Extended Events: Avoid the XML
One story I hear over and over goes like this: I tried setting up Extended Events, but then I saw the output was XML so I stopped. Look, I...
2021-04-08 (first published: 2021-03-29)
367 reads
The Scary DBA
Query Store as an Upgrade Tool
There are a lot of uses for Query Store, but one of the most interesting is as an upgrade tool. We all know that upgrades in SQL Server can...
2021-03-29 (first published: 2021-03-22)
312 reads
Apologies
Hello all! I wanted to apologize to you. I haven’t been keeping up with the blog well at all over the last couple of months. I have simply been...
2021-03-15
27 reads
Learning A Little Oracle
As part of my job, I’ve been tasked with doing some of my work in Oracle, so I’m learning Oracle. Allow me to share a little of my pain...
2021-02-19 (first published: 2021-02-15)
333 reads
SELECT * Hurts Performance, Badly
Quite a few years ago, I wrote a post about SELECT * and performance. That post had a bit of a click-bait title (freely admitted). I wrote the post...
2021-02-01 (first published: 2021-01-25)
693 reads
Getting Started Reading Execution Plans: Highest Cost Operator
Reading execution plans in SQL Server is just hard. There’s a lot to learn and understand. I previously outlined the basics I use to get started when I’m looking...
2020-12-22 (first published: 2020-12-14)
656 reads
Why Aren’t You Automating Database Deployments?
Building out processes and mechanisms for automated code deployments and testing can be quite a lot of work and isn’t easy. Now, try the same thing with data, and...
2020-12-03 (first published: 2020-11-23)
520 reads
The Learning Curve for DevOps
If you’re attempting to implement automation in and around your deployments, you’re going to find there is quite a steep learning curve for DevOps and DevOps-style implementations. Since adopting...
2020-11-25 (first published: 2020-11-16)
269 reads
Database Fundamentals #29: Create Foreign Keys With Table Designer
The purpose of a foreign key is to ensure data integrity by making sure that data added to a child table actually exists in the parent table and preventing...
2020-11-09 (first published: 2020-11-02)
258 reads
Most Costly Statement in a Stored Procedure
A lot of stored procedures have multiple statements and determining the most costly statement in a given proc is a very common task. After all, you want to focus...
2020-10-19 (first published: 2020-10-12)
889 reads
Blogs
Query Intelligence in SQL Server 2025: What Developers Need to Know
By Chris Yates
When Microsoft announced SQL Server 2025, I was curious about what would truly change...
Finding and Killing Blockers with Redgate AI Tech
By Steve Jones
Redgate has a research arm, called the Foundry, that has been experimenting with AIs...
Back at Small Data SF in 2025
By Steve Jones
Today I’m in San Francisco at Small Data SF 2025. I went to the...
Forums
Large posts full of code not allowed anymore?
Several times now, I've seen a post asking for a solution. I've replied, and...
Data > Hype
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Data > Hype
Create and Read the Analysis Services Flight Recorder
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Create and Read the Analysis...
Question of the Day
Slipstream parameters
What parameters are needed to enable a slipstream installation for setup.exe (SQL Server setup)?
See possible answers