Five Useful SQL Server Management Practices
This article outlines five SQL Server capabilities you can use to enhance your efficiency as a DBA.
Put your Database under Source Control
This article will walk you through a demostration on linking your DB to SubVersion with RedGate SQL Source Control.
SQL Server v.Next : STRING_AGG() performance
Aaron Bertrand takes an initial look at the performance of a new function, STRING_AGG, in SQL Server v.Next CTP 1.1.
Delaying Patches is Problematic
Many of our security issues come down to not patching software when there are updates available.
SQL Server in Azure Virtual Machines - Performance Optimizations
When deploying SQL Server in an Azure virtual machine, you can take advantage of several Azure Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) features that enhance performance of the SQL Server database engine. This article explores a couple of these enhancements, with a particular focus on increased I/O throughput facilitated by the Solid State Drive (SSD) storage available on most Azure virtual machines (VMs).
A Possible Alternative to SQL UNPIVOT
Understand how to use the SQL UNPIVOT statement and then an equivalent using XML and XPath Querying in SQL Server.
The Development Lab
This week Steve Jones looks at hardware and the ways in which you might assemble a set of computers for building software.
Writing the Correct Query is Important
Making simple mistakes in queries can have far reaching consequences.
Free Webinar – Database DevOps Demo
Learn how to extend DevOps practices to SQL Server databases in our free demo webinar on January 17th. Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Steve Jones will demonstrate how Redgate’s database automation tools plug into Git, Jenkins & Octopus Deploy. Learn how to branch and merge with SQL Source Control then automate the build and deployment of changes with DLM Automation. Register now.
Blogs
SQL Server Security Hardening Guide Using the DoD STIG Checklist
Security on your SQL Server is important. That doesn’t need any explaining. But where...
EightKB 2026: Registration is Open!
It’s that time of year again! EightKB is back on August 20th at 13:00...
TRY_PARSE Limitations: #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
I got a notification from a question I’d posted at SQL Server Central: Getting...
Forums
Are You Working More Hours?
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Are You Working More Hours?
Stairway to Reliable Database Deployments Level 6 – Managing Changesets Over Time
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Stairway to Reliable Database Deployments...
A Limited Startup
Comments posted to this topic are about the item A Limited Startup
Question of the Day
A Limited Startup
I add this parameter to SQL Server 2025 in the Configuration Manager:
-mDynamicsWhat does this do? See possible answers