Virtualizing GCP data by using Fabric Shortcuts: Data Engineering with Fabric
In the next installment of this series, learn how you can read data from the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and virtualize it into your Azure Data Lake Storage.
Aggregate Functions in Power BI including Running Total, Running Average and Max
This article explains how to aggregate data for Power BI reports and provides examples of running totals, running averages, min, max, and more.
The Paradox of NOLOCK: How Dirty Reads Can Sometimes Be Cleaner
Every SQL Server developer has heard it: "Don't use NOLOCK in production!" But this common rule isn't as simple as it seems. Sometimes, what seems like a bad practice can actually be the right choice. Let's explain what NOLOCK really does in simple terms. When you use NOLOCK, you're telling SQL Server "just show me […]
Why Would You Do That?
We look at problems in different ways and Steve notes this can help or hinder us in software development.
3 Legit Signs It’s Time for Enterprise Edition
Your app is happily humming along on SQL Server Standard Edition. Things are quiet – too quiet. You’re wondering what you’re missing, and whether you should be on SQL Server Enterprise Edition. Here are 3 warning signs to watch out for.
The Pervasive Nature of Open Source
This week there was a headline that said "Open Source Software Powers 96% of Modern Applications, New Study Finds" and if you stopped reading there, you might think, hey, it's not in the apps I work on. Or you might think that because you use OSS software, most of the world also does. Microsoft, Oracle, […]
Distributed Monoliths
What is a distributed monolith vs. a microservice architecture? Steve has a few thoughts today.
Using Fivetran (HVR) to Replicate Data From PostgreSQL to an Azure Databricks Warehouse: Data Engineering with Azure
Learn how to use Fivetran HVR software to ETL data into your One Lake Storage from a PostgreSQL database.
Calculate a Moving Average with T-SQL Windowing Functions
Learn how to create a moving average in SQL Server using older and less performant T-SQL and a modern way using windowing functions.
Blogs
Reverse Engineering a Physical Model Diagram
By Steve Jones
I recently wrote about a logical diagram with Redgate Data Modeler. That was interesting,...
Prepping for Certification, Part 3 of ?
By Brian Kelley
After I have understood the details for a certification test (part 1), including format...
SQL Training Black Friday Deals
By Brian Kelley
If you're looking for particular "Black Friday" deals, here is what I've seen advertised...
Forums
Best analysis approach to reduce data type length in multiple tables
Hello SSC, I hope everyone is having a happy and safe holiday season! I...
Do you separate data/log files and TempDB files on different disks using AWS EC2
Hello, I am receiving multiple direction on deploying SQL Servers in AWS EC2. ...
Service account being in local admin in AWS EC2 environment?
Hello, I am working with a company on their database administration. I am trying...
Question of the Day
A New Operator
In SQL Server 2025, what does this code return?
SELECT '1' || '0'See possible answers