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.
Day Zero with PowerShell
Learn how to get setup with PowerShell and SQLPSX from MVP Aaron Nelson, one of the experts teaching us how to use Powershell for SQL Server.
Blogs
Database AI Agents: The Read-Only Rule
By Arun Sirpal
Fourth in a series on Ai and databases. What Read-Only Advisory Actually Means A...
Creating a SQL Stored Procedure to Load a SCD2
By DataOnWheels
This is a blog that I am writing for future me and hopefully it’ll...
Funny Money: #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
While wandering around the documentation looking for some Question of the Day topics, I...
Forums
Pro SQL Server Internals
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Pro SQL Server Internals
SQL ART: Who's Blocking Who? Visualising SQL Server Blocking With Spatial Geometry
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SQL ART: Who's Blocking Who?...
Running SQLCMD II
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Running SQLCMD II
Question of the Day
Running SQLCMD II
I run this command to start SQLCMD:
sqlcmd -S localhost -E -c "proceed"At the prompt, I type this (the 1> and 2> are prompts):
1> select @@version 2> goWhat happens? See possible answers