Using Pipeline Return Value in Azure Data Factory and Azure Synapse Analytics
Learn how you can return data from one ADF pipeline for use in another.
Normalize strings to optimize space and searches
While this article is specifically geared to SQL Server, the concepts apply to any relational database platform. The Stack Exchange network logs a lot of web traffic – even compressed, we average well over a terabyte per month.
Why Database Discussions Have Moved From the Backroom to the Boardroom
There are good reasons why business leaders should care about their databases—and hidden costs for neglecting them. Our CMO, Kate Duggan, wrote about the risks and potential costs in this article on Bloomberg.
Batch Execution Mode on a Rowstore in SQL Server 2022
Batch execution mode is a new optimization feature in SQL Server. In this Article, we'll explore how Batch execution mode works and how you can use it to get faster query results on Rowstore data.
Degree Apprenticeships
Training more people on the job, while still allowing them to continue their education is something Steve thinks would help more people get started in technology.
Improve Query Performance when SQL Server Ignores Nonclustered Index
In this article, we look at why SQL Server may not use a non-clustered index over the clustered index and what you can do to improve performance.
Mastering a cloud migration: 10 video tips
If you haven’t had time to catch up on our latest full-length webinar on Cloud Migration, here’s an easy way to digest the tips from our experts in less than 20 minutes!
Learning with Sample Data
I just had my one-year anniversary working for Redgate, and I must tell you, it’s been one of the best years of my professional career of 25 years. People aside (and there are a lot of really great people!), one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed this year so much is that Redgate understands and believes […]
Be Valuable, Not Critical
One piece of advice for engineers is to be valuable, but not critical. It's a mistake Steve made early in his career, but he hopes you can do better.
First Normal Form Gets No Respect
Dr. Codd first described the relational model in a paper in Communications of the ACM (CACM 13 No 6; June 1970). Some more work followed up after that by other people, giving us normal forms and other things we have taken for granted for 50+ years.
Blogs
Learning from Mistakes: T-SQL Tuesday #194
By Steve Jones
We’re a week late, once again my fault. I was still coming out of...
Stupid Things I Did With AI: ASCII Art
By Steve Jones
I ran across this article recently (https://www.gatesnotes.com/meet-bill/source-code/reader/microsoft-original-source-code) and it has a great opening piece...
Simple Talks Podcasting in 2026
By Steve Jones
I’m in the UK today, having arrived this morning in London. Hopefully, by this...
Forums
Learning From Breakage
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Learning From Breakage
Python in Action to Auto-Generate an Optimized PostgreSQL Index Strategy
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Python in Action to Auto-Generate...
Adding and Dropping Columns I
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Adding and Dropping Columns I
Question of the Day
Adding and Dropping Columns I
I have this table in my SQL Server 2022 database:
CREATE TABLE [dbo].[CityList] ( [CityNameID] [int] NOT NULL IDENTITY(1, 1), [CityName] [varchar] (30) COLLATE SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS NULL ) ON [PRIMARY] GOI decide to add two new columns for the StateProvince and Country. What code should I use? See possible answers