How SQL Server Chooses the Type of Join
How many times have you had a stored procedure run quicker in Query Analyzer than it does in the application? Mike Dillon tracked down one possible cause in this article.
Retain NULL values vs Keep NULLs in SSIS Dataflows - Which To Use?
Integration Services allows you to import all kinds of data easily into SQL Server as well as transform is along the way. Longtime author Paul Ibison brings us a look at how you should set your transformations to deal with NULL values.
XML Workshop XIV - Generating an XML Tree
Continuing on with his comprehensive series on XML, Jacob Sebastian shows us how to generate a tree of parent-child data using XML.
Implementing a Generic Data Access Layer in ADO.NET Part 2
In Part 2 of a 3 Part Series Joydip Kanjilal discusses the implementation of a provider independent Data Access Layer in ADO.NET.
Operational BI: Getting 'Real Time' About Performance
Operational business intelligence is about delivering information to people when and how they need it in the context of business need. Explore the five best practices best-in-class companies are using to drive faster, better decision making and higher customer satisfaction.
Computed Columns
Computed columns are an interesting way to cover some queries that might otherwise require a table scan. SQL Server expert Andy Warren brings us a look at this database design feature.
Maximum Row Size in SQL Server 2005
What is the page size in SQL Server 2005? That's an easy question, but what is the maximum row size? They're not the same thing and ANdy Warren shows you why.
Ninja's Return
One of our top posters and valuable member of the SQLServerCentral.com community weighs in on his absence.
Change SQL Server stored procedures with batch editing
Learn how to change a group of SQL Server stored procedures (SPs) that perform tasks in your databases. Edit SQL Server SPs at one time with these steps.
More Than One Way to Skin a Cat
There are many ways to accomplish a task in SQL Server, and almost every technology. But too much choice might not be the best thing for beginners.
Blogs
Post-quantum key exchange – Insurance policy for your packets
AWS recently added support for Post-Quantum Key Exchange for TLS in Application Load Balancer...
Plan your 2026
By Brian Kelley
If you don't have a plan, you'll accomplish it. That's not a good thing.
Another Change
By Steve Jones
Today Redgate announced that we are partnering with Bregal Sagemount, a growth-focused private equity...
Forums
Where Your Value Separates You from Others
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Where Your Value Separates You...
Fixing the Error
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Fixing the Error
T-SQL in SQL Server 2025: Encoding Functions
Comments posted to this topic are about the item T-SQL in SQL Server 2025:...
Question of the Day
Fixing the Error
On SQL Server 2025, I have a database that has this collation: SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS. I decide I want to run this code:
SELECT UNISTR('*3041*308A*304C*3068 and good night', '*') AS 'A Classic';
I get this error:Msg 9844, Level 16, State 4, Line 24 The char/varchar input type uses an unsupported collation. Only a UTF8 collation is supported with char/varchar input type in UNISTR function.What is the easiest way to fix this error? See possible answers