Paying Attention to Estimates
Aaron Bertrand follows up on a recent post about DATEFROMPARTS() with a deeper look into the estimates and potential mitigation techniques.
A Visit to Microsoft and SQL Server 2016
Today we have a guest editorial from Andy Warren as Steve is on vacation. Andy talks about a trip to Microsoft for the SQL Server 2016 launch.
Writing Better T-SQL: Top-Down Design May Not be the Best Choice
One of the best ways in which you can build better applications is by learning to write better T-SQL. Mickey Stuewe begins a new series showing how you might start to think about writing queries.
Writing Better T-SQL: Top-Down Design May Not be the Best Choice
One of the best ways in which you can build better applications is by learning to write better T-SQL. Mickey Stuewe begins a new series showing how you might start to think about writing queries.
Biml Academy 2 - Importing, Staging, and Loading Data
Next week are 5 more lessons on working iwth Bilm. Each day, Aug 15-19, at 1:00pm EDT.
SQL Server Stored Procedure to Compress Non Partitioned Tables
My SQL Server database has some very big tables that can be compressed. The tables are simple, non-partitioned tables and I want a quick tool to compress them. I
An object lesson about what is really important
A story I heard a long time ago reminds us to choose what is really important.
Executing Multiple Threads to Create a Load
Learn a few techniques for executing multiple sets of queries at once.
SSIS in SSDT: The Basics
SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) is a fast and reliable way of importing and exporting data, but it can be tricky to learn, initially. Rob Sheldon provides a beginner's guide to get you started with using SSIS with Visual Studio and SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT).
Keyboard Hardlines
The potential vulnerabilities of wireless devices might be a security issue for databases.
Blogs
Microsoft Fabric OneLake Shortcuts: When to Use Them and When Not To
By James Serra
An architecture scenario Imagine separate Sales, Finance, Shared Data, and Executive Analytics workspaces. Sales...
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...
Forums
Backing Up a DMK
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Backing Up a DMK
The Quiet Part
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Quiet Part
BIT_COUNT in SQL Server
Comments posted to this topic are about the item BIT_COUNT in SQL Server
Question of the Day
Backing Up a DMK
In SQL Server 2025, I have a database with a Database Masker Key (DMK). I want to back up this key and keep a copy offline. When do I have to open this key before running the backup?
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