contacts Phone and cord Laptop and cord (okay, maybe this is just me) A jacket (after all, Seattle) Generally A GOOD IDEA...
2019-10-29
12 reads
All about PASS Summit 2019
Here are the things you must/should probably know about PASS Summit 2019, as told by me. Included: Advice for first timers Prioritized schedule at a glance Sessions we recommend...
2019-09-23
46 reads
Trouble writing? Join the club. #JustWriteTech
I was talking with a couple of excellent SQL people* recently, and we were bemoaning the difficulties and disciplines of blogging. This is what speakers do after a successful SQL...
2019-09-19
45 reads
Use T-SQL, not the GUI
There’s a very good reason to do most of your DBA work using T-SQL, and not the SSMS object explorer. Let me tell you about it...
The post Use T-SQL,...
2019-08-23
66 reads
Beginning T-SQL and Career Roadmap for Women (and Men)! #SQLSatBR
Download session materials and watch the recordings of my excellent sessions on Transact-SQL and IT careers! I'm looking especially at you, women in technology!
The post Beginning T-SQL and Career...
2019-08-19
35 reads
Big fall conference – PASS Summit schedule is up!
PASS Summit 2019 now has a schedule and learning tracks, and a letter to convince your boss you should go!
The post Big fall conference – PASS Summit schedule is...
2019-08-14
62 reads
Blogs
Announcements from the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference — Barcelona 2026
By James Serra
Microsoft shared a broad set of Fabric, Power BI, and SQL updates at FabCon...
Au Revoir for now
By Steve Jones
No, I’m not quitting or retiring. Just going on vacation, but I leave tonight...
Forums
Let's Talk Certifications
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Let's Talk Certifications, which is...
The Hidden Security Risks of Role Combination in SSAS Tabular
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Hidden Security Risks of...
The Empty Aggregate
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Empty Aggregate
Question of the Day
The Empty Aggregate
I have this table in a SQL Server 2025 database:
CREATE TABLE [dbo].[CustomerOrder] ( [OrderID] [int] NULL, [CustomerID] [int] NULL, [total] [money] NULL ) ON [PRIMARY] GOWhat is returned from this code? (answers are for the sum and then the count)
SELECT SUM(total) AS sum,
COUNT(total) AS count
FROM dbo.CustomerOrder;
See possible answers