One line to drop a (temp) table if it exists

It is very common to want to drop a table, if it exists, before creating it. This script does so, and it works well with temp tables (where the system views are harder to query).

Conversion

SqlCredit – Part 19: Exploring SQL 2005’s Ranking Functions – RANK() and DENSE_RANK()

Part 19 digs deep into two of SQL 2005's ranking functions: RANK() and DENSE_RANK(). It includes performance considerations and using CTEs to avoid table variables.

timestamp vs timestamp

Data extrapolation on the fly

Sometimes we need to generate the data based on a given date, to an end date (data extrapolation).
This is a easy way to do that without any temporary storage.

Faking Arrays in Transact SQL

It is a simple routine that we all need to use occasionally; parsing a delimited list of strings in TSQL. In a perfect relational world, it isn't necessary, but real-world data often comes in a form that requires one of the surprising variety of routines that Anith Sen describes, along with sage advice about their use.

Accessing and changing data 2008

Yet Another Pad Utility

A useful user defined function for padding values from the left or right with any token, number, or character.

ANSI PADDING, Trailing Whitespace, and Variable Character Columns

What does ANSI_PADDING mean and how does it affect my SQL Server database?

What is the result ? (SQLServer 2005)