IRL #8: SQL Server Down

Problem: My PocketDBA® client called in with a non-responsive SQL Server. Application errors, timeout, alerts firing. SQL Server box is up, and the services are running. Background: This is...

Manually updating Statistics in SQL Server

Having up to date statistics is vital for getting the best performance out of your queries. Even though SQL Server automatically updates statistics in the background for you, you...

Quick Tip About Fonts in Deneb Visuals in Power BI

This week, I was working with a client who requested I use the Segoe UI font in their Power BI report. The report contained a mix of core visuals...

Running Flyway from PowerShell–A Gotcha

I ran across an interesting gotcha while trying to run a Flyway command from PowerShell. Specifically, the snapshot command and providing a parameter that is the snapshot.filename parameter. Someone...

Connecting to SQL Server Database Engine, simplified

One of the advantages of being on the Database Docs team at Microsoft is that I get to work with amazing people, which means we can respond quickly to...

SQL Server is not a Car

Lets compare them anyway, just for fun. Both have an engine Both have a monitoring device (Dashboard/Activity Monitor) Both need power (Gas/Electricity) Both need to be told what do...

Another option is coming to gain extended support for SQL 2012

Another option is coming to gain extended support for SQL 2012

If you still have SQL 2012 servers, you are probably aware that support...

BotChat BiWeekly 1.00.00

Hey there, I’m Mala. I’ve been in the data game for a good 25 years, first as a DBA and then as a Data Engineer, mainly working with Microsoft...

Decrypting Stored Procedures The Cumbersome Way

I had a client that was struggling with some encrypted stored procedures. They needed to decrypt them, which I know is a pain in the #@$%@#$@#$#@. I had to...

Mastering Data Engineering with Databricks: Your Path to Becoming a Data Engineer Associate

Introduction
In today’s data-driven landscape, skilled data engineers are the backbone of organizations, driving insights from vast data streams. If you’re aspiring to become a Data Engineer Associate and harness...