Using Ranking Functions to Deduplicate Data
This article from Andrew Riley will show you how you can use the RANK and ROW_NUMBER Ranking Functions to deduplicate data in SQL Server 2005
Dynamic Data Driven Variable Hierarchical Structures in SQL
This article describes data driven variable structure generation in SQL. The controlling data can be located higher up on the hierarchical pathway or can be located further down on the pathway producing a look-ahead operation. Multiple pathways can independently produce dynamic data driven structures and these dynamic structures can be nested allowing a very flexible and powerful dynamic automatic data structure generation capability. These different controls of structure generation can be combined.
Instant File Initialization Speeds SQL Server
Sometimes, its just the smallest of details that can make all the difference. For example, on my test system (see...
Issues with running DBCC SHRINKFILE on your data files
Why would database performance remain low and fragmentation high event though the entire database has been defragmented every night? In this tip we cover how SHRINKFILE works and some of the issues it might create.
Data Distribution - Part 1
The start of a new series from Leo Peysakhovich that looks at some of the issues with moving data around between systems and ensuring that it is in sync between them.
Software Vendor Security
This week Steve Jones finds some issues with the security of third party vendor software.
Thinking Time
It's important to have time to think, but quite often we don't find the time. Steve Jones comments on how he's learned just how valuable this can be.
Top Ten Reasons to Attend the 2010 PASS Community Summit
There are some good reasons to think about attending the 2010 PASS Community Summit.
TSQL Challenge 35 - Find the total number of 'Full Attendees' in 24HOP
This challenge has a (fake) reference to the 24 Hours of PASS event and your task is to count the number of attendees who watched the complete presentation of each speaker.
SQL Server CRUD-Generation from System Views
If you are not keen on repetitive typing, you can still rapidly produce production-quality documented code by planning ahead and using Extended properties, and system views. Phil Factor explains, with some Scary SQL
Blogs
Moving On-Prem PostgreSQL to the Cloud: Picking the Right Path for Big Tables
Every PostgreSQL migration eventually hits the same fork in the road. The database is...
A Spread of Vacation
By Steve Jones
I’m off on vacation today. Which is a little weird as I just got...
How AgentDBA Identifies Backup Failures
By Arun Sirpal
Every DBA has a box like this. Sitting untouched for months. Nobody’s proud of...
Forums
From SQL Server On-Premises to Claude Desktop: How I built a Full MCP Pipeline
Comments posted to this topic are about the item From SQL Server On-Premises to...
Independence Day 2026
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Independence Day 2026
Independence Day 2026
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Independence Day 2026
Question of the Day
Independence Day 2026
In the original Independence Day movie (1996), what type of computer did Jeff Goldblum use to connect to the alien mainframe? Take a guess, don't look it up or ask AI.
See possible answers