Starting a New Job
Steve Jones talks about starting a new job and the need to get up to speed quickly, perhaps by being prepared on day 1.
Bowled Over by SQL Window Functions
What better way to learn how to construct complex CHECK CONSTRAINTs, use the SQL 2012 window frame capability of the OVER clause and LEAD analytic function, as well as how to pivot rows into columns using a crosstab query? Create the SQL code to score Ten-pin Bowling, of course. Dwain Camps explains the how, what and why.
Ship Safe...Ship Often
How can we ship safe, and ship often? Steve Jones has a few comments on the need for better engineering.
Using SQL Server's GROUP BY clause to Summarize your Data
SQL Server’s GROUP BY clause provides you a way to aggregate your SQL Server data and to group data on a single column, multiple columns, or even expressions. Greg Larsen discusses how to use the GROUP by clause to summarize your data.
SQL Bits and Community Superheroes
Chris Testa-O'Neil on the origins of SQL Bits and the joys of community events.
The Quickest Guide to Getting Started with PowerPivot
If you are still on the edge about PowerPivot and have not given it a shot, this article will get you started with ample of screen shots and a step-by-step guide.
Questions About T-SQL Control-of-Flow Language You Were Too Shy to Ask
Surely, we all know how T-SQL Control-of-flow language works? In fact it is surprisingly easy to get caught out. What, for example, do the BREAK, RETURN and CONTINUE keywords do in their various contexts? Robert Sheldon has the answers to this and other questions.
Data Mining Part 24: SQL Profiler and Data Mining
In this chapter we will detect the Data Mining activity using SQL Server Profiler.
Data Mining Part 24: SQL Profiler and Data Mining
In this chapter we will detect the Data Mining activity using SQL Server Profiler.
Programming Rules and 'Best Practices' Can't Replace Professional Judgement
In which Phil Factor casts doubts on 'programming policies'. For certain, any IT team development requires plenty of methods of working that maximise productivity, but coding standards and ‘best practices’ have to be treated with caution. Programming rules can’t replace professional judgement
Blogs
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...
EightKB 2026
EightKB is back again for 2026! The biggest online SQL Server internals conference is...
Forums
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
Everything is the right question away
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Everything is the right question...
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