Creative Ways to Use the TOP Clause
Gregory Larsen discusses how to use the TOP clause to help solve requests where you want to restrict the number of records returned based on a record count.
CTEs and Trees
Some new interresting points about trees and CTE in SQL Server : transforming a tree from auto reference to interval model (nested sets), calculating levels in interval model, creating a view of auto ref from an interval model, hierarchical numbering of items, and more. This article includes more examples based on his previous work.
SQL Stored Procedure to Log Updates, Independent of Database Structure
How many DBAs need a solution to track those changes made for multiple systems? Auditing is becoming more and more prevalent in all systems and having a good solution can really make your DBA job interesting. New author Keren Ramot brings us his technique that works indepedent of the database structure.
The December Energy Update
Steve Jones takes a look at what's happening in the world of alternative energy, including cleaner nuclear power and energy from motion.
Kimball University: Handling Arbitrary Restatements of History
How do you cope with an executive's request to "bring back a time series of activity for all subscribers who were in platinum status as of X date," or "show me a time series of orders by sales region according to the sales organization as of Y"? Here's how data warehouse pros can cope with the common requirement to look back in time.
Optimize T-SQL data types in SQL Server
To optimize Transact SQL (T-SQL) data types in SQL Server, learn how each type affects performance -- I/O, RAM and CPU in SQL Server.
Automated Monitoring Database Size Using sp_spaceused
Keeping track of the amount of space in a database is something every DBA needs to do or face the dreaded "out of space" errors appearing on every client's desktop. SQL Server guru David Poole brings us an automated way of doing just that.
Blogs
ISACA AI Material/Exam Prep Discount (May 18 – June 30, 2026)
By Brian Kelley
If you are considering any of the ISACA AI certs like the Advanced Artificial...
A Fabric solution can be very cost effective
By ChrisJenkins
Are you currently using Microsoft Fabric or considering migrating to it? If so, there...
Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log
By SQLPals
Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log If you...
Forums
Before Using AI with Business Data, Read This
Artificial intelligence tools are quickly becoming part of daily business operations, from document analysis...
Designing SQL Server ETL Pipelines That Don't Break at Scale
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Designing SQL Server ETL Pipelines...
Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
Question of the Day
Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
In the Database Engine, when a deadlock is detected, what does the detection interval shrink to (in time)?
See possible answers