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SQL Server 2005 Books
There have been a huge number of SQL Server 2005 books released in the last year, but which ones are worth buying? Here are reviews
of three new books from one of the SQL Server gurus.
Creating cross tab queries and pivot tables in SQL
For those times when you absolutely, positively got to perform a cross tab query in SQL, Keith Fletcher's T-SQL stored procedure will allow you to do it "on the fly". You can add it to your database and start cross tabbing immediately, without any further setup or changes to you SQL code. Check it out, and then take the cross tab challenge.
Sic Semper NULL
The great debate over NULLs will probably never end. Should we use them in our databases? What meaning do they have? These are all
valid questions. In this article SQL Server expert Michael Coles takes a look at the problems that are inherent in eliminating NULLs completely from
a database.
The NEWSEQUENTIALID Function
The NEWSEQUENTIALID system function is an addition to SQL Server 2005. It seeks to bring together, what used to be, conflicting requirements in SQL Server 2000; namely identity-level insert performance and globally unique values.
Take an Exam, get TechNet
If you are thinking of taking a SQL Server 2005 MCP exam, now is the time to do it. And with exam insurance, you can get two chances to pass and a free year of Technet!
Using Multiple Active Result Sets (MARS)
SQL Server 2005 has so many new features that in my opinion if you read only BOL for a year you'd find something new every day. One of those is Multiple Active Result Sets or MARS. Multiple Active Result Sets is a new SQL Server 2005 feature that, putting it simply, allows the user to run more than one SQL batch on an open connection at the same time.
Twiddling the knobs: The Default Backup directory
What's the best way to change the default backup directory for a server, using SSMS or Enterprise Manager, without changing all the default directories at the same time? What is the TSQL to do it? A prize for the best correct solution.
Sales Order Workshop Part IV
In the fourth installment of this series, Jacob Sebastian moves on to SQL Server 2005 and the new XML capabilities that make
working with XML data easier than ever.
Delivering on SQL Server
Having been at the sharp end of many successful SQL Server solutions, I believe there are some fundamental principles that all successful SQL Server installations have in common. Whilst the challenges in delivering an enterprise-scale database-intensive application can be wide and varied, there are a few basic practises that will give you the best possible chance of success.
Blogs
Who Are You Doing It For?
By Brian Kelley
But as I've matured over the years, I came to realize that I needed...
Presenting Twice in May 2026
By alevyinroc
I will be presenting my latest session, Documenting Your Work for Worry-Free Vacations, in-person...
Finding the Next Sequence Value: #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
I saw a question asking about the next sequence value and decided to try...
Forums
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Question of the Day
A Fun Computer Quote
Which movie featured this quote?
"All programs have a desire to be useful."Happy April Fools! See possible answers