Update only Year, Month or Day in a SQL Server Date
In this tip we look at how to change specific parts of a date such as the Year, Month or Day for data stored in a SQL Server table.
SQL Server performance issue after an upgrade
Recently, I came across a problem where the client reported severe performance degradation of their OLAP system. Most of the reports that were running were either timing out or were returning data after a long time. The problem started right after the client had undergone an upgrade, that included the following, Software change, that includes […]
A Toolbox Every DBA Should Have
As a DBA it is important to have a toolbox that supports the work you do. You need to have a toolbox that allows you to work smarter instead of harder. Read on to learn about some key tools every DBA should have in their toolbox!
Controlling how SQL Prompt Formats your Code: The Knobs and Dials
Phil Factor explores and discusses the current state of the art in SQL Formatting, as done automatically by SQL Prompt.
The harsh reality of charitable IT work
At work in IT, we can wander around looking important with no apparent useful skills whatsoever. When working outside the bubble of the industry, things are different.
A New Recovery Tool for Your Toolbelt
Learning a new skill is always helpful, especially for backup and restore. Steve Jones talks about an idea from the SQLCAT team.
Azure Text Analytics and Power BI
In this tip we look at how to analyze textual data to gain insight from freeform text using Azure Text Analytics and Power BI.
Deploying Data and Schema Together with SQL Compare or SQL Change Automation
You want to use SQL Compare or SQL Change Automation (SCA) to create or update a database, and at the same time ensure that its data is as you expect. You want to avoid running any additional PowerShell scripting every time you do it, and you want to keep everything in source control, including the data. You just want to keep everything simple. Phil Factor demonstrates how it's done, by generating MERGE scripts from a stored procedure.
Querying Master Database DMVs in Azure SQL Database
Learn how you can query information in the logical server's master database from an Azure SQL Database.
Blogs
Programmatic Tool Calling with the Claude SDK
Programmatic Tool Calling with the Claude SDK Every morning somebody on the team runs the...
A New Word: Mauerbauertraurigkeit
By Steve Jones
mauerbauertraurigkeit – n. inexplicable urge to push people away, even close friends whose company...
Methodology for dealing with bad data in production
By Brian Kelley
Pinal Dave wrote up his methodology for what to do when you discover bad...
Forums
Why SQL Server Database Attach fails and how to repair it
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Why SQL Server Database Attach...
Fixing P1 Queries
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Fixing P1 Queries
Question of the Day
BIT_COUNT() IV
In SQL Server 2025, I run this code:
select bit_count('A')
What is returned? See possible answers