T-SQL: Why “It Depends”
Why does everyone use "it depends" as an answer to many T-SQL questions? Bob Hovious brings us a short example of how performance can change based on data loads for the same code.
An overview of Master Data Services - MDS in SQL Server 2008 R2
With Master Data Services, IT organizations can centrally manage critical data assets companywide.
Solving All Versus (Select All) SSRS End User Confusion
When developing reports that use Analysis Services as a data source end user can sometimes be confused about some of...
Beginning T-SQL 2008 - Book Review
A book review of a new T-SQL book for SQL Server 2008, written by longtime SQLServerCentral author and MVP, Kathi Kellenburger.
Database Documentation: Joining up the Dots
This week, a guest editorial from Phil Factor on how SQL Server database documentation falls woefully short of what is required and expected by most development teams.
Denormalization Strategies
In building a database, typically we want a well normalized design. However there are cases for considering options for denormalization in complex systems. Timothy Claason gives you some thoughts on the subject.
SQL Server Central launches online training for SQL Server Developers, DBA’s, and Analyst’s
Build your SQL Server skills without leaving your desk.
The Corporate Borg
A new type of application looks to collate and integrate knowledge from workers all around a company. Steve Jones is reminded of the Borg for today's editorial and says it might be good for data professionals.
SQL Server 2008 Audit Change Group
Auditing your SQL Server instances has become more of a concern these days. SQL Server 2008 introduced a new feature named SQL Server Audit. Enabling this feature can be done in just a few simple steps, but so could disabling this feature. And when it comes to audits, many times you are asked to provide proof that the audit itself has not been tampered with.
Friday Afternoon
This Friday's poll asks when types of distractions you might like to have at work that would let you recharge. Answer and let everyone else know what would help you enjoy your job more.
Blogs
Advice I Like: Respect
By Steve Jones
“Don’t aim to have others like you; aim to have them respect you.” –...
Blue Sky Programming – The Optimism Trap
Many years ago, before I joined Oracle, I was working on a major modernisation...
Setting Up a Mac for Data Engineering and AI Work
If you work with data pipelines, SQL, notebooks, or machine learning models, a Mac...
Forums
SQL Art, Part 4: Happy 4th of July — A British DBA's Guide to Celebrating a War We Don't Talk About
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SQL Art, Part 4: Happy...
SQL Server Still Wins
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SQL Server Still Wins
DBCC CHECKDB Limits I
Comments posted to this topic are about the item DBCC CHECKDB Limits I
Question of the Day
DBCC CHECKDB Limits I
When running DBCC CHECKDB on SQL Server 2025, can I include the Resource Database?
See possible answers