SQL Server performance tuning: Nine best practices
SQL Server performance tuning can seem overwhelming when you don’t know where to start. In this article Robert Sheldon explains 9 best practices for performance tuning.
2021-06-16
database administration
How to Find Unused Databases in SQL Server
In this article we look at how to identify if SQL Server databases are not being used and a process to take these unused databases offline.
2021-06-14
Running Dynamic Code Quality Checks on Flyway Databases: Table Smells
How to extend the range of SQL code analysis, during database development, to include dynamic analysis of the database metadata. This will allow regular checks for problems with the design of your tables and indexes ("table smells") that can affect database performance and data integrity.
2021-05-10
Building a SQL Server data dictionary
In this article, Edward Pollack explains the benefits of a SQL Server data dictionary and how to build one.
2021-04-29
SQL Server Security – Fixed server and database roles
Security roles can simplify permissions in SQL Server. In this article, Greg Larsen explains fixed server and database roles.
2021-04-22
Batch Processing using Flyway
How to create a batch file that executes any number of database migration tasks across a range of servers and databases, using Flyway.
2021-04-21
Mastering TempDB: Managing TempDB growth
Out-of-control tempdb growth must be managed to keep the server running. Monica Rathbun gives her strategy to handle unexpected tempdb growth.
2021-04-12
Storage 101: RAID
RAID has been around since the 90s to ensure performance and reliability of storage. Robert Sheldon explains the history and theory behind RAID.
2021-03-11
Minimal Downtime Storage Migration of Large Databases
This article shows how we were able to migrate a TB size database to new storage with minimal downtime.
2024-01-01 (first published: 2021-02-24)
8,173 reads
SQL Server triggers: The good and the scary
SQL Server triggers are another tool in your DBA or Dev toolbox. Edward Pollack explains what can go wrong with triggers and how to correct those issues.
2021-02-18
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Managing Incidents and Fighting Fires
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Backing Up a DMK
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The Quiet Part
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Question of the Day
Backing Up a DMK
In SQL Server 2025, I have a database with a Database Masker Key (DMK). I want to back up this key and keep a copy offline. When do I have to open this key before running the backup?
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