New DAX functions in SQL Server 2016
SQL Server 2016 comes with several new features including new DAX functions to enrich the functionality, Daniel Calbimonte takes a look.
JSON support in SQL Server 2016
At last, SQL Server has caught up with other RDBMSs by providing a useful measure of JSON-support. It is a useful start, even though it is nothing like as comprehensive as the existing XML support. For many applications, what is provided will be sufficient. Robert Sheldon describes what is there and what isn't.
Exploration of SQL Server 2016 Always Encrypted – Part 2
It is important to only allow authorized individuals access to confidential data. Therefore when setting up an Always Encrypted table it is important to consider splitting configuration tasks between multiple individuals/groups to improve security. Follow Greg Larsen as he shows how to setup up SQL Server Always Encrypted tables where database administrators can’t see the clear text confidential data.
Hacking to Hide
People have hacked the voyage data recorders in ships. Steve Jones thinks this is a fundamental problem in computing systems.
Optimizing Update Queries
Paul White spends some time optimizing update queries in order to explore some SQL Server internals.
Surface Book
Steve Jones is looking for a new laptop. Perhaps. Read on to see what he wants in a machine.
The SQLite alternative to NoSQL
Phil factor argues that if you are within the SQL and relational mindset, there is no good technical reason to have to change, since SQLite takes care of all the small stuff and the new breed of NewSQL takes care of the jelly-masses of unstructured data.
The Boardgame of Office Politics
Sometimes the stress of interdepartmental friction within organisations can get on top of you, especially between the business and IT when the going gets tough. Simple-Talk's answer is a board game to put it all into perspective. Instead of getting carried away, play the board game instead and reach catharsis.
Blogs
Advice I Like: Respect
By Steve Jones
“Don’t aim to have others like you; aim to have them respect you.” –...
Blue Sky Programming – The Optimism Trap
Many years ago, before I joined Oracle, I was working on a major modernisation...
Setting Up a Mac for Data Engineering and AI Work
If you work with data pipelines, SQL, notebooks, or machine learning models, a Mac...
Forums
SQL Art, Part 4: Happy 4th of July — A British DBA's Guide to Celebrating a War We Don't Talk About
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SQL Art, Part 4: Happy...
locking down agent for new user on our dev machine
hi , a new user wants to be able to add sql agent jobs...
SQL Server Enum Implementation: A Single-Row View Strategy for Avoiding Magic Values
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SQL Server Enum Implementation: A...
Question of the Day
BIT_COUNT I
In SQL Server 2025, I have a table (dbo.UserPermission) that contains this data:
UserID UserPermissions 15 23 37What is returned when I run this code:
select bit_count(UserPermissions) as PermissionCount from dbo.UserPermission where UserID = 3;See possible answers