Reclaiming Space After Column Data Type Change
A brief overview of how to reclaim storage space after altering the data type of a column.
Steps to change the server name for a SQL Server machine
In this tip Jugal Shah looks at the steps within SQL Server you need to follow if you change the physical server name for a standalone SQL Server.
Backup Strategy in Azure SQL?
Everybody says that the backup process in Azure SQL is very easy. Is that true? In this new article, we will show how to do it.
Making Complex Table Changes
The complexity of tables makes modifying them over time a challenge, especially as data sizes grow.
Security Shaming
This week Steve Jones looks at a new idea, rating the security of products publicly to try and shame vendors into more secure coding.
Failover
Too many failovers can cause problems, as can those that happen to often. Steve Jones says you need to consider whether you always need to failover in a sitaution.
SELECT INTO vs INSERT INTO on Columnstore
This article compares SELECT INTO and INSERT INTO under different scenarios, and the best approach preferred.
Database Lifecycle Management: Deployment and Release
So often, the unexpected delays in delivering database code are more likely to happen after the developers initiate the release process. The necessary checks and tests can turn up surprises: The handover process can expose deficiencies. With good teamwork, planning and forethought, though, the process can be made almost painless.
Proper Storage and Handling of Personal Names
As database developers, we may need to rethink the way we store and handle personal names
Blogs
Shifting Mindsets: Why FinOps is Essential for Cloud Efficiency
By HeyMo0sh
As a DevOps practitioner, I’ve always focused on performance, scalability, and automation. But as...
March 2026 SQL Server Security Updates
By Brian Kelley
On Patch Tuesday, in addition to OS and Office security patches, Microsoft also released...
How Fabric Mirroring Transformed with SQL Server 2025
When mirroring was first released for Azure SQL Database, it used Change Data Capture...
Forums
Multiple Deployment Processes
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How to Use sqlpackage to Detect Schema Drift Between Azure SQL Databases
Comments posted to this topic are about the item How to Use sqlpackage to...
Upgrading Admin Queries
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Upgrading Admin Queries
Question of the Day
Upgrading Admin Queries
I have a query from a former DBA that we run on SQL Server 2025 to check on database metadata. This query references sys.sysaltfiles. I want to refactor this code to be more modern. Which DMV should I reference instead?
See possible answers