How Implicit Transactions Hurt SQL Server Performance Without You Knowing
Learn about implicit transaction and why you might not want to enable this setting.
Memories of Andrew Clarke, by Simon Galbraith
Simon Galbraith, co-founder of Redgate and one of the creators of Simple Talk, remembers Andrew Clarke
DIY Database Clones
This article explores the 'shadow copy' and 'disk virtualization' services built into the Windows operating system and explains a basic solution demonstrating how the technology is used to copy the data and log files for a live SQL Server database into an 'image', from which we can create multiple, lightweight copies, or clones, of the original database.
Why Indexes are Important Beyond Faster Execution of Queries
Learn how indexes can help you with more than just querying data.
SQL EXISTS Use Cases and Examples
I’ve seen the SQL EXISTS keyword in Microsoft SQL Server T-SQL code and don’t understand it well. What does it do? How do I use it? Are there best practices around SQL IF EXISTS?
Database Ledger in SQL Server 2022
Learn how ledger databases and ledger tables work in SQL Server 2022.
Limiting the Ability to Concentrate and Collaborate
Open offices have an interesting side effect: less collaboration.
Mastering SQL VIEWs: Syntax, Use Cases, and Best Practices
VIEWs are an undervalued and underused feature in SQL. They basically consist of a query that has been given a name, and a parameter list, so can be used like an inline macro. Technically, you’re supposed to think of it as a virtual table.
Blogs
SQL Training Black Friday Deals
By Brian Kelley
If you're looking for particular "Black Friday" deals, here is what I've seen advertised...
Dry-run xp_delete_file Before Actually Deleting Files?
By SQLPals
Dry-run xp_delete_file Before Actually Deleting Files? xp_delete_file doesn’t really have a...
Happy Thanksgiving! (USA Holiday)
By Brian Kelley
In the United States, today is Thanksgiving. The intent behind the holiday is to...
Forums
Don't Let Corner Cases Drive Your Design
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Don't Let Corner Cases Drive...
A New Operator
Comments posted to this topic are about the item A New Operator
Troubleshooting Common SQL Server Errors: 823, and 824
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Troubleshooting Common SQL Server Errors:...
Question of the Day
A New Operator
In SQL Server 2025, what does this code return?
SELECT '1' || '0'See possible answers