Simplify Large Queries with Temporary Tables, Table Variables and CTEs

This article demonstrates how to manage the development of complex queries by building them in stages with temporary tables, table variables and common table expressions.

Hidden RBAR: Counting with Recursive CTE's

"Counting" is essential to many high performance code techniques. SQL Server MVP, Jeff Moden, shows us how to make sure that we're "Counting" and not "Crippling" our trick-code.

IsNumeric with NULL and Empty String

Exists

Precedence

That case filter

Questions About SQL Server Distribution Statistics

Fabiano Amorim was asked a couple of questions about SQL Server Distribution Statistics. Having given an answer based on his current knowledge, he then decided to find out for himself whether what he'd said was right, and started an epic journey of exploration into Distribution Statistics and the way that the Query Optimiser uses them.

Questions About SQL Server Distribution Statistics

Fabiano Amorim was asked a couple of questions about SQL Server Distribution Statistics. Having given an answer based on his current knowledge, he then decided to find out for himself whether what he'd said was right, and started an epic journey of exploration into Distribution Statistics and the way that the Query Optimiser uses them.

In-CASE you need to SUM...

How to develop TSQL Code

The basic texts for developing SQL code tend to leave unsaid the basic techniques for building routines such as stored procedures in TSQL. Phil Factor is well-known for his more lengthy and complex stored procedures, so we asked him to explain in more detail how he goes about developing things without the comfort of Visual Studio.