User-defined Data Type Basics
This article discusses an often-overlooked feature of SQL Server called user-defined data types.
SQL LiteSpeed - Lightning Fast Backups
A look at a fantastic new backup product from DBAssociates. This is the only 3rd party backup product that I would use or recommend.
Building a Demo Server - Part 2
Everyone does demos. You need them to sell your software, but the demo server presents some challenges. Continuing this series, this article looks at moving data between servers.
Setting a Default Database for your Logins
Andy discusses reasons why he thinks setting the default database to anything other than master is a mistake. We think he does a good job of covering the pros and cons, read the article and join the discussion!
How Safe are Your Passwords?
How safe are your SQL passwords? Use these free tools to find out how secure your passwords are and generate more secure passwords.
Utilizing fn_virtualfilestats
In this example, we will attempt to get some statistical information on file-group utilization to assist us with IO monitoring.
Comments on PASS Community Summit 2002
Andy attended the recent PASS Community Summit and had a great time. Read some of the highlights from his perspective and maybe decide that you'll want to attend next year!
Pro Developer: Improving Your Career In Any Economy
Like many other areas of business, the tech industry has weathered the occasional slump over the past few decades. It's only natural that the fate of techies is closely linked to the tides of the business. However, in any economy, weak or strong, some people prosper and advance while others suffer the consequences.
Review of Developing Windows Based Applications for VB.Net and C#.Net
Andy talks briefly about why the company he works for has decided to require all developers to obtain the MCSD, then takes a look at the book they chose for the initial round of study for the first exam.
Blogs
Microsoft Build 2026 announcements
By James Serra
Once again there were a number of Microsoft Build announcements related to data and...
T-SQL Tuesday #199: Roundup
A good week ago I hosted the monthly T-SQL Tuesday blog party. I invited...
No Shortcuts for the SQLCMD Batch Terminator: #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
I was messing around with SQLCMD and I realized something I hadn’t known. I’ve...
Forums
Increment a number in a SQL Query based on a value
I have an issue where I have a Bill of Material list of items...
Follow Your Hunch
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Follow Your Hunch
What Happens When You Ask a Local AI to Query Your Database?
Comments posted to this topic are about the item What Happens When You Ask...
Question of the Day
Detecting Characters
I have a SQL Server 2022 English default installation on a server. I want to detect if there are any upper case characters in rows and I have this code:
SELECT CustomerNameID,
CustomerName
FROM dbo.CustomerName
WHERE CustomerName = LOWER(CustomerName)
Here is the sample data I am testing with:
CustomerNameID CustomerName 1 John Smith 2 Sarah Johnson 3 MICHAEL WILLIAMS 4 JENNIFER BROWN 5 david jones 6 emily davis 7 Robert Miller 8 LISA WILSON 9 christopher moore 10 Amanda TaylorHow many rows are returned? See possible answers