Test Coverage
We don't test software well enough. Obviously we don't write high enough quality software, but testing should catch more issues. Steve Jones talks about how you can perform better T-SQL testing.
How to Fix Ten SSDT Deployment Snags, With or Without ReadyRoll
Even a database development framework like Sql Server Data Tools (SSDT) doesn't get it right all the time, and there are ten deployment 'gotchas' in particular that can cause some head-scratching amongst developers to get right. From his unique perspective of creating a tool to make such deployments in SSDT less stressful, Dan Nolan discusses each pitfall and how to avoid it, whether you have ReadyRoll or not.
Better Coding, More Savings
The way we write code impacts our users, but it can also impact our wallet, especially in cloud computing. Steve Jones wonders how many people bother to profile and test their code.
How to Capture Deleted Records
This article shows a few techniques that help in capturing deleted records.
The Toolchain for the Job?
Phil Factor ponders the use of toolchains in automation, and wonders if there might not be a better way.
Managing multiple database versions
Sometimes, it's necessary to have different versions of a database running in production. But how do you establish a single source of truth in source control? Alex Yates from DLM Consultants shows how to use object filters in SQL Compare to build multiple database versions from the same source.
Which Indexes are not Used?
During the development cycle, indexes will be placed on SQL Server tables to speed up performance when searching for records. Lots of thought probably has gone into creating just the right mix of indexes based on how developers think customers will use the system. But how do you tell if all the indexes are being used once your database has been implemented into production?
A Fun Distraction
With the holiday season here, Steve Jones wonders what you'll do for fun away from work.
Managing Log Files Sizes the Easy Way
Learn an easy, rough, and ready way to manage log files in this piece.
Introduction to C# Scripting for SQL Server DBAs
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.
Blogs
Who Are You Doing It For?
By Brian Kelley
But as I've matured over the years, I came to realize that I needed...
Presenting Twice in May 2026
By alevyinroc
I will be presenting my latest session, Documenting Your Work for Worry-Free Vacations, in-person...
Finding the Next Sequence Value: #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
I saw a question asking about the next sequence value and decided to try...
Forums
DB Design Methods
I've read a few posts regarding what we use to design DB models and...
Auto Update Statistics not triggering on filtered indexes
I've got a table with 186,703,969 rows, about 300GB of data. There are several...
What is the difference between SQL Server and SQL Database?
I created a SQL Database in Azure Portal but I've just noticed it also...
Question of the Day
An Unusual Identity
What values are returned when I run this code?
CREATE TABLE dbo.IdentityTest2
(
id NUMERIC(10,0) IDENTITY(10,10) PRIMARY KEY,
somevalue VARCHAR(20)
)
GO
INSERT dbo.IdentityTest2
(
somevalue
)
VALUES
( 'Steve')
, ('Bill')
GO
SELECT top 10
id
FROM dbo.IdentityTest2 See possible answers