How To Avoid MERGE in SQL Server
Introduction This article shows how to script a basic merge between two tables, without using MERGE. This can be handy when you're merging a pair of tables with hundreds of columns, since the script doesn't know anything about them. This technique introduces and populates some auditing columns (IS_DELETED, IS_INSERTED, IS_UPDATED, TRANSACTION_DATE) for each record, and runs fast. […]
3 Key Areas to Drive Digital Transformation
This article explores three key areas that need to be considered to make digital transformation occur: as a response to current changes, in preparation for future changes and to enhance the human experience. Read on to find out more!
json_object and json_array Functions SQL Server 2022 Tutorial
Learn about the new functions JSON_OBJECT and JSON_ARRAY to work with JSON formatted data in SQL Server.
With the Rise of AI Chat, are Experts Still Needed?
As I looking at the feed of technology stories this week, two things jumped out at me. First, Valentine's day happened to fall on the monthly release day for Microsoft updates and feature previews. If you work with Azure services, specifically in the data platform space, there are a lot of update announcements to work […]
Building Recommended Software Practices
Do you have a set of practices for building software in your organization?
SQL Server 2014 Build List
A list of builds for SQL Server 2014, through CU4 for SP2 and CU11 for SP1.
Join us in our castle at SQL Bits, March 15-18
SQL Bits is coming to Wales, home of dragons and D&D, and we’re happy announce we’re supporting them as platinum sponsors again this year. Meet us at our Red Keep and catch sessions by noble Fighter Grant Fritchey, Sorcerer Steve Jones, and more beloved Redgate Paladins and Druids. For a magical 10% discount on your ticket, use 10REDGATE from our spell book.
Resources for PL-900 Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals Certification Exam
This resource includes several links to related to...
Blogs
A New Word: los vidados
By Steve Jones
los vidados – n. the half-remembered acquaintances you knew years ago, who you might...
In-Person CISA Training – April 13-16, 2026
By Brian Kelley
I will be leading an in-person Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam prep class...
EightKB 2026
EightKB is back again for 2026! The biggest online SQL Server internals conference is...
Forums
Vectors in SQL Server 2025
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Vectors in SQL Server 2025
Odd Sequences
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Odd Sequences
Everything is the right question away
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Everything is the right question...
Question of the Day
Odd Sequences
What values are returned from this code?
CREATE SEQUENCE NumericSequence
AS NUMERIC(5,1)
START WITH 1.0
INCREMENT BY 0.1;
GO
SELECT NEXT VALUE FOR NumericSequence
GO
SELECT NEXT VALUE FOR NumericSequence
GO See possible answers