Finding Problem Code
This week Steve Jones has a poll on performance tuning code. Since many people aren't experts, the answers this week might help them learn where to focus their efforts.
The new Analytic functions in SQL Server 2012
SQL Server expert Wayne Sheffield looks into the new T-SQL analytic functions coming in SQL Server 2012.
Automated database deployment workshops
Redgate is offering a 1-day public workshop for anyone who’s interested in automated deployments for SQL Server databases. In the hands-on exercises, you’ll learn how to deploy with PowerShell and Octopus Deploy, work with NuGet packages, handle unexpected changes in your production database (database drift), test your changes with dry run releases, add review and rollback steps, check your deployments have worked, and how to fix things if your deployment fails. Find a workshop near you.
CONCAT and STUFF Functions in SQL Server 2012
The difference between the CONCAT function and the STUFF function lies in the fact that CONCAT allows you to append a string value at the end of another string value whereas STUFF allows you insert or replace a string value into or in between another string value. Read on to learn more about these functions and their real life usage.
Is It Time to Upgrade?
Today Steve Jones looks at the reasons for upgrading, or not, from SQL Server 2005.
SQLServerCentral Runs sp_Blitz - The Future
After examining the SQLServerCentral servers using the sp_Blitz™ script, Steve Jones now looks at how we will use the script moving forward.
Microservices in Promise and Practice
Are microservices the cure for the ague of monolithic applications, or do they bring their own problems with them that monolithic architectures have circumvented? Are they capable of delivering applications that are easier to maintain and develop? How can they avoid the failings of service-oriented architectures? Once more, Robert Sheldon gets to the heart of the technical issues.
Automated database deployment workshop: London, UK
Join Redgate on May 20th for a 1-day public workshop in London. This event is for anyone who’s interested in automated deployments for SQL Server databases. You'll learn how to: Deploy databases using Redgate's DLM tools; Assess the different requirements of production and non-production deployments, and; Handle database administration tasks, such as backups and security, for automated deployment. Register while space is available.
Disaster Recovery and Big Data
Big data applications are not usually considered mission-critical: while they support sales and marketing decisions, they do not significantly affect core operations such as customer accounts, orders, inventory, and shipping. Why, then, are major IT organizations moving quickly to incorporating big data in their disaster recovery plans?
Blogs
Monday Monitor Tips: Intelligent Alert Thresholds
By Steve Jones
At the recent Redgate Summit in Chicago, I demo’d (lightly) the ML based Alert...
A New Word: los vidados
By Steve Jones
los vidados – n. the half-remembered acquaintances you knew years ago, who you might...
In-Person CISA Training – April 13-16, 2026
By Brian Kelley
I will be leading an in-person Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam prep class...
Forums
String_agg not working as needed
I'm trying to get this string_agg to put all the 'comments' into one result...
Vectors in SQL Server 2025
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Vectors in SQL Server 2025
Odd Sequences
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Odd Sequences
Question of the Day
Odd Sequences
What values are returned from this code?
CREATE SEQUENCE NumericSequence
AS NUMERIC(5,1)
START WITH 1.0
INCREMENT BY 0.1;
GO
SELECT NEXT VALUE FOR NumericSequence
GO
SELECT NEXT VALUE FOR NumericSequence
GO See possible answers