DAX For SQL Folks: Part I- Intro to DAX, Power BI and Data Viz
In this first article, get an introduction to DAX, it's uses, and the basics of a DAX query as compared to a T-SQL query.
Stairway to SSAS Tabular Level 6: Creating Meaningful Measures
In this sixth level of the SSAS Tabular stairway, learn how to create meaningful measures.
The Data Center that Exploded
A while back, in a Simple-Talk editorial meeting, someone bet Phil Factor that he couldn't come up with a Halloween story. To our surprise he said he could, as long as he didn't have to keep to the strict literal truth. In the end, he came up with a story about a story, and it is true that he first told the story in a data Centre at Halloween!
How Much AI Do We Need?
AI seems to be invading many different parts of our life. Today Steve wonders how much we really need.
GUID in SQL Server
This tip's objective is to present and describe several T-SQL examples for creating, using, and analyzing GUIDs and assessing their uniqueness.
Subscribing to a Great New Year
It is December 27, and the most significant day of the year for reviewing your life is quickly approaching. New Year’s Day is probably the most positive day of the year when people, in all manner of situations, think back to the previous rotation around the earth and decide what they will do better this […]
How to Repair Corrupt MySQL Tables
In the modern world, the companies are not solely dependent on a specific database server platform. There are many database platforms available that are adequate to handle moderate workload and client requirements of high availability and disaster recovery. MySQL is one of those database platforms which provides a lot of features and high performance. Just […]
On Looking and Acting the Part
Phil Factor's offers tips for longevity in the world of IT consultancy: listen well, humiliate no-one and convince others that it was their expertise that solved the problem.
SQL Server Forced Plans Overwite the Query Hash
A 16-year old SQL Server bug that means 'forced plans' have the query plan hash in place of the expected query hash. Includes an explanation and discussion of the term 'morally equivalent plan'.
Blogs
Moving On-Prem PostgreSQL to the Cloud: Picking the Right Path for Big Tables
Every PostgreSQL migration eventually hits the same fork in the road. The database is...
A Spread of Vacation
By Steve Jones
I’m off on vacation today. Which is a little weird as I just got...
How AgentDBA Identifies Backup Failures
By Arun Sirpal
Every DBA has a box like this. Sitting untouched for months. Nobody’s proud of...
Forums
Have you done a Mid year check in?
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Have you done a Mid...
From SQL Server On-Premises to Claude Desktop: How I built a Full MCP Pipeline
Comments posted to this topic are about the item From SQL Server On-Premises to...
Independence Day 2026
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Independence Day 2026
Question of the Day
Independence Day 2026
In the original Independence Day movie (1996), what type of computer did Jeff Goldblum use to connect to the alien mainframe? Take a guess, don't look it up or ask AI.
See possible answers