Updating an expired SQL Server TDE certificate
Simon Liew explains how to generate a new TDE certificate to replace the previous, and also looks at the steps needed if the database is in an Availability Group.
A Simple Introduction to Dynamic SQL
Dynamic SQL is essentially normal SQL written in such a way that you end up with a “customised” SQL script at run-time.
Database Taming
Sometimes a database can seem to be as willful as a colt. Taming it requires an iron nerve, and unflinching eye contact. Occasionally though, you need to know when to jump the fence and regroup.
Production Scripts
Many of us have scripts that we run in SQL Agent jobs, but Steve wonders if we really treat them like production code.
How to Implement Dynamic Data Masking in Azure SQL Database and SQL Server
Anoop Kumar shows you the SQL Commands (T-SQL) to secure PII/PHI data using the SQL Server Dynamic Data Masking (DDM) feature and explores DDM's built in functions to mask all critical data elements. DDM restricts unauthorized users from accessing critical data with no changes in the application.
The COUNT Function in T-SQL
The COUNT function is among the most used functions in the T-SQL codes. Even though COUNT is easy to use, it should be used carefully because it could often not return the desired result. For the big tables, the counting of the rows could cause blocking as well as take some more time.
What to Read in 2018
Steve loves to read all sorts of books and is asking what books you'd read professionally or for fun in 2018.
Azure Cosmos DB Consistency Levels
The majority of traditional database management systems are responsible for making sure that any changes to their data are consistently reflected in the results of subsequent queries. Azure Cosmos DB extends the range of consistency options by providing support for bounded-staleness, session, and consistent prefix models.
Adaptive Query Processing – Interleaved Execution
Interleaved Execution allows SQL Server's query optimizer to get accurate cardinality estimates in places where it couldn't before.
Mobile Report Publisher – Dashboards Everywhere
The new feature, Mobile Reports, was added to SSRS in 2016. It provides the ability to create attractive and useful dashboards that can run on devices and most browsers. Robert Cain shows you how to get started building Mobile Reports with the Mobile Report Publisher.
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
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...
Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
SQL Server Showing Out of Space But Plenty of Drive Space
We have a SQL Server installed. We have a 500GB drive for the database....
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