The End of SQL Server 2019
Steve has a few thoughts after the end of mainstream support for SQL Server 2019.
2025-03-26
1,718 reads
Patching
How Do You Patch 100 Database Servers?
The challenges of managing lots of system are significant and there aren't easy solutions, but Steve has a few thoughts on what you can do.
2024-11-18
302 reads
2024-05-29
327 reads
The Case for Patching
Recently I was testing a feature in SQL Server on 2017 and 2019. There was supposed to be an improvement across versions, but I didn't see it. Then I realized that I was on SQL Server 2019 CU 2 on my laptop, and the current CU is 17. I took a few minutes to download […]
2022-08-20
192 reads
A New SQL Server Vulnerability
A new vulnerability for SQL Server is covered by a number of patches this week.
2022-06-18
770 reads
The Challenge of Edge Security
We will see databases deployed on the edge, and we will need strong security patches.
2021-12-20
333 reads
The Last SQL Server Service Pack
SQL Server 2016 SP3, the last service pack ever is out. Steve comments on how the world of software patches has changed.
2021-10-08
576 reads
Patching Challenges
Having a patching strategy for your systems is important, and Steve notes that you ought to be organized and allow for some flexibility when designing one.
2021-06-30
373 reads
2021-04-10
150 reads
SQL Server Database engine patching
This script can install Service pack, security patch and Cumulative update on SQL instance(Database Engine).
2020-05-26 (first published: 2020-05-19)
1,875 reads
Blogs
T-SQL Tuesday #203: Risk and Reward
By Steve Jones
This is timely, as I’m currently on a boat in the Adriatic taking a...
dataMinds Connect 2026 – Slides & Scripts
You can find the slides and SQL scripts for my session “Spice up your...
How to Clear the SSMS Cache (SSMS 21 and Later)
By SQLPals
How to Clear the SSMS Cache (SSMS 21 and Later) Updated...
Forums
Using CHOOSE()
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Using CHOOSE()
Re-Seeding a Broken Log Shipping Secondary (Without Touching the Primary)
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Re-Seeding a Broken Log Shipping...
The DBA is Dead! Long Live the !
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The DBA is Dead! Long...
Question of the Day
Using CHOOSE()
We have this code that sets some status values and then queries them using the CHOOSE() function in SQL Server 2025.
CREATE TABLE Status
(
StatusID INT,
StatusDescription VARCHAR(20)
);
GO
INSERT dbo.Status
(
StatusID,
StatusDescription
)
VALUES
(0, 'Uncategorized'),
(1, 'Active'),
(2, 'Inactive'),
(3, 'Temp');
GO
SELECT CHOOSE(StatusID, 'Unknown', 'Active', 'Inactive', 'Temporary')
FROM Status;
When the SELECT runs, what is returned? See possible answers