Do You Need A Safe Word?
A hacker breaches security by gaining control of an executive's email account. Does that mean that we should consider adding another level of authentication to privileged requests?
SQL Server random numerics data generation using CLR
You need to generate random data directly into SQL Server table columns or close to the database engine as variables or expressions. Looking at the SQL Server available functions, you notice that only RAND function offers support for random data generation. Although RAND([seed]) is a built-in function, it can only return a float value between 0 and 1, and has other limitations in regards to seed values. Because your table columns may be of various data types, and each data type may have a lower value and an upper value, you would prefer to create your custom random data generators. This is when SQL Server CLR functions come into play and provide a viable solution.
Naturally Increasing Data Value with Hierarchical Structures
Hierarchical structures have an inherent ability for significant data value increases beyond the data collected. This will be shown to exist in hierarchical structures and even more powerfully in their natural hierarchical processing capabilities. These will demonstrate flexible and efficient ways to increase data value automatically and will be discussed in this article. SQL will be used to perform a wide range of hierarchical processing operations that easily demonstrate these increasing data value capabilities.
SQL Bits VIII
SQL Bits 8 will be in Brighton in the UK on April 7th-9th. There are paid full days of training as well as a free day on Saturday. Register now for the premier SQL Server event in the UK.
SQL Server Crossword #3
To mark my 30th Birthday today, as promised here’s a SQL Server Crossword for you to enjoy. You can find the previous...
Extracting Extended Properties
In this second article of a short series we look at using the Extended Properties which you have added to a database
SQL Server Central Webinar Series #8 - Source Control: Step One for Database Lifecycle Management
Join MVP Andy Leonard and Steve Jones in this webinar where you will learn how to get better control over your code and maintain versions using source control.
The Business - Part 2
Today we have a guest editorial by Andy Warren. This one continues the thought of how you relate to the rest of your company, or "the business" as is it often known.
Primary Keys – why accept the defaults.
G’day,
When I design a table in SQL SERVER, I like to have a reasonable understanding of how the table will...
Using Dynamic SQL in Stored Procedures
Dynamic SQL allows stored procedures to “write” or dynamically generate their SQL statements. The most common use case for dynamic SQL is stored procedures with optional parameters in the WHERE clause. These are typically called from reports or screens that have multiple, optional search criteria. This article describes how to write these types of stored procedures so they execute well and resist SQL injection attacks.
Blogs
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...
Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log
By SQLPals
Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log If you...
Forums
We Are Eating Our Own Seed Corn
Comments posted to this topic are about the item We Are Eating Our Own...
Before Using AI with Business Data, Read This
Artificial intelligence tools are quickly becoming part of daily business operations, from document analysis...
Designing SQL Server ETL Pipelines That Don't Break at Scale
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Designing SQL Server ETL Pipelines...
Question of the Day
Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
In the Database Engine, when a deadlock is detected, what does the detection interval shrink to (in time)?
See possible answers