Should you use a DataReader or DataSet?

In the beginning, there was the recordset, a central feature of classic ADO. Like a Swiss army knife, it wasn’t the perfect tool for every job, but given the correct configuration, it could do whatever you needed it to do.

The recordset wasn’t always pretty to watch, however, and it came into prominence at a time when client/server applications for which it was optimized were being replaced by web applications. Its dark side included an amazing level of complexity and the number of special cases when it was used with particular providers.

Globalization in SQL Server

SQL Server can support many different languages through Unicode. Author Dinesh Asanka brings us a basic article on how the server supports different languages.

Database Geek of the Week - Bob Beauchemin

Bob Beauchemin is a developer who not only writes code and develops databases, but also teaches other developers to create applications and databases, often using the latest Microsoft technologies.

Bob has more than 25 years of experience working with IBM mainframes and Unix boxes, as well as Windows-based PCs. He has taught a number of database courses for DevelopMentor, a hands-on training company for experienced developers, and has given instruction on writing .NET web services and creating applications and components using C#.

Push FTP with SQL Server

DTS is an incredible package for moving data in the SQL Server world. One feature that is missing, however, is the ability to send files using FTP to a remote server. This article looks at a technique for sending files via FTP.

SQL Server Performance Monitor

You can monitor the system performance by using the Performance monitor console and its related counters in Windows 2000. These counters allow you to view or save information about the overall performance of your server. When you install Microsoft SQL Server, additional Performance monitor objects and counters are automatically installed. While you must have administrative access to your SQL Server to use these objects, SQL Server admins should find them invaluable in monitoring and tuning the database server. Furthermore, the Performance monitor can be used either locally or remotely, which allows admins greater control in monitoring SQL Server.

The Last Day To Save

If you have not registered for the 2005 PASS Summit, today is the day to do so. The conference fee goes up after today, so call your boss and get registered.

Writing CLR Stored Procedures in C# - Returning Data (Part 2)

In Part 1 I covered a simple stored procedure that printed the current date. In this article I'll cover writing a stored procedure to return a recordset back to the client. In the process we'll learn a little bit more about .NET and C# including the SqlConnection, SqlCommand and SqlDataReader classes.

Creating Dot Net Stored Procedures in SQL Server 2005

The CLR in SQL Server 2005 is quite the topic of debate and whether it is a good thing or not. No matter which side you are on, the reality is that you will need to understand how to create, manage, and work with stored procedures based on assemblies in SQL Server 2005. New author Yelena Varshal brings us a basic article and a sample that you can use.

Many-to-Many Dimensions in Analysis Services 2005

See an example of using the Many-to-Many dimension in SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services to analyze sales data, and get ideas for other uses such as treating medical conditions, software testing, and more.

MSDN TV: Report Authoring Tips and Tricks

Getting started with SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services or the new report controls in Visual Studio 2005? Brian Welcker demonstrates some tips and tricks that you can use to add interactive features to your own reports.