There is a New COUNT in Town
Now that SQL Server 2019 is on the way, it’s time to start learning about the new capabilities. In this article, Greg Larson tests the new APPROX_COUNT_DISTINCT function for performance and accuracy.
Where Microsoft went wrong with SQL CLR
We database developers would, of course, like easy access to all the .NET delights, such as the excellent Regex library, but we don't want a Do-It-Yourself kit to achieve this. So argues Phil Factor.
PowerShell Module to Read Directory Contents and Store in a SQL Server Table
In this tip we will walk through how to create a PowerShell module to get a list of files and subfolders of a Windows folder and store this information in a SQL Server table.
SQL Server 2019 Community Technical Preview (CTP) 2.1 is Available Now
Microsoft announced the release or CTP 2.1 for SQL Server 2019. This is the second CTP released for SQL Server 2019, and it has lots of new exciting features, like " UDF inlining". Read on to find out more!
Microservices for Databases
The idea of using microservices is gaining traction, but Steve Jones notes that the issues of databases might prevent adoption for many applications.
The Worst Data Breech
A new law in Australia might be a source for the worst data breeches we could have.
SQL Server Logical Reads – What do they really tell us?
In this article, we will examine this counter’s true meaning and provide examples that prove it can sometimes be quite misleading
Treating SQL Server as an Object with PowerShell
It’s easy to use invoke-sqlcmd to send T-SQL statements to SQL Server from PowerShell. There is, however, a rich PowerShell library, sqlps, that can be used instead. In this article, Greg Moore shows how to use sqlps to treat a SQL Server instance as an object.
When a Service Pack or Cumulative Update Install Fails by Evaporating
Learn a few possible solutions to a frustrating issue when you attempt to patch a SQL Server installation.
Blogs
A New Word: los vidados
By Steve Jones
los vidados – n. the half-remembered acquaintances you knew years ago, who you might...
In-Person CISA Training – April 13-16, 2026
By Brian Kelley
I will be leading an in-person Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam prep class...
EightKB 2026
EightKB is back again for 2026! The biggest online SQL Server internals conference is...
Forums
query to track time spent on individual tasks in SSIS
Hi everyone I am looking at building a query to determine how much time...
SQL Server Transactional Replication from Always On Availability Groups to Azure SQL Database
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SQL Server Transactional Replication from...
Hidden Heroes
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Hidden Heroes
Question of the Day
Identities and Sequences I
When thinking of the Identity property for auto incrementing columns and sequences for the same action, which are explicitly linked to increment a number in a table when a new row is added?
See possible answers