How Well Does the MSSQL Extension in VSCode Work?
A short look at the MSSQL extension for VS Code, getting started with connections and running queries.
Mastering SQL VIEWs: Syntax, Use Cases, and Best Practices
VIEWs are an undervalued and underused feature in SQL. They basically consist of a query that has been given a name, and a parameter list, so can be used like an inline macro. Technically, you’re supposed to think of it as a virtual table.
Planning for tomorrow, today - database migrations
I have been speaking to people about database migrations to the cloud a lot over the last few weeks. One thing that has jumped out at me is that we seem to focus on the process of moving data being the migration rather than one step in a larger process. Many people neglect the discovery […]
Remembering Phil Factor
One of the most prolific and popular authors at Simple Talk has been Phil Factor. He wrote many pieces on all aspects of database work and has probably written more articles on the Redgate Product Learning site than anyone else. He has entertained, informed, and inspired many database professionals in his many years as an […]
Getting Started with Bayesian Modeling
Multivariate analysis in data science is a type of analysis that tackles multiple input/predictor and output/predicted variables. This tip explores the problem of predicting air pollution measured in particulate matter (PM) concentration based on ambient temperature, humidity, and pressure using a Bayesian Model.
Pushing the Limits of AGs
Many of you reading this likely have an Availability Group (AG) set up on at least one database in your organization. Maybe not most, but many of you as this has proven to be a technology that many people like for HA/DR, upgrades, and probably other uses. As the technology has evolved from it's SQL […]
Stairway to Azure SQL Hyperscale – Level 2: Page Server Architecture Explained
In Level 2 of the Stairway to Hyperscale, we learn about Page Servers in more detail.
How to Measure Replication Latency in SQL Server AlwaysOn Synchronous Availability Groups
Synchronous replicas in SQL Server Availability Groups promise no data loss, but they don’t promise zero delay; under heavy load they can still fall behind. This article shows how to measure and track that hidden replication delay using SQL Server performance counters, so you can see how well your system keeps up during IO‑intensive operations and plan maintenance more safely.
AI Steals Joy
Are the AI tools developers use making them enjoy their jobs more or less? Steve has a few thoughts.
Parameter Sensitive Plan Optimization in SQL Server 2022
Learn about a new feature of SQL Server 2022 - Parameter Sensitive Plan Optimization(PSPO)
Blogs
SQL Server Journey till 2025 (brief)
By Vinay Thakur
Quick Summary for Microsoft SQL Server till 2025, I am fortunate to be part...
Building Power BI Reports: Desktop vs Fabric
By James Serra
Why this comparison feels confusing If you’re a Power BI report author who’s just...
Identity Columns Can’t Be Updated: #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
I’m not sure I knew identity column values could not be updated. I ran...
Forums
Can someone please explain what happens?
I have mentioned this several times over several years. Can someone please help me...
SELECT COUNT(DISTINCT) returns null when nothing is found instead of 0
SELECT COUNT(DISTINCT Component) AS Found FROM tblComponents WHERE(Component NOT LIKE '%[a-z]%') AND(LTRIM(RTRIM(Component)) = 'GM13622')...
Remotely Engineer Fabric Lakehouse objects: The Fabric Modern Data Platform
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Remotely Engineer Fabric Lakehouse objects:...
Question of the Day
Creating JSON III
In a SQL Server 2025 table, called Beer, I have this data:
BeerIDBeerName 1Becks 2Fat Tire 3Mac n Jacks 4Alaskan Amber 8KirinI run this code:
SELECT JSON_OBJECTAGG(
BeerID: BeerName )
FROM beer;
What are the results? See possible answers