Which Problem Are You Solving?
This week Steve Jones talks a bit about problem solving and how you should approach the issue.
Discrete and Continuous Data in SQL
Not all data is discrete; some data types represent a continuum. In SQL, we have to approximate them and live with the special problems of handling continuous data. We need to understand the problems associated with continuous data types, when these will happen, and how it affects constraints and the results of queries. Joe Celko explains.
Going to Extremes to Release Bug Fixes and New Features
Extreme Programming (XP) is no general panacea; but for the right team, and for a product that needs to release bug fixes and new features as fast as possible, its benefits are obvious. Working on one of Red Gate's most popular tools, SQL Prompt, Aaron Law and David Priddle use XP. But is their adherence to XP a personal preference or does it bring real benefits?
Webinar: Oracle Exadata & In-Memory Real-World Performance
On January 28th 3PM GMT, Randolf Geist will present a free, one-hour webinar analyzing different database query profiles based on a real-world customer case. He'll also look at how these different profiles influence the efficiency of Exadata's features and the new Oracle In-Memory column store option. Register now.
Getting IT Out of the Data Center
Technology shouldn't just be a cost sink in an organization, at least that's what Steve Jones thinks.
Tracking Database DDL Changes with SQLVer
Presents an open-source T-SQL based version tracking system for MSSQL
Azure SQL Database Auditing
While a diminished level of control is certainly a factor to consider when contemplating migration of on-premises systems to Microsoft Azure, especially when dealing with PaaS resources such as Azure SQL Database, you have a range of techniques at your disposal that allow you to control and monitor both the status of and access to your Azure-resident services. One of these techniques is SQL Database auditing.
SQL Monitor Custom Metric: Percentage of Fragmented Indexes
This is a general indicator of performance problems. Index fragmentation can affect the rate of return for moderate to large tables. If this value indicates an increased amount of index fragmentation throughout your database, you may need to fine-tune your indexes by redesigning, or rebuilding more frequently.
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