Generating Completely Random Sample Output from a Dataset
This short article shows a simple example of how to generate completely random sample output from a Dataset
Principles of Data Protection
Protecting data in SQL Server is not as simple as setting a few properties. While there are great security features in SQL Server, such as Transparent Data Encryption, production data may end up in places throughout the organization. In this article, Brian Kelley talks about the best ways to secure data using the concept of least privilege.
Stairway to AlwaysOn Crossword
This crossword puzzle is based on the contents of the Stairway to AlwaysOn.
Examples of using XQuery to update XML Data in SQL Server
What is the most efficient way to modify XML values? To allow for precise modification of XML nodes and values, the XQuery XML query language employs an extension known as the XML Data Modification Language (DML). The XML DML uses the XML modify() method, which makes use of three operational keyword sets: insert, replace value of, and delete. Seth Delconte takes a closer look.
Ensuring Each Client has a Full Set of Key-Value Pairs
In this piece, we find out about a business issue that can occur when using key value pairs in your database to describe information about other entities.
Automatic Query Performance Tuning in SQL Server Database
In this article Anoop Kumar discusses Automatic Tuning, a new database feature that helps improve SQL Server query performance automatically.
Dealing with Disparate Goals
Grant talks about the lessons of history when the goals of different groups don't align.
Installing SSDT and creating your first SSIS Package
SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) is a toolset which provides an environment for you to carry out all your database design work in SQL Server. It can be used to build to build SQL Server relational databases.
Blogs
Who Are You Doing It For?
By Brian Kelley
But as I've matured over the years, I came to realize that I needed...
Presenting Twice in May 2026
By alevyinroc
I will be presenting my latest session, Documenting Your Work for Worry-Free Vacations, in-person...
Finding the Next Sequence Value: #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
I saw a question asking about the next sequence value and decided to try...
Forums
DB Design Methods
I've read a few posts regarding what we use to design DB models and...
Auto Update Statistics not triggering on filtered indexes
I've got a table with 186,703,969 rows, about 300GB of data. There are several...
What is the difference between SQL Server and SQL Database?
I created a SQL Database in Azure Portal but I've just noticed it also...
Question of the Day
An Unusual Identity
What values are returned when I run this code?
CREATE TABLE dbo.IdentityTest2
(
id NUMERIC(10,0) IDENTITY(10,10) PRIMARY KEY,
somevalue VARCHAR(20)
)
GO
INSERT dbo.IdentityTest2
(
somevalue
)
VALUES
( 'Steve')
, ('Bill')
GO
SELECT top 10
id
FROM dbo.IdentityTest2 See possible answers