It is possible though that the backup has more than one database inside of it. You can query the file to find out if there's an issue.

Sounds like you want to find the rows where a column (or columns) actually have data, meaning, they're NOT NULL. If that's what you're looking for, then that's the phrase...

I see nothing wrong with such a DDL trigger to detect when a new database was created... but I wouldn't rely on it to make sure backups are performed. ...

Much better would have been to create an SSMS server group(s) with all the relevant servers in it(them), then fire off the script for a given server group(s) whenever...

That's a great story, Grant, and I 100% agree that's was an appropriate use of PowerShell.  The question is, would you have been comfortable in letting someone who didn't...

This!

You're not going to be able to get around the need for a lock to perform DDL. No matter what. Again, it sounds like architecture is more of the problem....

Total agreement with everyone else that you should be spotting when new databases are created. However, it's entirely possible to create a backup script (or use Minion or Ola Hollengren's...

How often are you adding columns to this table? If it's frequent, it sounds like you'd benefit from normalization. Actually, it sounds like you'd benefit from normalization a lot.

Quick story.

When I was first learning Powershell, it happened to coincide with a data center move. We were going to physically move our data center between builds. Loads of planning...

Honestly not sure of the titles now. The one I read, about 10 years ago, was PowerShell TFM (and yeah, that means what you think). Not sure if he's maintained...

Oh do learn Powershell. Don Jones is who I learned from. I can heartily recommend him. Great person. Great teacher.

In general, what you're doing here is attempting to treat SQL like it's a regular, functional, or object oriented language. It's not. SQL is declarative. Don't attempt to control the...

The pluralsight stuff is on demand, so you could still pursue it.

Another plug for the Accidental DBA book. It's a little long in the tooth, but the info in it...

Probably the stuff produced by the SQLSkills team for Pluralsight would be worth checking out. Not sure of the cost. I just know I trust the source. Otherwise, there...