Escaping Like I

The Lesser Used Functions

There have been a number of changes to the T-SQL language that are very specialized. Steve asks if you use any in your code?

SQL Server OPTION RECOMPILE for Simple Queries

Learn about SQL Server OPTION RECOMPILE and if used on simple, frequently executed queries if it causes excessive CPU usage.

The Funny Dynamic SQL

Why a Self-Join Requires Halloween Protection

I was asked recently why Halloween Protection was needed for data modification statements that include a self-join of the target table. This gives me a chance to explain, while also covering some interesting product bug history from the SQL Server 7 and 2000 days.

Function Defaults

The Random Rows

Getting ANY of the data

Subqueries II

Calculate a Moving Average with T-SQL Windowing Functions

Learn how to create a moving average in SQL Server using older and less performant T-SQL and a modern way using windowing functions.