External Article

Evaluating the Randomness of SQL Server Random Number Functions

Microsoft provides T-SQL developers with three functions (rand, newid, and crypt_gen_random) for generating random numbers. Each of these functions is effective at returning random values, but feature sets associated with each function make them best suited to different use cases. This tip’s Solution section presents an overview of common use cases for random numbers in SQL Server along with references to learn more about random numbers in SQL Server.

SQLServerCentral Editorial

How Do You Know You Are Right?

I spend a significant amount of time working alone at my desk. I write articles, edit them, and share my opinions. However, I am constantly concerned about being wrong. How can I overcome this feeling? If this were a live session, I would eagerly listen to the answers to this question. Since it isn't, I […]

External Article

Exploring the SQL Server CHOOSE Function

I preface a lot of what I write with whether or not it is for a “practical” use. One of the Simple Talk authors used this function in a forthcoming article. and I realized I hadn’t heard of it before (or I forgot about it… which is not completely unlikely.) The practical use was to generate some data and have at least a little variety to the values.

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Password Guidance

By Steve Jones - SSC Editor

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Question of the Day

Using table variables in T-SQL

What happens if you run the following code in SQL Server 2022+? 

declare @t1 table (id int);

insert into @t1 (id) values (NULL), (1), (2), (3);

select count(*)
from @t1
where @t1.id is distinct from NULL;
 

See possible answers