What Is a Cost-Based Optimizer?
When you execute a query, the database server has to figure a lot of things out. For even the simplest queries, there are usually several possible ways to get the job done.
Learning Is Challenging, So, Forgive Yourself
In addition to trying to get better at SQL Server, Redgate Software, and all the various aspects of my job, I'm also trying to get better at this whole human interaction thing AND I'm working on trying to learn PostgreSQL much more deeply. Whew! Yeah, may not seem like a whole lot, but I assure […]
To-do list: good, bad or indifferent?
Using a list to keep track of what you should work on is only as good as the plan or goal behind it.
Model and Log Trend Reversals for Time Series Data in SQL Server
This tip demonstrates models for detecting the start of periods of rising or falling financial securities prices based on exponential moving averages. The demonstration is simplified because it relies on a log to keep track of time series values as well as exponential moving averages with different period lengths.
Monitoring Large Estates at BMW
BMW have been monitoring their SQL Server estate for more than 7 years, but with evolving technology and circumstances, monitoring also needs to change and grow. Join Tony Maddonna in conversation with Redgate's James King, to discover how BMW are handling the challenges.
Installing Ubuntu in Level 1 of the Stairway to SQL Server on Linux
In this first article of the Stairway to SQL Server on Linux, learn how to set up your host server.
The Digital Twin
GE is using lots of data, and machine learning to predict when specific systems will fail by nurturing digital twins.
Database technology trends
Big data can be risky, which is why you need great estate management. Join Matt Schmelzer, Data Systems and Automation - IT, and Jonathan Holck, IT Associate, from Artisan Partners in discussion with Microsoft MVP Grant Fritchey to learn how they implemented a successful infrastructure and what tools they need to support their growing estate.
SSRS IIF, Switch and Choose Functions for Dynamic and Appealing Reports
Learn how to use IIF, Switch and Choose logical functions in SSRS reports to make your reports more dynamic and more appealing to report users.
Using Azure Data Studio and the SQL Migration Extension to Perform Offline Migrations
Learn how you can perform an offline migration of a SQL Server to Azure Managed Instances or IaaS VMs.
Blogs
Learn about Modern Microsoft Apps in San Diego
By Steve Jones
I wrote about learning today for the editorial: I Can’t Make You Learn. I...
How To Deploy Fabric SQL and Azure SQL Databases with Azure DevOps
By ReviewMyDB
Fabric has CI/CD built in, but if you've tried to use it for database...
A New Word: Attriage
By Steve Jones
attriage – n. the state of having lost all control over how you feel...
Forums
SSRS Reminded Me of the Time Microsoft Retired TMG
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SSRS Reminded Me of the...
Getting results from a Procedure to join to a query
I have a need to execute a stored procedure and return the results to...
Upgrade 2016 Standard to 2022 Express
Title pretty much says it all - can this be done? I've tried several...
Question of the Day
BIT_COUNT II
In SQL Server 2025, I have a table (dbo.UserPermission) that contains this data:
UserID UserPermissions 15 23 37 4 NULLWhat is returned when I run this code:
select bit_count(UserPermissions) as PermissionCount from dbo.UserPermission where UserID = 4;See possible answers