Moving Database Files Detach/Attach or ALTER DATABASE?
Learn why ALTER DATABASE should be preferred over Detach/Attach for moving database files on the same SQL Server from MVP Jonathan Kehayias.
Mission Critical: SQL Server Upgrade
You're faced with the task of doing a SQL Server Upgrade? Do you know all the steps, and the right order to do them? You do? Even with interruptions and distractions? Maybe, but it is wise to be able to refer to the Mission-Critical Task checklist.
Setting up your own free Virtualized test environment
If you need to test new software, configurations, patches or operating systems, a virtual machine saves time, risk and hardware. You can set up a virtual test environment for free with some products such as VMware Server 2. All you need is a simple set of instructions about how to set it up; and here it is, thanks to Sean Duffy.
Community Direction
Steve Jones wishes that Microsoft had a way for the community to give better feedback about what we see as a priority in the next version of SQL Server.
Fun with business days, calendar tables, and test-driven development
We shall discuss how to
build a calendar table, and use it in calculations involving business days
Configuring Proactive Caching in SQL Server
Proactive caching helps DBAs to better control the cube data automatic refresh frequency, offering near real-time data for reports. This article covers the settings for HOLAP and ROLAP, and configuring proactive caching.
What Do We Need in SQL Server?
Steve Jones asks us today about what we might like to see in the next few versions of SQL Server.
Renaming SQL Server Policy-Based Management Policies
I have created several policies using Policy-Based Management and need to rename some of them. I don’t see an option in the GUI to rename a Policy. Is there any way I can rename them without dropping and recreating them?
Five Things I Learned at the PASS Summit
Steve Jones has attended the PASS Summit almost every year, and in that time he's learned a few things. He shares a few today that might convince you or your boss that it's worth funding the trip this year.
fn_fixeddrives() : an alternative for xp_fixeddrives
The idea is to create a SQLCLR table valued function that returns all information on drives in a UNIX df-like style.
Blogs
Houston AI-Lytics 2026–Powerpoint Slides
By Steve Jones
Thanks to everyone for attending my session on running a Local LLM. If you...
The Book of Redgate: Do the Right Things
By Steve Jones
I do believe that Redgate has been very customer focused since it’s inception. I’ve...
GenAI vs Dashboards: Not the Same (And Never Will Be)
By James Serra
There’s a question I’ve been hearing more and more lately, especially as Copilot, Fabric,...
Forums
T-SQL in SQL Server 2025: JSON_ARRAYAGG
Comments posted to this topic are about the item T-SQL in SQL Server 2025:...
Spring Connections and Learning at PASS On Tour
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Spring Connections and Learning at...
Multiple Sequence Values
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Multiple Sequence Values
Question of the Day
Multiple Sequence Values
How do I easily get the next 12 sequence values from a sequence object?
See possible answers