The T-SQL Paradigm
This Friday, Steve Jones looks for opinions on what you think of the T-SQL language. Is it well structured or does it really need help?
Calculating Values within a Rolling Window in Transact SQL
Before the SQL Window functions were implemented, it was tricky to calculate rolling totals or moving averages efficiently in SQL Server. There are now a number of techniques, but which has the best performance? Dwain Camps gets out the metaphorical stopwatch.
Becoming an MVP
Steve Jones has a few thoughts on the Microsoft MVP program and the desire of many people to become an MVP.
Improving SSIS Update Performance
This article includes an examination of how I improved update performance. We examine four methods of loading data into a data warehouse.
Tuning Distributed Applications to Access Big Data
Distributed applications are just that: distributed across one or more hardware platforms across the enterprise. The database administrator (DBA) has the unenviable task of monitoring these environments and configuring and tuning the database server to meet multiple needs. As multiple distributed applications now require access to a very large data store, what tuning options are available to help?
Disk Is Cheap! ORLY?
People often conclude that the cheap price of storage is a license to use as much as possible, but there is a cost.
SQL Relay 2013R2
Come join in the SQL Relay in 2013, attending a user group the week of Nov 11, 2013 in the UK. There are some amazing speakers, so be sure to register and attend.
The ETL from Hell - Diagnosing Batch System Performance Issues
Too often, the batch systems that underlie a lot of database processing just grow without conscious design. When runs start to extend beyond their allotted time, and tuning no longer solves the problem, it is often discovered that batches are run in series, with draconian error handling. It is time to impose some rational design, and Nigel is a seasoned healer of batch processes.
Exporting Execution Plans - SQL Spackle
A short SQL Spackle article to fill in your knowledge of SQL Server. In this one, Jason Brimhall shows how to export execution plans when you ask for query tuning help.
Blogs
Upgrading SQL Server Containers on the Laptop
By Steve Jones
I don’t have SQL Server installed on my laptop. In an effort to keep...
How to Find Expensive Queries in Amazon Redshift
Slow-running queries can degrade your Redshift cluster’s performance and lead to increased costs. Identifying...
The Notification Trap: How Input Fatigue Is Killing Deep Work in Tech
By gbargsley
If you've been here before, you know this blog is usually about SQL Server,...
Forums
SQL 2019 instance with AG, across 2 Windows 2016 OS servers - OSin-place upgrade
Hi all Can I get some perspective from the community please on performing in-place...
How Long is a Long I/O?
Comments posted to this topic are about the item How Long is a Long...
T-SQL Trigonometric Functions in SQL Server
Comments posted to this topic are about the item T-SQL Trigonometric Functions in SQL...
Question of the Day
How Long is a Long I/O?
In SQL Server 2025, a long I/O is recorded in the error log with message 833. How long much an I/O request be outstanding before this message is written to the log?
See possible answers