Explicit Transactions
There are frequent misunderstandings about Explicit Transactions, not limited to use of 'nested transactions'. This article attempts to explain by example many of the behaviors of this feature.
What to Do When SQL Server is Slow
Brent Ozar's session for the PASS DBA Fundamentals virtual chapter.
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.
Blogs
ISACA AI Material/Exam Prep Discount (May 18 – June 30, 2026)
By Brian Kelley
If you are considering any of the ISACA AI certs like the Advanced Artificial...
A Fabric solution can be very cost effective
By ChrisJenkins
Are you currently using Microsoft Fabric or considering migrating to it? If so, there...
Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log
By SQLPals
Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log If you...
Forums
We Are Eating Our Own Seed Corn
Comments posted to this topic are about the item We Are Eating Our Own...
Before Using AI with Business Data, Read This
Artificial intelligence tools are quickly becoming part of daily business operations, from document analysis...
Designing SQL Server ETL Pipelines That Don't Break at Scale
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Designing SQL Server ETL Pipelines...
Question of the Day
Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
In the Database Engine, when a deadlock is detected, what does the detection interval shrink to (in time)?
See possible answers