Who should own the database?
TL;DR; SA, or if you are really paranoid then you can create a disabled SQL login with minimal permissions and...
2018-01-25 (first published: 2018-01-15)
2,700 reads
SQLStudies
Fun with sp_rename
Currently the only way to rename objects in SQL Server is to use sp_rename. Although that may be changing in...
2018-01-11
1,156 reads
A Solution for Squirrely SQL Server Security: TSQL Tuesday #98
It’s the first T-SQL Tuesday of the year! Arun Sirpal (b/t) is our host this month. Thanks, Arun! The subject...
2018-01-09
299 reads
SQL Homework – January 2017 – Inspect an Execution Plan
It’s a new year and yet education never ends. So this month let’s take a look at an important part...
2018-01-10 (first published: 2018-01-03)
2,490 reads
What is impersonation for?
I was doing some research on impersonation the other day, and among other things, I ran across a forum question...
2017-12-27
796 reads
Making music with Powershell
Happy holidays everyone! Ok, this isn’t even remotely related to SQL Server but it sounded fun. I found someone playing...
2017-12-20
958 reads
When do usernames and passwords belong in connection strings
tl;dr: When using a windows or active directory authenticated id you do not put the username or password into your...
2017-12-18
701 reads
How to: Create an Azure VM with SQL Server using a default template
One of the really cool things about the cloud is how quickly you can spin up a new machine to...
2017-12-14
525 reads
T-SQL Tuesday #97 – Setting learning goals for 2018
T-SQL Tuesday. Each month a different blogger hosts Adam Machanic’s (b/t) blog party. The host comes up with a topic...
2018-01-01 (first published: 2017-12-12)
1,691 reads
Restrict the usage of a SQL Server Authenticated Application Id
SQL Server login ids may not be the most secure thing in the world but they are likely to be...
2017-12-18 (first published: 2017-12-06)
1,721 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