SQLXML Bulk Loader Basics
SQLXML isn't exactly new technology, but like the even more venerable BCP, it remains the quickest and most reliable way of heaving large quantities of data into SQL Server databases. SQLXML is very versatile, and once set up is wonderfully reliable ETL system, but isn't trivial to learn. Adam Aspin comes to the rescue with a simple guide.
The Case for Specifying Data Types and Query Performance
Performance penalties for omitting SQL data types when using ADO.Net or light weight ORMs.
The Stress of a Former DBA
Rodney Landrum impresses on his audience the importance of attention to the finer details, during data analysis and reporting.
The Test of Time
IBM recently turned 100 years old and Steve Jones wishes more companies would try to build their business to grow to 100.
Comparing Oracle and SQL Server Code - Part 1
In this tip, Daniel Calbimonte compares the SQL Server (T-SQL) and Oracle (PL-SQL) extensions of the SQL language. The tip will compare both T-SQL and PL-SQL languages with respect to retrieving data, creating databases, tables, variables, etc.
Does It Count?
This Friday Steve Jones asks how you track uptime. Does your scheduled maintenance count against your metrics?
Trigger an Email of an SSRS Report from an SSIS Package
This article demonstrates how to trigger an SSRS subscription to email a report from an Execute SQL Task using SQL Server Agent and the ReportServer.dbo.AddEvent stored procedure.
Script All Server Level Objects to Recreate SQL Server
Carla Abanes provides a guide on how to create a console application that will generate create scripts for server level objects for multiple SQL Server instances. This is handy in the event of a disaster and you need to create a clone of the SQL Server that is no longer available.
A Syntax Mystery in a Previously Working Procedure
A previous working script show syntax errors on recreating (sp_helptext script line length limitation)
Blogs
Funny Money: #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
While wandering around the documentation looking for some Question of the Day topics, I...
Why Database AI Agents need Layers?
By Arun Sirpal
Third part in my Ai series with databases. When building AI solutions within the...
Un-Migrating From the Cloud: T-SQL Tuesday #199
By Steve Jones
This month we have a very interesting invitation from Koen Verbeeck. He has hosted...
Forums
How Do the Experts Become Experts?
Comments posted to this topic are about the item How Do the Experts Become...
Stairway to Reliable Database Deployments Level 4 – Preparing for Production Deployment
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Stairway to Reliable Database Deployments...
Secure Communications
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Secure Communications
Question of the Day
Secure Communications
As of June 2026, what is the best version of TLS to use with SQL Server?
See possible answers