SQL Server differences of char, nchar, varchar and nvarchar data types
Sherlee Dizon looks at the basic differences between char, nchar, varchar, and nvarchar, as well as what to be aware of when using each data type.
Using SQL Compare with Dynamic Data Masking
Dynamic Data Masking is an exciting new feature in SQL Server 2016, allowing DBAs to centrally set a mask that is returned for a table column instead of the actual data, limiting what information is returned to certain users in a consistent and reliable way. What’s more, Redgate SQL Compare safely and reliably handles your DDM changes. Data Platform MVP Steve Jones explains more.
Stairway to U-SQL Level 4: U-SQL and Data Lake Tooling with Visual Studio
A guide to using Visual Studio to create U-SQL projects and scripts.
The Relentless Cloud
The march to the cloud is ongoing and Steve Jones says you should prepare yourself. Even if your company doesn't move.
Number of Rows Read / Actual Rows Read warnings in Plan Explorer
Rob Farley looks at information exposed in query plans about residual predicates and actual rows read, showing how Plan Explorer helps identify the issue.
Databases in Azure: Copy and Exports
Toady we are going to make a copy and export your DB to Azure Storage. Lets get started.
Scary Deployments
Today Steve Jones talks about the problem of having code that people are afraid to change or deploy.
Planning for a Successful Database Lifecycle
Although it is well-known that the best efforts of a development team can be derailed by mistakes in the architecture, design and general governance of a development project, few attempts have been made to describe what needs to be done to increase the chances of success in the development of a database application. William Brewer steps into the breach to itemise what a delivery team needs to succeed.
Delivering Rapid Improvements to SSMS
SSMS has spent years being neglected, merely being kept compatible with SQL Server and its features: But now we have, instead, the promise of monthly delivery of new functionality
Security is Getting Serious
Today Steve Jones notes that back doors could be inserted into chips, which would be a huge problem.
Blogs
PlanTrace Now Supports PostgreSQL
PlanTrace Now Supports PostgreSQL The same plan analysis you know from...
A New Word: the Kinder Surprise
By Steve Jones
the kinder surprise – . the point in your early adolescence when you realize...
Crash-Consistent Snapshot Cloning - Hyper-V Edition
If you’ve been following my T-SQL Snapshot Backup series, most of what I’ve covered...
Forums
BCA KCU KEDOYA PERMAI TLP/WA 08216977701
Ruko Taman Kedoya Permai, Blok A 1A, No.4-5, RT.11/RW.5, Kb. Jeruk, Kec. Kb. Jeruk,...
BCA KCP Kemang Pratama CSTelpon : 0853-73737551
Komplek, Ruko Kemang Pratama, Jl. Kemang Pratama Raya No.1A Blok AN, RT.004/RW.001, Bojong Rawalumbu,...
BCA KCP Kedoya Baru TLP/WA 08218573837
Ruko Tomang Tol, Blk. A1 No.21-22 Raya Blok, Kedoya Sel., Kec. Kb. Jeruk, Kota...
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