Are Data Breaches Inevitable?
Steve examines the idea that we might all have a data breach at some point.
How to Safely Remove a SQL Server Data File Without Downtime
Learn how to safely remove a SQL Server .ndf data file without any downtime using DBCC SHRINKFILE (EMPTYFILE). This hands-on tutorial walks through real-world Azure-based setup, data redistribution, and storage cleanup — ideal for DBAs managing enterprise SQL Server environments.
SQL ASCII Function Use and Examples
The ASCII function is used to return the ASCII value for the first character in a string.
Evergreen SQL Server
Microsoft talks about evergreen SQL, where you never need to patch your database.
Stairway to Transaction Log Management in SQL Server, Level 2: A Brief Overview of Transaction Log Architecture
In order to make it easier to understand truncation, space reuse and fragmentation in the log file, Tony gives a brief explanation of how the transaction log works.
Your SQL Server Needs Spring Cleaning, Too.
First things first: pick up that filthy keyboard, take it over to the trash can, turn it upside down, and give it a good, vigorous shake.
Data Analyst AI tool
See how ChatGPT can be used to analyze a dataset, produce charts, and train a model.
Evaluating the Randomness of SQL Server Random Number Functions
Microsoft provides T-SQL developers with three functions (rand, newid, and crypt_gen_random) for generating random numbers. Each of these functions is effective at returning random values, but feature sets associated with each function make them best suited to different use cases. This tip’s Solution section presents an overview of common use cases for random numbers in SQL Server along with references to learn more about random numbers in SQL Server.
How Do You Know You Are Right?
I spend a significant amount of time working alone at my desk. I write articles, edit them, and share my opinions. However, I am constantly concerned about being wrong. How can I overcome this feeling? If this were a live session, I would eagerly listen to the answers to this question. Since it isn't, I […]
Database DevOps Recommendations
DevOps and databases aren't always considered compatible, but that is changing. DORA now has recommendations for database changes on their site.
Blogs
Enterprise AI Operating Rhythm – Top 5 practices for 2026
2025 exposed a growing gap between AI ambition and operational reality. As budgets tightened...
Stop Being Surprised by Your Azure Bill: Use Budgets
By John
When organizations migrate workloads to Azure, the focus is usually on architecture, performance, and...
Resetting on the AI hype train
By Brian Kelley
There's a great article from MIT Technology Review about resetting on the hype of...
Forums
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I am using ssrs in visual studio 2022, I work on a report, there...
The Max PK Length
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Max PK Length
My experience using the GitHub Copilot in SSMS 22
Comments posted to this topic are about the item My experience using the GitHub...
Question of the Day
The Max PK Length
If I create a multiple column Primary Key constraint, what is the most number of bytes I can include in the constraint?
See possible answers