The Last SQL Server Service Pack
SQL Server 2016 SP3, the last service pack ever is out. Steve comments on how the world of software patches has changed.
Databricks Delta Change Data Feed
In this article we cover how to implement a batch Databricks Change Data Feed process through an end-to-end exercise.
Estimating Data Compression Savings in SQL Server
This video demonstrates a set of queries for estimating data compression savings in SQL Server. It also covers how to make an informed decision on whether data compression makes sense for your data and workload or not.
Choosing State Over Migrations
Steve notes that there are differences between state based development and migration based development, but neither is necessarily better.
Stairway to SSAS Tabular Level 1: Why use Analysis Services
In this first level of the SSAS Tabular stairway, learn the benefits of implementing an SSAS solution.
Learning the SQL GROUP BY Clause
Learn about the various ways to use the GROUP BY command to summarize and rollup query results. We look at the basics with examples as well as using group by rollup, cube and grouping sets.
Tower Loan: Monitoring our estate and insights for your success
Join Kevin Davis, DBA Manager at Tower Loan to hear their playbook for successful distributed estate monitoring, and the role of SQL Monitor.
Incremental Data Loading Using ADF and Change Tracking
This article looks at moving data in three related tables to Azure SQL Database using the change tracking feature in SQL Server to determine which rows have been changed.
Location Data Is Not Anonymous
The world of public data is scary for Steve, even when the data is aggregated. It appears that keeping information private is becoming harder, and perhaps, impossible.
Building blocks of Extended Events data collection
Extended Events have been part of SQL Server since 2008. In this article, Ed Pollack explains the building blocks of Extended Events data collection.
Blogs
Using AI for Git Hooks
By Steve Jones
Recently I had someone internally ask about whether SQL Source Control supports Git Hooks....
Flyway Tips: AI Helps with Commit Messages
By Steve Jones
At Redgate, we’re experimenting with how AI can help developers and DBAs become better...
Startup scripts in SQL Server containers
I was messing around performing investigative work on a pod running SQL Server 2025...
Forums
sys.query_store_query question
All, My query is as follows: SET DATEFORMAT dmy SELECT p.query_id, DATEADD(MICROSECOND,-rs.max_duration,rs.first_execution_time) AS starttime,...
Encoding Strings
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Encoding Strings
Deep Learning and Craftsmanship Matter
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Deep Learning and Craftsmanship Matter
Question of the Day
Encoding Strings
I have this code in SQL Server 2025. What is the result?
DECLARE @message VARCHAR(50) = 'Hello SQL Server 2025!'; DECLARE @encoded VARCHAR(MAX); SET @encoded = BASE64_ENCODE(@message); SELECT @encoded AS EncodedResult;See possible answers