Indexes Out the Window
I ran into a peculiarly puzzling situation with a query I have been tuning of late. The query runs some...
Performance Analysis Using SQL Server 2008 Activity Monitor Tool
While looking through the new features and improvements in SQL Server 2008 Management Studio (SSMS) we found a potentially interesting one called Activity Monitor. Database developers and Database Administrators can use Activity Monitor to get a quick overview of an SQL Server 2008 system performance. Can you give us a detailed explanation of how we go about using Activity Monitor?
Celko's SQL Stumper: The Class Scheduling Problem
What can we use in SQL instead of E. F. Codd's T theta operators for best-fit? Joe Celko returns with another puzzle that isn't new, in fact it already features “Swedish”, “Croatian” and “Colombian” solutions in chapter 17 of Joe's 'SQL for Smarties' book. These were all written before CTEs or the new WINDOW functions. Is there now a better solution? Was there one even then? We leave it to the readers to provide the answer!
Fast normalization of a denormalized data source, using surrogate IDs
A cursor-free way of normalizing data from a denormalized data source into a database which uses "surrogate" IDs.
Keeping up with Technology
Phil Factor believes that we have become so immersed in the idea that administrators or accountants can run technical enterprises, unaided, that we are in danger of forgetting the vital creative contribution of the technologist.
We'll go no more a' tibbling
Phil Factor points out the limitations and irritations of Hungarian Notation.
Top 10 Features of SQL 2008 R2
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 introduces a number of interesting new features for both DBAs and developers alike. Read on to learn our top 10 favorites.
Forgetful Databases
Chris Massey gives a speedy book review, discusses the erosion of data privacy in the so-called Digital Age, and considers the implications for DBAs of a possible solution.
Free Tools for the SQL Server DBA Part 2
After a very popular first article on tools for the DBA, David Bird is back with a list of some utilities you might find very handy for working with SQL Server.
Self-Service BI with PowerPivot for Excel 2010
Thiago kicks off a new series of articles, taking us through everything we need to know to use PowerPivot effectively. First off, he walks us through the prerequisites, and getting started with our first basic data set.
Blogs
PostgreSQL Support in the Data API Builder
By Steve Jones
Next week I’m at VS Live in San Diego (register and join me) and...
Ten Years of PowerShell
Ten years ago today, I filmed a Pluralsight Play by Play on open source...
T-SQL Tuesday #202: 100 Hours
By Steve Jones
It’s time for T-SQL Tuesday again and this is a great prompt to start...
Forums
Stored Procedures for Server-Level Object and Column Search
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Stored Procedures for Server-Level Object...
Databricks Genie Spaces for SQL Analysts: Natural Language Querying Without Leaving Your Data Platform
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Databricks Genie Spaces for SQL...
The Costs of Multiple Platforms
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Costs of Multiple Platforms
Question of the Day
RegEx Functions II
I have this data in a table in a SQL Server 2025 database:
EmailAddressID EmailAddress 7 dylan0@ADVENTURE-WORKS.COM 8 Diane1@ADVENTURE-WORKS.COMIf I run this query, which row(s) are returned?
SELECT top 10 * FROM person.EmailAddress WHERE REGEXP_LIKE(EmailAddress, '^d') AND BusinessEntityID IN (7,8)See possible answers