Exploring Scalar Solutions to Complex Data Math
There are many functions and tools available to database professionals that can solve data math challenges, regardless of complexity.
An Effective Approach for High Volume Data in Azure Synapse
Learn about how you can efficiently load data in Azure Synapse.
The Job Outlook for Database Professionals
The job outlook for database professionals is good, but it's not that easy to get a great job. Steve has some advice for you today.
The Power of Generate_series
SQL 2022 introduced the function generate_series which permits us to solve problems for which we previously had to use a table of numbers (also known as a "tally table"). generate_series is a great addition, because when using a table of numbers there was always a risk that you could run out of numbers. Or some joker could have deleted rows from the table. All these worries are gone with generate_series.
Determining Whether Home Addresses Fall Within a Tornado Polygon Using Spatial Functions
Geographic information systems (GIS) play a critical role in emergency response planning and risk assessment. One of the key challenges in this field is determining whether a specific location falls within an area of interest. This capability is especially valuable for property and casualty (P&C) insurers, who need to assess their insured property exposure when severe weather events such as tornadoes occur.
A Poor Data Model
Steve has a few thoughts on natural keys, which often turn out not to be as unique as we expect.
Improve Query Performance when SQL Server Ignores Nonclustered Index
Do you wonder why SQL Server ignores an index? Do you think about how you can deal with this problem? When you include too many columns in a query you decrease index selectivity. So, if you write a query like “Select * From …” the chance of choosing your nonclustered index will decrease.
What is time?
There was a post on X I read today about valuing your time. The gist was that since this person had waited 9 minutes to save $4, they valued their time at $27 an hour. I get the point being made. Time is valuable and you need to set the value of your time. It […]
Your Biggest Data Model Complaints
Today Steve asks which data model issues are most annoying to you.
SQL Server Backup or Restore using Network Share with SSMS
In this article, we look at how to create a SQL backup to network share or restore a backup from a network share.
Blogs
Troubleshooting SQL Server – Starting with the Error Log
By gbargsley
We’ve all been there. Someone walks up and asks, “Is SQL Server having issues?”...
From OLTP to Analytics: Bridging the Gap with Modern SQL Architectures
By Chris Yates
In the beginning, there was OLTP – Online Transaction Processing. Fast, reliable, and ruthlessly...
Solving SQL Server Mysteries with a Whole Gang of Sleuths -Scooby Dooing Episode 4
One thing I’ve always loved about the Scooby-Doo cartoon is that he never solved...
Forums
SQL Server 2025 Jobs
Hello SQL Server 2022 16.0.4212.1 running on a Windows Server 2025 Std,V 24H2, SO...
how to optimise whole database full of table and sp in one go using githubcopilo
i have subscription of github copilot which i can access in vs 2022 comunity...
Password Guidance
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Password Guidance
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