Azure AD Authentication for Azure SQL Databases
In this article we walk through how to connect to Azure SQL Database using Azure Active Directory authentication along with multi-factor authentication.
Documenting a SQL Server Data Catalog in HTML and Git Markdown
Dave Poole explains the need for high quality database documentation and then demonstrates how to document the SQL Server database for a data catalog, in both HTML and Git Markdown, using SQL Doc, SQL Data Catalog, PowerShell, and a few helper scripts to ensure consistency and correctness.
Getting a Query Execution Plan in PostgreSQL
Introduction You often need to check the performance of a PostgreSQL query you just wrote to look for some way to improve performance. In order to do this, you need a report of the query execution, which is called the execution plan). The query execution plan gives you the entire summary of the query execution […]
My Time is Valuable
Spending time on low value tasks isn't often worth the cost for highly paid employees.
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.
Blogs
T-SQL Tuesday #198–Change Detection
By Steve Jones
This month we have a new host, Meagan Longoria, who graciously agreed to help...
Redgate and Rome
By Steve Jones
I’m at the UK Redgate office today, meeting with senior leaders in all areas...
Quick Tip: Check Most DTU Expensive Queries in Azure SQL Database
Optimizing Azure SQL Database performance often begins with identifying the most resource-intensive queries. Understanding...
Forums
SSRS Is Dead. Here Are Your Real Options
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SSRS Is Dead. Here Are...
The Distance Metric
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Distance Metric
The New Wave of Security Threats
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The New Wave of Security...
Question of the Day
The Distance Metric
In the new VECTOR_DISTANCE() function in SQL Server 2025, the first parameter is the distance_metric. What is this?
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