Enforcing Data Quality while using Surrogate Keys

Data quality is important in a database, but so many people fail to implement good referential integrity. New author Marvin Elder brings us an article that looks at surrogate keys for ensuring data quality.

Using the Best

What's the best driver for your server? What's the best of anything? Steve Jones talks about how the experts determine this, and why there is no easy answer.

Options for hiding SQL Server code

I am aware of the WITH ENCRYPTION clause that is used to encrypt the code for objects like views, stored procedures and functions. It sort of fulfills my purpose and is easy to implement, but it does not cover all SQL Server objects. In this tip we look at another option to restrict users from viewing the definition/code of any SQL Server object.

Transact-SQL Formatting Standards (Coding Styles)

How should SQL code be formatted? What sort of indentation should you use? Should keywords be in upper case? How should lists be lined up? SQL is one of those languages that will execute anyway however you treat whitespace and capitalization. However, the way SQL is laid out will effect its readability and the time taken to review and understand it. Standardisation of code layout is an important issue, but what standard should you adopt? Rob avoids a direct answer, but tells you the sort of answers you'll need to decide upon when creating a strategy for formatting SQL code.

Using the Best

What's the best driver for your server? What's the best of anything? Steve Jones talks about how the experts determine this, and why there is no easy answer.

Using the Best

What's the best driver for your server? What's the best of anything? Steve Jones talks about how the experts determine this, and why there is no easy answer.

Using the Best

Checking the Job Status on Multiple Servers

Keeping track of the jobs you have running across all your servers can be a challenge these days with fewer and fewer employees. New author Sivakumar Mahalingam brings us an article that shows one way to accomplish this task.

Had this been an actual emergency….

Rodney Landrum has lived through several simulated emergencies and one real one, in the form of Hurricane Ivan. The tests do not adequately prepare you for the real thing. Real emergencies bring tension, exhaustion and hunger pangs. Simulations bring lethargy, pre-determined end times, and warm pizza.

Happy Labor Day 2009

It's a holiday in the US and Steve Jones takes a day off with a blooper reel for the editorial.