Learn it from developers who built it.
Tutorials, how-tos and deep dives on AI, .NET, C#, cloud and developer tools, written by the community.

Database optimization ensures efficient and performant systems. Techniques like indexing, normalization, and query optimization enhance query performance and overall efficiency.

Learn the differences between SQL Server temporary tables and CTEs, including scope, storage, persistence, use cases, and recursive queries.

Ensure smooth replication of maximum text length in SQL Server by configuring 'max text repl size' using sp_configure. Optimize data management and maintain database performance with appropriate configuration settings.

Starting in SQL Server 2012 and in Azure SQL Database, Microsoft introduced the concept of a contained database. A contained database is a database that is completely un-reliant on the instance of SQL Server that hosts the database including the master database--theoretically.

Optimize Azure SQL Database costs by leveraging pricing tiers, reserved capacity, and performance tuning. Monitor resource utilization, scale efficiently, and implement cost-effective strategies to save money on your monthly bill.

Explore the built-in SQL Server Data Collection tool for system monitoring. Learn setup steps for Management Data Warehouse, access control via roles, and monitoring data collection using SQL Agent and SSIS. Access reports for insights.

Microsoft has long given us DBA tools and suggestions to help tune databases, to fix queries with indexes, and many times they were of questionable merit. We have all seen the dreaded dta_index names in a database and rolled our eyes knowing that sometimes these indexes are not what is needed.

SQL Server offers backup encryption to enhance data security. Utilize encryption algorithms and key management to protect database backups, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Quite often, I see database administrators set SQL Server Max Server Memory thinking that only everything related to SQL Server uses this shared memory pool. This is a mistake. There are many things that rely on memory that are not part of SQL Server. Best practices state that you should leave memory allotted for the operating system.

I saw this again recently and see it too often in environments so wanted to take a second to remind everyone to cycle their error logs on a regular basis. SQL Server keeps error logs and when you reboot or restart SQL Server services the logs are cycled and a new one is created.

Statistics are the magic ingredient that helps the query optimizer create its best guess for generating an execution plan. Keeping statistics as accurate as possible will give the optimizer the information it uses to calculate estimated costs and cardinality, which enables it to properly allocate resources such as memory grants.

SQL Server Vulnerability Assessment (VA) in SQL Server Management Studio 17.4 or later lets SQL Server scan your databases for potential security vulnerabilities and can be run against SQL Server 2012 or higher. If you are not on a newer version on SSMS.

SQL Data Discovery and Classification in SSMS allows users to identify and categorize sensitive data within databases, aiding in compliance with regulations like GDPR. Enhance data security and governance by classifying data based on sensitivity levels directly within SQL Server Management Studio.

Learn how SQL Server 2019 resumable online index creation lets you pause and resume index builds, manage maintenance windows, and control transaction log growth.

Static Data Masking in SSMS 18.0 Preview enhances data security by obscuring sensitive information in databases. It safeguards privacy during testing by replacing real data with masked values, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations.

Learn how to enhance reports without creating multiple versions. Utilize SSRS features like parameters, expressions, and visibility settings to dynamically adjust data presentation, catering to user requests while maintaining report integrity.

OK So, I am doing some digging and peaking around again in SQL Server and came across a database option called Date Correlation Optimization Enabled = False. Honestly, I had no clue what it did, so I took it as a learning opportunity to look into it and do a little research.

Ever wander around SQL Server properties and wonder what these little check boxes turn on? I do, and I get very tempted to check them. Here is one of those tempting little boxes that seems pretty handy. Use query governor to prevent long running queries.

Unveil the hidden impact of Virtual Log Files (VLFs) in SQL Server. Explore strategies to mitigate performance issues stemming from log file fragmentation and learn essential database maintenance techniques to optimize system performance and stability.

In this post we will pick up where we left off in Part 1, if you haven’t read that please go back and do so. Now that we have encrypted our columns, it’s time to take a look at how we decrypt them inside SQL Server Management Studio or through our applications. You’ll be surprised to see how easy it is.

Discover advanced techniques in data security with Always Encrypted in Microsoft SQL Server. Part Three of our beginner's guide delves deeper into encryption keys, transparent data encryption, and best practices for safeguarding sensitive information.

In this article, we will explore the impact of synchronous and asynchronous statistics updates on system performance and data processing. Analyze real-time updates versus delayed processing, considering factors like latency, throughput, and efficiency to optimize performance.

Let’s take a look at what a Sequence is in relation to an Identity Column in SQL Server. Did you know Sequence even existed? I didn’t until I was asked about them. It’s amazing how much you can skip over and never notice in SSMS. See this little folder, and ever notice it under Programmability in Management Studio.

Learn how CDC facilitates seamless data integration, enables efficient data replication, and ensures accurate data synchronization, providing businesses with timely insights and streamlined operations.

The article explores the advantages of utilizing temporary tables over table variables in SQL Server. It discusses how temporary tables offer better performance, scalability, and flexibility for handling large datasets and complex data manipulation tasks.

In this article, we will discuss how to use FORMATMESSAGE() function in SQL Server, its advantages and usages with example.

PII (personally identifiable information) which is used to identify individual identity such as SSN, DOB, Bank Account Number etc. When you are working with financial application you face the scenario where you have to store the data in encrypted format, so no one can see the actual data.

In this article, we will learn PII (Personally Identifiable Information) is used to identify individual identity markers such as SSN, DOB, Bank Account Number, etc. When you are working with financial applications you face a scenario where you have to store the data in encrypted format, so no one can see the actual data.

Remote access to SQL Server databases enables users to connect to and manage databases from a location outside the physical server. It involves configuring network settings, security measures like authentication and authorization.

In this article, we will learn effective error handling in SQL Server stored procedures. Utilize RAISERROR to log errors, manage exceptions, and maintain robust error reporting mechanisms for enhanced database reliability and troubleshooting.
Everything on SQL Server, not only its articles: the SQL Server page →
Write an article and earn +1,000 SHARP when it is approved.
Write an article