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 […]
Aging in Technology
As we grow and evolve in our careers, we face new challenges all the time. Steve highlights on of those that some tech workers worry about today.
Building Machine Learning Models to Solve Practical Problems
Machine learning is a skill that many data professionals are learning as they plan their careers over the next five to ten years. In this article, Supriya Pande gives an overview of machine learning and walks through a practical example.
Capturing the business value of Compliant Database DevOps
You’ve probably heard of Compliant Database DevOps, but to take it from buzzword to boardroom relies on demonstrating value across your business. IT leaders must think more broadly than cost savings and ROI calculations when investing in scaling DevOps across database teams.
Our latest whitepaper explains how to lay the foundations for a successful DevOps implementation, and how to track success against global metrics that demonstrate your team’s impact across the business.
Blogs
Are you getting value from your reporting?
By ChrisJenkins
Do you spend so long manipulating your data into something vaguely useful that you...
The Book of Redgate: SQL Server Central
By Steve Jones
It was neat to stumble on this in the book, a piece by me,...
Git forked
Forgive me for the title. Mentally I’m 12. When I started my current day...
Forums
Microsoft Security Changes and SQL Server
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Microsoft Security Changes and SQL...
Expanding into Print
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Expanding into Print
Downtime Caused by the Postgres Transaction ID Wraparound Problem
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Downtime Caused by the Postgres...
Question of the Day
The String Distance I
In SQL Server 2025, what is returned by this code:
SELECT EDIT_DISTANCE('Steve', 'Stan')
Assume preview features are enabled. See possible answers