Microsoft has introduced an interactive C# scripting technology inside the Visual Studio 2015 environment. In this post, Jeffrey Yao looks at how we can use this to perform SQL Server tasks.

Solving an SSIS Error – Cannot convert between Unicode and non-Unicode

by Thomas LeBlanc

SQLServerCentral.com

Integration Services (SSIS)

When loading data with SSIS, sometimes there are various errors that may crop up. This article provides a solution when you get have a problem between Unicode and non-Unicode fields.

This is how to fail

by Tim Mitchell

SQLServerCentral.com

Editorial

Today we have a guest editorial from Tim Mitchell that talks about security and communications with your customers. Ultimately it pays to be open and honest.

Deploying schema changes to multiple databases using the SQL Compare command line

by Additional Articles

Redgate

SQL Compare

Feodor Georgiev explains how SQL Compare Pro makes it possible to automate the process of synchronizing a source and target database. By calling SQL Compare from a simple batch script, he shows how to make it work for a whole list of targets, one after another.

Listing Duplicate Values by Group

by Additional Articles

Database Journal

duplicate data

Without question, one of the most common tasks performed by Database Administrators (DBAs) is identifying and weeding out duplicate values in tables. Despite the inordinate number of queries written by other DBAs to locate duplicate values in their database tables, the real challenge is in locating a useable SQL statement to go by. Rob Gravelle presents a few solutions that will save you some time down the road.

SQL in the City 2016

by Steve Jones

SQLServerCentral.com

Editorial

SQL in the City 2016 kicks off today and Steve Jones has a few thoughts.

The Hibernate ORM and SQL Server

by Yell McGuyer

SQLServerCentral.com

Hibernate

Using an ORM with SQL Server introduces unique challenges. I have listed a few of my experiences, hoping it can help someone.

Retrieving SQL Server Query Execution Plans

by Additional Articles

SimpleTalk

Execution Plans

Execution plans explain all you need to know about query performance, and how to fine-tune. Sure, you can see them in SSMS, but what if you need to drill into to the important details? What about using DMVs, Extended Events or SET statements to get at the execution plans? To get the best use of execution plans you need to be able to get right information from the right plan at the right time. Robert Sheldon explains how.