Procedural, Semi-Procedural and Declarative Programming in SQL

A lot of the time, the key to making SQL databases perform well is to take a break from the keyboard and rethink the way of approaching the problem; and rethinking in terms of a set-based declarative approach. Joe takes a simple discussion abut a problem with a UDF to illustrate the point that ingrained procedural reflexes can often prevent us from seeing simpler set-based techniques.

SSRS – KPIs without Analysis Services

During a recent project I was asked if it was possible to simulate Key Performance Indicator (KPI) images in SQL...

Converting Access Queries with iff() and DLookup() to SQL Server

This article gives a description of the iff() and DLookup() functions in Access 2007, and a method to converting them to SQL.

Taking Advantage of SQL Server Tools

How many of you are taking full advantage of SQL Server tools? Brad McGehee thinks the answer is "Surprisingly few", and suggests you take the time to learn, and eventually master, the tools which already come with SQL Server.

Too Tipsy To Work

We all need time to relax and unwind, but what happens if that time is interrupted by a work call? Should you respond? Steve Jones reminds us that you can say no if you are not prepared to work.

Database Activity Monitoring Part 1 - An Introduction

We are inundated with new technologies and products designed to help make our organisations safe from hackers and other malcontents. One technology that has gained ground over the past few years is database activity monitoring. It makes sense to protect valuable databases, and by adding an intelligent monitor capable of sniffing out threats an additional level of protection can be gained.

But what is database activity monitoring and why should you care?

TSQL Challenge 25 - Appointments and Recurring Schedules

The task is to look at the appointments and the recurrence of schedules to come up with a list of meetings for a given period.

Using Database Transactions across multiple SSIS Tasks

If you experiment at all with transactions that are built into SSIS you will discover that they are highly flawed. ...

SQL Server 2008 T-SQL Enhancements Part - I

SQL Server 2008 has a number of enhancements over 2005 that make it a more capable platform. New author Arshad Ali brings us an overview and some code about a few T-SQL changes.

SQLSaturday Bloopers

Traveling to Charlotte, NC for SQL Saturday #33, Steve Jones takes a break from writing with a short piece, and quite a few mistakes from this year.