Using AI with Data Tasks

Steve isn't sure that AI is that helpful with data tasks. It can be, but likely in specific areas rather than helping us with everything and taking our jobs.

A LEFT OUTER JOIN in SQL: What Is It?

Learn about the basics of left outer joins in this article.

Taking Advantage of Conferences

Conferences have been a part of Steve's career for a long time. He talks about how he'd taken advantage of the opportunities he's had.

Import Text and CSV Files into SQL Server Database with SSIS Script Task

There are several techniques available to import and export data for SQL Server. In addition, there are free SQL tools and utilities available that might be helpful for specific use cases. In SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), we can use a Flat File Source to load Text/CSV files. Despite this, I would like to demonstrate how to import Text/CSV files using the Script Task.

Managing Test Data for Database Development

In coming up with a strategy for managing test data, first you need to understand what the many test requirements are likely to be for the particular database you are developing. Next, you need to create all the different categories of test data required to suite test requirements and, finally, work out how to manage it in a way that allows a test-driven approach to development.

Read more in this latest article from Phil Factor

Code Building Code

Using code to help you write code is a time honored tradition in software development.

Managing Change

Time has brought clarity for changes which could and should have been provided by its instigators. We compare a change where clarity was sought to those that were chaotic and the approaches that were taken at their two poles.

PostgreSQL Schema: Learning PostgreSQL with Grant

An important aspect of building and managing a database is organizing the objects within your database. You may have tables that support different functions, for example, a schema for warehousing operations and another for sales. Some logins may need access to some tables, but not others. You might want to isolate one set of objects within a database from other sets of objects. All of this, and more, can be accomplished using schemas within a database and PostgreSQL supports the use of schema for just these types of functions.

Bing vs Bard (Chatbot wars)

Introduction about Bing vs Bard You heard it well Chatbot wars, the war between Bing vs Bard. Ladies and gentlemen, in the Google corner we have the challenger, Bard! And in the Microsoft corner, we have a powerful AI-based in ChatGPT 4, the stupendous, the magnificent…Bing! (applause). These great chatbots will demonstrate their power in […]

Using Clear Language to Avoid Confusion

Communication can be challenging when we don't work closely with others. Steve draws a comparison with a popular children's show in the US.