Changing Career Gears
How can you get started as a DBA? One of our authors takes a look back at her career and how it has evolved into a DBA role with SQL Server.
Database Snapshots in SQL Server 2005
One of the brand new features in SQL Server 2005 is the database snapshot. New authors Arvinder Singh Khosla and S.Srivathsani Murthy bring us a look at how these static view databases can be setup and used in your environment.
Every DBA's nightmare
When a copy of all 25 million of the UK’s child benefit records, including bank details, went missing in the post, whilst being sent to the NAO (National Audit Office) on 18th October, the UK government must have known that a cover-up was impossible. This sort of incident is every DBA’s nightmare.
Enterprise Architecture – Connect-the-Dots for Adults, Part 3
This article, the third in a series on enterprise architecture, discusses the approaches to developing an enterprise architecture, describing the methods, benefits and pitfalls of each.
SQL Server Connection Strings
Some common and not so common connection strings for the .NET SqlConnection object. The article includes .NET sample code and some tricks to increase the supportability of your application.
Importing XML Files Into SQL Server
Have you ever received an XML file from someone to import into SQL Server? It's not as easy as you might expect, especially in SQL Server 2000. New author Steve Moore brings us an article and code on how to do just that.
Events in SharePoint 2007
Windows® SharePoint® Services (WSS) 3.0 offers developers many significant improvements for building custom business solutions based on SharePoint sites. One of the biggest developer-focused enhancements has to do with a new infrastructure for handling server-side events.
Running totals in SQL Server queries
How often do you need to keep a total of all previous rows values when you run a query? This article shows you how you can achieve this.
SQL Server 2005 Express Edition - Part 11 - ClickOnce Deployment and Maintenance Options
Part 11 of the series focuses on the process of deploying and maintaining user instance-based applications that employ ClickOnce technology.
Blogs
Reality (And Limits) of Instant File Initialization for Transaction Logs in SQL Server 2022
By SQLPals
Reality (And Limits) of Instant File Initialization for Transaction Logs in SQL Server 2022 ...
Looking Back at the Redgate 2026 Company Kickoff
By Steve Jones
Last week I spent a few days in Cambridge, UK for the Redgate Company...
Using AI for Git Hooks
By Steve Jones
Recently I had someone internally ask about whether SQL Source Control supports Git Hooks....
Forums
SQL Agent job running gMSA cannot backup to NAS target
I'm running a group MSA for the database engine and SQL Agent in a...
sys.query_store_query question
All, My query is as follows: SET DATEFORMAT dmy SELECT p.query_id, DATEADD(MICROSECOND,-rs.max_duration,rs.first_execution_time) AS starttime,...
Encoding Strings
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Encoding Strings
Question of the Day
Encoding Strings
I have this code in SQL Server 2025. What is the result?
DECLARE @message VARCHAR(50) = 'Hello SQL Server 2025!'; DECLARE @encoded VARCHAR(MAX); SET @encoded = BASE64_ENCODE(@message); SELECT @encoded AS EncodedResult;See possible answers