Exploring SQL Server 2016 Dynamic Data Masking – Part One
Greg Larson looks at how to hide the value of sensitive data by applying Dynamic Data Masking.
Data Mining Part 36: Verifying the accuracy of the model
In this new chapter we will show how to verify the accuracy of the mining models.
IDEs sweet but beguiling
IDEs are wonderful, but tend to lull you out of the good habits of thinking up front about how the code you write will be monitored and tested. So argues Phil Factor.
The Dangers of Algorithms
How we implement algorithms can change the way the world works with our software. Steve Jones wonders if we should be disclosing the algorithms themselves.
Redgate Instant Clone Beta
Redgate is in an early research phase of a tool that helps provision production-like databases for dev and test in a way that saves both time and storage. The team involved are looking for volunteers to provide feedback on the product as it's developed. If you think you'd be interested in trying out the tool, sign up for the beta program now.
SQL Server Performance Troubleshooting with SQL Monitor 5
Any SQL Server monitoring tool must gather the metrics that will allow a DBA to diagnose CPU, memory or I/O issues on their SQL Servers. It should also provide a set of accurate, reliable, configurable alerts that will inform the DBA of any abnormal or undesirable conditions and properties, as well as specific errors, on any of the monitored servers. This article provides an in-depth guide to the monitoring and alerting functionality available in one such tool, Redgate SQL Monitor. It focuses on the latest edition (5.0), which includes several key new features, such as performance diagnosis using wait statistics, the ability to compare to baselines, and more.
Database Design Follies: NULL vs. NOT NULL
It sounds simple enough. Either your column will always have a value or it may not. Yet somehow such a seemingly simple decision can become a never-ending debate where database schema begins to resemble superstition and designing effective tables seems more contentious than you expected it to be.
Public Data Sets
A list of data sets you can download and play with for practice, demos, or your own analysis.
Connected Development with SQL Server Data Tools
Although SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) encourages 'disconnected' database development, it also provides the SQL Server Object Explorer (SSOX) tool in SSDT’s Visual Studio shell to connect to a live development instance or view an SSDT project once all references have been resolved.
Blogs
Databases and AI Agents
By Arun Sirpal
As part of my wider work exploring Claude Code and AI-assisted database engineering, I...
Creating a Pulsing Conducting Baton - Part 1
By Bert Wagner
Train Wreck The last time I watched a high school band nearly fall apart mid-performance...
ISACA AI Material/Exam Prep Discount (May 18 – June 30, 2026)
By Brian Kelley
If you are considering any of the ISACA AI certs like the Advanced Artificial...
Forums
Why Your Index Isn't Being Used? - Reading Execution Plans to Find the Real Culprit
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Why Your Index Isn't Being...
Distance Metric Algorithms
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Distance Metric Algorithms
What Can AI Really Do?
Comments posted to this topic are about the item What Can AI Really Do?
Question of the Day
Distance Metric Algorithms
What are the distance metric algorithms that can be used in VECTOR_DISTANCE()?
See possible answers