Build Chatbot with Large Language Model (LLM) and Azure SQL Database
In this article, we look at how to enable a large language model (LLM) to answer questions based on data stored in Azure SQL Database.
Configure Extensible Key Management Using Azure Key Vault - Level 3 of the Stairway to TDE
In this third level of the Stairway, we examine how to store your encryption certificate in the Azure Key Vault.
Control OneLake with Storage Explorer – Data Engineering with Fabric
In this new article, we examine how to work with OneLake storage.
Restore a Backup of a TDE Database to Another Server: Level 2 of the Stairway to TDE
In the second level of the stairway to TDE, we examine how you can restore your databases on another instance after moving the encryption certificate.
Transparent Data Encryption Using Certificates and EKM - Level 1 of the Stairway to TDE
The first level of the Stairway to TDE will explain how the feature works and how to set this up on one of your instances and databases.
Where to Test Your Code
When and where should you test code? Steve has a few thoughts when we consider the database as a crucial part of our software.
Two Tweaks for Faster Backups with Ola Hallengren’s Scripts
Ola Hallengren’s free maintenance solution is widely used as a replacement for SQL Server maintenance plans. It’s a more powerful, flexible tool for backups, corruption checking, and index & statistics updates. If you’re using it for backups, there are two quick, easy changes that can dramatically reduce your nightly job runtimes.
How to Rename a Column in SQL Server
Learn how to effectively rename columns in SQL Server using our comprehensive guide. Explore the use of sp_rename, limitations, and best practices
What Do You Want to Learn?
There's a survey available to give your input for what topics you'd like to learn about at the next SQL Saturday.
Effective Strategies for Storing and Parsing XML in SQL Server
XML is a common storage format for data, metadata, parameters, or other semi-structured data. Because of this, it often finds its way into SQL Server databases and needs to be managed alongside other data types.
Blogs
Identity Columns Can’t Be Updated: #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
I’m not sure I knew identity column values could not be updated. I ran...
Rolling Back a Broken Release
By Steve Jones
We had an interesting discussion about deployments in databases and how you go forward...
A bespoke reporting solution doesn’t have to cost the earth
By ChrisJenkins
You could be tolerating limited reporting because there isn’t an off the shelf solution...
Forums
Can someone please explain what happens?
I have mentioned this several times over several years. Can someone please help me...
SELECT COUNT(DISTINCT) returns null when nothing is found instead of 0
SELECT COUNT(DISTINCT Component) AS Found FROM tblComponents WHERE(Component NOT LIKE '%[a-z]%') AND(LTRIM(RTRIM(Component)) = 'GM13622')...
Remotely Engineer Fabric Lakehouse objects: The Fabric Modern Data Platform
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Remotely Engineer Fabric Lakehouse objects:...
Question of the Day
Creating JSON III
In a SQL Server 2025 table, called Beer, I have this data:
BeerIDBeerName 1Becks 2Fat Tire 3Mac n Jacks 4Alaskan Amber 8KirinI run this code:
SELECT JSON_OBJECTAGG(
BeerID: BeerName )
FROM beer;
What are the results? See possible answers