Find SQL Server Installation Date for all Instances with PowerShell
In this tip we look at a PowerShell script you can use to gather information about the installation date for all of your SQL Servers.
More Network Restrictions
The rise of attacks is something Steve thinks will trigger more network protection, something data professionals will need to work with.
Read Excel File in SQL Server with OPENROWSET or OPENDATASOURCE
In this tip we look at how to read an Excel file from within SQL Server using OpenRowSet and OpenDataSource along with the possible errors you may encounter and how to fix these issues.
Experiment First
One skill that's useful to develop is the ability to learn things on your own. Often with a little help, but not too much.
Find SQL Server Stored Procedure Create, Modified, Last Execution Date and Code
In this tip we look at different scripts you can use to find when a SQL Server stored procedure was created, modified, last executed and to also return the code for the stored procedure.
Fragmented or Centralized Data
Is it better to copy and distribute data or centralize it? Steve has a few thoughts today.
Using a Surrogate vs Natural Key
A common debate in table architecture is whether to use a natural or surrogate key. In this article, I discuss some of the advantages to each method.
Database Tools and Extensions for Visual Studio 2019
In this article, you will explore tools and extensions that can be used with Visual Studio 2019 to improve your database experience irrespective of what database you use.
A User-Defined Function returns more rows
The Problem Recently, while working with one of my clients, I came across a script in which I had to introduce a scalar User-Defined Function in the SELECT statement. The SELECT used to return around 750K records. However, after introducing the UDF, the row count significantly increased to 826K. There were no other changes made […]
Blogs
A New Word: Dolorblindness
By Steve Jones
dolorblindness – n. the frustration that you’ll never be able to understand another person’s...
Claude Code Helps Analyze Test Data Manager Log Files
By Steve Jones
I had a customer ask about analyzing their Test Data Manager (TDM) usage to...
PowerPoint to HTML with Claude AI
By Steve Jones
I had an idea for an animated view of a sales tool, and started...
Forums
GPX distance and time analysis in SQL Server
Comments posted to this topic are about the item GPX distance and time analysis...
The DBA is Dead; Long Live the DBA
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The DBA is Dead; Long...
Changing the AG Listener
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Changing the AG Listener
Question of the Day
Changing the AG Listener
In SQL Server 2025, if I want to remove an IP from a listener, what do I do?
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