Data Analyst AI tool
See how ChatGPT can be used to analyze a dataset, produce charts, and train a model.
Evaluating the Randomness of SQL Server Random Number Functions
Microsoft provides T-SQL developers with three functions (rand, newid, and crypt_gen_random) for generating random numbers. Each of these functions is effective at returning random values, but feature sets associated with each function make them best suited to different use cases. This tip’s Solution section presents an overview of common use cases for random numbers in SQL Server along with references to learn more about random numbers in SQL Server.
How Do You Know You Are Right?
I spend a significant amount of time working alone at my desk. I write articles, edit them, and share my opinions. However, I am constantly concerned about being wrong. How can I overcome this feeling? If this were a live session, I would eagerly listen to the answers to this question. Since it isn't, I […]
Database DevOps Recommendations
DevOps and databases aren't always considered compatible, but that is changing. DORA now has recommendations for database changes on their site.
Date and Time Calculations Made Easy with EOMONTH, DATEDIFF, and DATEADD
Learn how to work with dates and calculate particular dates or elapsed time periods with some of the functions available in SQL Server.
Exploring the SQL Server CHOOSE Function
I preface a lot of what I write with whether or not it is for a “practical” use. One of the Simple Talk authors used this function in a forthcoming article. and I realized I hadn’t heard of it before (or I forgot about it… which is not completely unlikely.) The practical use was to generate some data and have at least a little variety to the values.
How Helpful is a GenAI Copilot
Steve looks at a trial using Microsoft's Copilot and how helpful it was for workers.
SQL Server Cursor Example
I know SQL cursors exist, but I am not sure how or why to use them. Can you provide a SQL cursor example? Can you give any guidance on when to use a SQL Server cursor?
Rising Pay for Certifications
People with certifications are seeing their pay rise faster than others. Steve has a few thoughts on this today.
Building AI Calls into the First Responder Kit
No, that isn’t an April 1st joke, heh. I know a lot of vendors are shoving AI down your throat, but I can think of a few ways I actually want to get quick, easy advice from large language models (LLM) when I’m calling the sp_Blitz scripts:
Blogs
Think Twice Before Enabling Fabric’s Inbound Network Protection
Fabric inbound network protection involves two tenant-level controls: Private Link and Block Public Internet...
Match the Model to the Task, Not the App: An Orchestrator-Worker Pattern in Python
Most apps that call an LLM send every request to the same model. That...
Advice I Like: Responsibility
By Steve Jones
“The foundation of maturity: Just because it’s not your fault doesn’t mean it’s not...
Forums
AI Observability Challenges in FinOps as a DBA
Comments posted to this topic are about the item AI Observability Challenges in FinOps...
Migration Challenge: Excessive FULLSCAN Statistics Update Duration Blocking SQL
Hello everyone , I am planning to migrate a database from SQL Server 2014...
SQL Agent Job Automated Change Capture Process
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SQL Agent Job Automated Change...
Question of the Day
Finding a Database Master Key
Where do I check for the existence of a Database Master Key (DMK) in SQL Server 2025?
See possible answers