When To Use Cursors
Most SQL Server DBAs have been taught that cursors are bad and should not be used. However there are some cases and places where they might be useful. SQL Server guru Andy Warren brings us an example of where they may be handy.
Introduction to Locking in SQL Server
Locking is a major part of every RDBMS and is important to know about. It is a database functionality which without a multi-user environment could not work. The main problem of locking is that in an essence it's a logical and not physical problem. This means that no amount of hardware will help you in the end. Yes you might cut execution times but this is only a virtual fix.
Introduction to SQL Server 2005 Database Backups
Backing up a database is one of the most important things you need to do when having a database driven application. It 's only all of your data in there, right? But often developers and management don't realize the importance of backups and overall proper backup strategy for the most important side of the business – data and it's consistency.
Document Your Database
Computer professionals are constantly complaining about the documentation for the software they use. And are notorious for not documenting their own code very well. Longtime author Raj Vasant brings us a short article with some suggestions on how to go about documenting your databases.
The Job Outlook for 2008
What will happen in the job market for DBAs this year? Steve Jones gives a few opinions based on what is happening in the industry.
View Column Resolving Issue in Sub-Query
Views are handy constructs for abstracting security and simplfying queries, but they can have unexpected results sometimes. Longtime DBA Peter He takes a look at subquery issues in views.
MDX Numeric Functions: The Max() Function
Business Intelligence Architect Bill Pearson introduces the numeric Max()function, and leads hands-on practice examples of the basic concepts.
Top 10 SQL Server Integration Services and DTS tips
Top SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) tips from migrating and running DTS packages, to SSIS debugging, maintenance and programming in SQL Server 2005.
Finding Primes
While it's not likely that many of you need to find prime numbers using T-SQL, it is an interesting programming exercise. SQL Server guru Kathi Kellenburger brings us one solution after taking a break over the holidays and reading some popular fiction.
Performance Tuning: Concatenation Functions and Some Tuning Myths
Rumor has it that Concatenation functions have gotten the nasty reputation of being "performance hogs". Here's why that's not true.
Blogs
Monday Monitor Tips: A New Analysis Page
By Steve Jones
We have multiple teams (8) working on Redgate Monitor. Some work on the Standard...
Case Studies: Real-World Success Stories of FinOps Implementation
By HeyMo0sh
Learning any kind of theory is easy, but adapting FinOps and watching it rescue...
SQL Server Security: Always Encryption
By Vinay Thakur
As discussed introduction of Always Encryption blog and initial Encryption at rest as TDE...
Forums
The day-to-day pressures of a DBA team, and how we can work smarter with automation and AI
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The day-to-day pressures of a...
The Problem Isn't Always Your Query or Schema... Sometimes It's Hidden Assumptions
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Problem Isn't Always Your...
Identity Defaults
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Identity Defaults
Question of the Day
Identity Defaults
What happens when I run this code?
CREATE TABLE dbo.IdentityTest
(
id int IDENTITY(10) PRIMARY KEY,
somevalue VARCHAR(20)
)
GO
See possible answers