Stairway to U-SQL Level 12: SQL.ARRAY and CROSS APPLY EXPLODE
U-SQL introduces two new data types - SQL.ARRAY and SQL.MAP. Here, we look at what we can do with SQL.ARRAY and the CROSS APPLY EXPLODE expression.
SQL Server Database Provisioning
Database provisioning for development work isn't always easy. The better that development teams meet business demands for rapid delivery and high quality, the more complex become the requirements for the work of development and testing. More databases are required for testing and development, and they need to be more rapidly kept current. Data and loading needs to match more closely what is in production. Grant Fritchey explains.
Simpson's Paradox
This article is a case study and an attempt to explain an interesting phenomenon with data anomalies that is commonly called Simpson's Paradox.
SQL Server is Getting More Popular
Today, Steve Jones looks at the popularity of SQL Server, which was named DBMS of 2017.
SQL Server 2016 Enterprise Edition Performance Advantages
Glenn Berry uses a few specific examples to demonstrate the performance benefits you can get from SQL Server 2016 SP1 Enterprise Edition.
Changes are Coming to the SQLServerCentral Forums
SQLServerCentral is getting an upgrade, and Steve Jones has a few words.
Keeping up to, and down with, Date
It is foolish to insist on reading only up-to-date books on technology. Nothing beats getting the broad perspective.
Using R to Identify Key Features Quickly
Typical BI dashboards display data summaries like counts and averages. We use R to extend on these to identify key associations in a dataset.
Using SQLite with PowerShell and SQL Server
When you combine PowerShell and SQLite, you can perform powerful magic. Phil Factor is in awe of SQLite and gives a brief demonstration of how easy it is to use. Just to encourage anyone who is unfamiliar with the database, he includes a giant-sized SQLite version of the old PUBS database that the first generation of RDBMS developers cut their teeth on.
Blogs
Redgate and Rome
By Steve Jones
I’m at the UK Redgate office today, meeting with senior leaders in all areas...
Quick Tip: Check Most DTU Expensive Queries in Azure SQL Database
Optimizing Azure SQL Database performance often begins with identifying the most resource-intensive queries. Understanding...
PowerShell Newbie – Variables
By gbargsley
This is Week 2 of PowerShell Strikes Back – a four-week May series for...
Forums
SSRS Is Dead. Here Are Your Real Options
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SSRS Is Dead. Here Are...
The Distance Metric
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Distance Metric
The New Wave of Security Threats
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The New Wave of Security...
Question of the Day
The Distance Metric
In the new VECTOR_DISTANCE() function in SQL Server 2025, the first parameter is the distance_metric. What is this?
See possible answers