Deleting large number of rows from a table in a VLDB
For enterprise systems, purging data is a reality. Today, we will see some strategies that I recently implemented to make this process work efficiently.
Brent Ozar's Six Scary SQL Surprises
In lesson 3 of the Top 5 Hard-earned Lessons of a DBA series, Brent Ozar exposes six common but scary surprises that can lurk behind the façade of SSMS. Read it now, and learn hard lessons the easy way.
Using the SQL Server MERGE Statement to Process Type 2 Slowly Changing Dimensions
The MERGE statement is powerful and multifunctional, yet it can be hard to master. SOmetimes the MERGE statement that just doesn't do what it's needed to do, like process a Type 2 slowly-changing dimension. Check out this tip to learn more.
Data Insecurity: A Perspective on Data Encryption
The focus of this paper is on the protection of PII data stored within a database using encryption technologies.
Productivity and Accountability
The recent decision by Yahoo to end telecommuting elicits some comments from Steve Jones on the topic of remote work.
Securing SQL Server: Vulnerabilities You Might Not Have Considered
A short look at the vulnerabilities your data may be susceptible to outside of the database tables.
A SQL-Based Universal Currency Formatter
SQL Server isn't usually the best place to format dates or currency as strings. It can be a complex task to conform correctly with national and cultural conventions. Just occasionally, though, you need to do it. This is easy in SQL Server 2012, but if you aren't using that, what do you do?
Two Plugs Away
The culture and practices at Valve are interesting to Steve Jones, but the desks really caught his eye.
SQL Saturday #194 - Exeter
A day of SQL Server training in the UK on Mar 9, 2013. Sign up if you can come.
Blogs
Databases and AI Agents
By Arun Sirpal
As part of my wider work exploring Claude Code and AI-assisted database engineering, I...
Creating a Pulsing Conducting Baton - Part 1
By Bert Wagner
Train Wreck The last time I watched a high school band nearly fall apart mid-performance...
ISACA AI Material/Exam Prep Discount (May 18 – June 30, 2026)
By Brian Kelley
If you are considering any of the ISACA AI certs like the Advanced Artificial...
Forums
Why Your Index Isn't Being Used? - Reading Execution Plans to Find the Real Culprit
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Why Your Index Isn't Being...
Distance Metric Algorithms
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Distance Metric Algorithms
What Can AI Really Do?
Comments posted to this topic are about the item What Can AI Really Do?
Question of the Day
Distance Metric Algorithms
What are the distance metric algorithms that can be used in VECTOR_DISTANCE()?
See possible answers