Nasty Fast PERCENT_RANK
Alan Burstein discusses a better performning alternative to PERCENT_RANK that works on SQL Server versions 2005+
Questions about Data Masking That You Were Too Shy to Ask
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will be in effect in May of 2018. Data masking is one technique that can help your organization comply with this and other regulations. William Brewer answers those questions about data masking that you were too shy to ask.
Using Better Tools
Some companies don't want to use tools, but that doesn't make sense to Steve Jones.
SQL Server Machine Learning Services – Part 1: Python Basics
Python is a very popular language used for many purposes including machine learning. SQL Server 2017 supports Python with its Machine Learning Services component. Robert Sheldon explains how to get started using Python in SQL Server in the first article of this series.
How to Turn on Instant File Initialization
Not having instant file initialization turned on slows down the process of adding pages to your database, because prior to allocating the data pages to your database, SQL Server needs to zero out the newly allocated pages.
Understanding Your Value
Data can help you understand the value you bring to a company as a data professional.
Create Size-based Backups for SQL Server 2017
Jeffrey Yao explains how to generate backups based on the amount of data that has changed for differential and transaction log backups.
PowerShell Tool Time: Controlling Our Tools
The next installment of the Powershell Tool Time series shows you how to manage backup files by
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
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...
Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
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