Columnstore Index Improvements in SQL Server 2025
Columnstore indexes are a powerful tool for storing analytic data directly in SQL Server. This feature has improved in every version of SQL Server since their inception over ten years ago, and SQL Server 2025 is no exception!
Why Tech Events Matter for Data Pros (and why I’m grateful)
I just got back from the Redgate Summit events in New York City, where I had the chance to present, swap stories, and nerd out with a lot of brilliant data folks. I came home energized… and then promptly slept for 14 hours on Thursday. That’s the best kind of exhaustion in my book. The […]
From Rows to Pages: The Hidden Chaos Behind SQL Server’s Sampling Methods
Learn about the TABLESAMPLE option in T-SQL and uncover some of the pitfalls of assuming this works as you think it does.
Your Favorite Improvement
This Friday Steve asks about what you're looking forward to in SQL Server 2025, if anything.
Long Short-Term Memory Network for Machine Learning
While Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) are powerful, they often struggle with long-term dependencies due to the vanishing gradient problem. Long Short-Term Memory Networks (LSTMs) address this issue by introducing memory cells and gates. For beginners, understanding LSTM components, such as the input, output, and forget gates, can be challenging. This tip breaks down LSTMs in an intuitive way, highlighting their importance and practical applications.
Can You Ask for a Raise?
Asking for a raise is a scary event for many employees. Today Steve gives you a few things to think about and some advice on how to go about changing your job.
Contained Availability Groups in SQL Server 2022
SQL Server 2022 introduced a new feature called Contained Availability Groups. It allows the Database Administrators to effectively manage the Server Level objects, such as Logins, SQL Agent jobs, etc. in an HA environment. In today's article, we will learn about this new feature of SQL Server. The Challenge of Managing Server Objects in Availability […]
13 Things I wish I knew about Power Query (when I first started)
When I first started with Power Query, it was in Excel, through the Power Pivot feature. I was amazed at how I could transform data with just a few clicks and quickly create PivotTables. Then, when Power Query appeared in Power BI, I began working with larger data sources and more complex projects.
Building a Database Dashboard with SSRS
Learn how to create a dynamic database dashboard that tracks key metrics using SQL Server Reporting Services. From setting up to deploying your report.
Blogs
SQL Server Security: Always Encryption
By Vinay Thakur
As discussed introduction of Always Encryption blog and initial Encryption at rest as TDE...
SQL Server Security – TDE Encryption
By Vinay Thakur
Transparent Data Encryption(TDE): TDE was initially introduced in SQL Server 2008 Enterprise Edition; this...
A Las Vegas Break
By Steve Jones
Only a little break for me. I’m actually heading to Las Vegas today for ...
Forums
The day-to-day pressures of a DBA team, and how we can work smarter with automation and AI
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The day-to-day pressures of a...
The Problem Isn't Always Your Query or Schema... Sometimes It's Hidden Assumptions
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Problem Isn't Always Your...
Identity Defaults
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Identity Defaults
Question of the Day
Identity Defaults
What happens when I run this code?
CREATE TABLE dbo.IdentityTest
(
id int IDENTITY(10) PRIMARY KEY,
somevalue VARCHAR(20)
)
GO
See possible answers