A data transformation problem in SQL and Scala: Dovetailing declarative solutions
This article is an interesting approach to solving a data transformation problem in SQL and Scala. Shel Burkow uses a SQL execution plan for software design.
Every IT Organization is a Snowflake
Some people think every IT department is unique. While that might be literally true, Steve doesn't think that is actually the case.
Stairway to SQL Server Security Level 2: Authentication
Authentication is the first step in letting a principal get access to an instance of SQL Server, essentially resolving the question, Who are you? In this stairway level you’ll learn about the basics of authentication and the authentication options available. This level covers logins and users and you’ll learn about the password policies that can help strengthen SQL Server authentication.
Encrypt and Decrypt Passwords in SQL Server with PowerShell
In this article we look at how to securely store data in text files that could be used for SQL Server authentication or wherever you need to keep data secure.
Unlocking the “PASS Pro” Educational series
Thanks to the consent of the speakers, the expert-led educational training courses covering the following four topics: Data Modernization, Azure Migration, Azure Synapse, Azure SQL, are now available to all. You can watch the sessions and learn from a range of experts online, for free.
Take Care of People
The transformation of a way of working is hard, but it's important to realize this is more than just technology. This also includes people.
Using Non-SQL Languages in Azure Data Studio
In this article, we examine the support for non-SQL languages in Azure Data Studio, primarily PoSh and Python.
Delete SQL Statement in SQL Server, Oracle and PostgreSQL
Learn about the differences and similarities when deleting data from SQL Server, Oracle and PostgreSQL with the several examples in this article.
Reusing Query Results in SSMS
Every time you need to reuse the query results from SSMS, for example to populate another table, or to search for matching rows in another table, it will inevitably mean a lot of manual tweaking to the get the results into the right format. Louis Davidson uncovers three SQL Prompt gems that can remove all this pain.
Google Cloud Certification for Microsoft Database Engineer
Introduction I recently passed the Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer certification exam, Professional Data Engineer Certification. It took me about five month to prepare for this, and I would like to share my thoughts of why I decided to take it on and how I prepared for it. At the moment, Google cloud (GCP) is […]
Blogs
Presenting with Visual Studio Code
A while back I wrote a quick post on setting up key mappings in...
Advice I Like: In 100 Years
By Steve Jones
In 100 years a lot of what we take to be true now will...
dataMinds Saturday 2026 – Slides
At Saturday the 21st of February I’m presenting an introduction to dimensional modelling at...
Forums
Safe and Reliable Transport of Farm Machinery: Solutions of the Modern Agricultu
Ship A1 Auto Transport is a reliable provider of services who delivers safe and...
is it true we cant debug c# scripts in ssis anymore under vs
Hi, i'm running vs2022. I'm trying out a c# script that i'd like to...
Question of the Day
Missing the Jaro Winkler Distance
I upgraded a SQL Server 2019 instance to SQL Server 2025. I wanted to test the fuzzy string search functions. I run this code:
SELECT JARO_WINKLER_DISTANCE('tim', 'tom')
I get this error message:Msg 195, Level 15, State 10, Line 1 'JARO_WINKLER_DISTANCE' is not a recognized built-in function name.What is wrong? See possible answers