Raw Materials - Decisions, Decisions
Centuries ago, the philosopher Leibniz had a dream that all decisions could be made by machine. Today, his vision comes to life, more or less.
Using bit columns with NULLs when three options exist in SQL Server
Frequently surveys ask yes/no questions and use a bit datatype. What are the effects of allowing this column to be NULL in a SQL Server table? Check out this tip to learn more.
Stairway to T-SQL DML Level 7: Summarizing Data Using a Simple GROUP BY Clause
In this article you will be see how to group data using the simple GROUP BY clause, in order to summarize more complex data.
Truth and Demos
Today Steve Jones reminds us that we are all selling something in technology, even if it's our reputation. We ought to be truthful in our dealings with our clients.
XML-XSL Transformations in SQL Server
With the release of Master Data Services (MDS) for SQL Server 2008R2, it is now possible to perform XML transformations on the database server.
When to Break Down Complex Queries
Microsoft SQL Server is able to create very efficient query plans in most cases. However, there are certain query patterns that can cause problems for the query optimizer; this article describes four of these patterns.
Cloud Patches
The cloud changes the way that we can administer and deploy changes to our systems. Steve Jones highlights an interesting idea, and hopes we get similar techniques applied to databases in the cloud.
Managing Transaction Logs
A great article that should answer all your questions about the transaction log from MVP Gail Shaw. A must read for all DBAs.
The XML Methods in SQL Server
The XML Data type has definite uses, but the way of interrogating, retrieving, and manipulating the values of properties and attributes within XML have been so foreign to the SQL language as to be somewhat of a barrier to their use. Fortunately, Robert Sheldon has once more managed to make the subject accessible to those of us who just need to get the job done.
Blogs
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...
A Fabric solution can be very cost effective
By ChrisJenkins
Are you currently using Microsoft Fabric or considering migrating to it? If so, there...
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