SQL Server Execution Plan Issues when using TOP Clause and Various Parameters

A query is sometimes super fast and sometimes very slow. One of the main reasons for this problem is Parameter Sniffing. There are several approaches to addressing the Parameter Sniffing issue and this article discusses effective methods for handling Parameter Sniffing in SELECT statements containing a TOP clause.

Yet Another Reason to Not Use sp_ in your SQL Server Object Names

In 2012, Aaron Bertrand said most everything I knew (and a bit more) about the issues with using the sp_ prefix. Procedures prefixed with sp_ have special powers when placed in the the master database in that it can be executed anywhere on the server after that.

Servicing SQL Server

I've been traveling in Europe this week, partially for holiday and partially for work. It's been a nice break, and it's always interesting to experience the world in different places, away from the United States where I've spent most of my life. I get to come often, and I enjoy the experience, but I'm sometimes […]

Advice To Be a Better Person

Steve notes some advice from someone that he found useful and helpful to become a better person in life.

Backup and Restore SQL Database to Azure Blob Storage

SQL databases are crucial for businesses, so it's critical to back them up. A dependable and affordable option is offered by Azure Blob Storage. Let's examine the advantages, the steps involved in backing up to and restoring from a device, recommended practices, and more.

Generate Test Data Sets for Testing SQL Server Database Applications

In this tip, we will discuss the process of generating test data to verify query logic without relying on real-life data, along with some helpful guidelines. We will also cover various scenarios and their corresponding solutions.

Webinar: The Impact of the Cloud on Databases

The PASS Data Community Summit is back in Seattle this November, with hundreds of speakers covering a wide variety of database topics, including cloud computing. We feature two of those speakers in this webinar: Bob Ward of Microsoft and Steve Jones of Redgate.

Too Tired to Work Smart

Today we have a guest editorial from Andy Warren as Steve Jones is on vacation. Today Andy looks at the ways we can cope when we have been working too much.

Arrays and Lists in SQL Server

Several methods on how to pass an array of values from a client to SQL Server, and performance data about the methods.

One use case for NOT using schema prefixes

I’ve long been a huge advocate for always referencing objects with a schema prefix in SQL Server.

In spite of what may be a controversial title to many of my regular blog readers, I don’t really want you to stop that practice in most of your T-SQL code, because the schema prefix is important and useful most of the time. At Stack Overflow, though, there is a very specific pattern we use where not specifying the schema is beneficial.