Create a computed column in SQL Server using XML data
Create a computed column in SQL Server using XML data and optimize SQL queries. Learn how to create a function for XQuery and use it within the computed column formula.
Taming Trees: B-Trees
Learn how to build a B-tree similar to those used by databases to implement indexes.
Dataphor
Over the years, there have been several attempts to turn conventional RDBMSs into object relational databases, by inserting an intermediate layer. The driving force behind this was the generally-held assumption that the relational model could not handle complex data types.
Exporting and Versioning Lookup Data: A Real-World Use of the CLR
The CLR has not been well-received and most people use it for Regular Expressions and string functions. Here is an example that goes beyond trivial uses.
Parameterizing Number of “Look Back” Periods with the MDX LastPeriods() Function, Part I
Parameterization of MDX functions is one of those things that cannot be delivered solely via graphical MDX Editor – but then, you really didn’t think that you could avoid actually touching MDX at all, did you? BI Architect Bill Pearson demonstrates a way to parameterize the highly useful LastPeriods() function.
SQL Server Disasters with Preventive Measures
Have you seen disasters in your environment? I would bet you have at some point. Let's see if our top 13 disasters matches your experiences.
Rules, Defaults and the SQL Standard
I see, with some relief that the threatened removal of Rules and Defaults in SQL Server 2008 hasn’t happened. There has been a stay of execution. Even though they are documented, they still come with a dire warning that they are deprecated and will be removed in future versions. They have fallen foul of the SQL Standards committee, and we are now supposed to use check constraints instead.
Blogs
Advice I Like: Knots
By Steve Jones
Learn how to tie a bowline knot. Practice in the dark. With one hand....
Shifting Mindsets: Why FinOps is Essential for Cloud Efficiency
By HeyMo0sh
As a DevOps practitioner, I’ve always focused on performance, scalability, and automation. But as...
March 2026 SQL Server Security Updates
By Brian Kelley
On Patch Tuesday, in addition to OS and Office security patches, Microsoft also released...
Forums
Multiple Deployment Processes
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How to Use sqlpackage to Detect Schema Drift Between Azure SQL Databases
Comments posted to this topic are about the item How to Use sqlpackage to...
Upgrading Admin Queries
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Upgrading Admin Queries
Question of the Day
Upgrading Admin Queries
I have a query from a former DBA that we run on SQL Server 2025 to check on database metadata. This query references sys.sysaltfiles. I want to refactor this code to be more modern. Which DMV should I reference instead?
See possible answers