PostgreSQL 101: A guide to PostgreSQL documentation & useful resources

It can be a daunting task for new users to get to grips with PostgreSQL documentation, particularly if you are not from a developer background.

If you are not sure where to start, we are here to help break down the different resources available so you can make the most of them.

In the latest webinar of our PostgreSQL 101 series, join Ryan Booz, PostgreSQL Advocate at Redgate, and Grant Fritchey, Microsoft Data Platform MVP, and discover:

- How to navigate PostgreSQL documentation
- The essential things you need to know about PostgreSQL documentation
- Other useful learning resources to help make your journey to using PostgreSQL easier

Register to join us on September 19th at 11am CT (5pm BST)

SQL Server Execution Plan Issues when using TOP Clause and Various Parameters

A query is sometimes super fast and sometimes very slow. One of the main reasons for this problem is Parameter Sniffing. There are several approaches to addressing the Parameter Sniffing issue and this article discusses effective methods for handling Parameter Sniffing in SELECT statements containing a TOP clause.

Yet Another Reason to Not Use sp_ in your SQL Server Object Names

In 2012, Aaron Bertrand said most everything I knew (and a bit more) about the issues with using the sp_ prefix. Procedures prefixed with sp_ have special powers when placed in the the master database in that it can be executed anywhere on the server after that.

Servicing SQL Server

I've been traveling in Europe this week, partially for holiday and partially for work. It's been a nice break, and it's always interesting to experience the world in different places, away from the United States where I've spent most of my life. I get to come often, and I enjoy the experience, but I'm sometimes […]

Advice To Be a Better Person

Steve notes some advice from someone that he found useful and helpful to become a better person in life.

Backup and Restore SQL Database to Azure Blob Storage

SQL databases are crucial for businesses, so it's critical to back them up. A dependable and affordable option is offered by Azure Blob Storage. Let's examine the advantages, the steps involved in backing up to and restoring from a device, recommended practices, and more.

SQL Server 2022 Build List

This is a list of the builds for SQL Server 2022. There are other build lists available here. A list of all the builds that I can find and install on my Build VM. If you find a build not listed here, please let the webmaster know (webmaster at sqlservercentral.com). All builds are listed in reverse […]

Generate Test Data Sets for Testing SQL Server Database Applications

In this tip, we will discuss the process of generating test data to verify query logic without relying on real-life data, along with some helpful guidelines. We will also cover various scenarios and their corresponding solutions.

Webinar: The Impact of the Cloud on Databases

The PASS Data Community Summit is back in Seattle this November, with hundreds of speakers covering a wide variety of database topics, including cloud computing. We feature two of those speakers in this webinar: Bob Ward of Microsoft and Steve Jones of Redgate.

Stairway to Database DevOps Level 1: Setup a Local Git Repo with Azure DevOps

In this first level of the Stairway to DevOps, you will learn how to get version control set up on your local machine and connect to an Azure DevOps repository.