Byte Me: Supervirus

Target Recovery Interval and Indirect Checkpoint

Indirect checkpoint is the recommended configuration, especially on systems with large memory footprints and default for databases created in SQL Server 2016.

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.