Data Quality
Today we have an editorial reprinted from Dec 12, 2005 as Steve is on vacation. Steve talks about the hassles of poor data quality and why it can hurt a business.
Understanding Indexes
This article contains an introduction to SQL Server indexes and how they are used in your queries.
SQL Server: Natural Key Versus Surrogate Key
When designing a database to support applications you need to consider how you are going to handle primary keys. This article explores natural and surrogate keys, and discusses the pros and cons of each, allowing you to determine what makes the best sense in your environment when you are designing your databases.
Windows Instant File Initialization and SQL Server
One Windows setting that I think is extremely important for SQL Server usage is the “Perform volume maintenance tasks” right,...
A Variety of Interpretations
This week was T-SQL Tuesday week, the brainchild of Adam Machanic, and hosted by Pat Wright. The theme of Automation produced some very interesting posts. Some of them might inspire you to change the way you tackle the solutions for a variety of problems.
An In-Depth Examination of Red Gate SQL Monitor
A review of SQL Monitor, the new DBA utility from Red Gate Software that can help you keep an eye on what your SQL Server instances are doing.
Careful Blogging
Today we have a reprint of an editorial from Sept 22, 2005. In this one, Steve Jones reminds you that blogging is a public event and you want to be careful about what you write.
Avoid External Dependencies in SQL Server Triggers
I sometimes want to perform auditing or other actions in a trigger based on some criteria. More specifically, there are a few cases that may warrant an e-mail; for example, if a web sale takes place that requires custom or overnight shipping and handling. It is tempting to just add code to the trigger that sends an e-mail when these criteria are met. But this can be problematic for two reasons: (1) your users are waiting for that processing to occur, and (2) if you can't send the e-mail, how do you decide whether or not to roll back the transaction, and how do you bring the problem to the attention of the administrator?
SQL Saturday #47 - Phoenix
Come learn about SQL Server in Phoenix on Feb 19, 2011. For free! Spread the word to anyone you know in the area.
Most Work is Mundane
Today we have a guest editorial from Andy Warren. Work can seem mundane and tedious at times, and today Andy asks you you remain engaged when the work isn't exciting.
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
Backup Availability Group
Please I am hoping for some feedback Specifications: Windows Server 2022 SQL Server 2022...
How Do the Experts Become Experts?
Comments posted to this topic are about the item How Do the Experts Become...
Stairway to Reliable Database Deployments Level 4 – Preparing for Production Deployment
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Stairway to Reliable Database Deployments...
Question of the Day
Secure Communications
As of June 2026, what is the best version of TLS to use with SQL Server?
See possible answers