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.
Adding Slicers to a Reporting Services Report
This article shows you how to create dynamic slicers from a data set in an SSRS report
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.
Blogs
The SUM of Nothing: #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
I caught this interesting item over on Pinal Dave’s blog: Eleven Interview Questions that...
How to Move the SSMS Status Bar to the Top and Color-Code SQL Server Connections
By Hemantgiri
I use color-coded connections in SSMS to distinguish Production, Pre-Production, UAT, and Development. But...
Forums
Building a SQL Server Fleet Audit That Leadership Actually Reads
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Building a SQL Server Fleet...
Smart AI Agents and Data Security
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Smart AI Agents and Data...
RegEx Functions IV
Comments posted to this topic are about the item RegEx Functions IV
Question of the Day
RegEx Functions IV
I have this data in a table in a SQL Server 2025 database:
EmailAddressID EmailAddress 7 dylan0@ADVENTURE-WORKS.COM 8 Diane1@ADVENTURE-WORKS.COMIf I run this query, which row(s) are returned?
SELECT top 10 * FROM person.EmailAddress WHERE REGEXP_LIKE(EmailAddress, '^D', 'i') AND BusinessEntityID IN (7,8)See possible answers