2017-10-23
1,127 reads
T-SQL
Simple SQL: Random Thoughts
How does one get a truly random sample of data of a certain size from a SQL Server database table. Well, there are simple non-portable tricks one can use, such as the NewID() function, but then refining those can be tricky. Take the Rand() function for a start. Can it really provide you with a truly random number? Why doesn't the TABLESAMPLE clause give you a set number of rows? Joe Celko scratches his head a bit, explains some of the issues and invites some suggestions and tricks from readers.
2017-10-19
3,623 reads
2017-10-06
1,111 reads
The Basics of Good T-SQL Coding Style – Part 4: Performance
There are several obvious problems with poor SQL Coding habits. It can make code difficult to maintain, or can confuse your team colleagues. It can make refactoring a chore or make testing difficult. The most serious problem is poor performance. You can write SQL that looks beautiful but performs sluggishly, or interferes with other threads. A busy database developer adopts good habits so as to avoid staring at execution plans. Rob Sheldon gives some examples.
2017-10-05
6,056 reads
2017-09-29
1,046 reads
2017-09-26
1,193 reads
When sp_HelpText is not so helpful!
A note of caution on the use of sp_helptext to script out objects.
2017-09-25
2,770 reads
2017-09-22
1,141 reads
2017-09-21
932 reads
2017-09-18
1,174 reads
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Question of the Day
String Similarity I
On SQL Server 2025, when I run this, what is returned?
SELECT EDIT_DISTANCE_SIMILARITY('SQL Server', 'MySQL') See possible answers