Blogging is for more than just traffic
See how blogging can benefit both the author and the reader in this short opinion piece.
A minor office reorg – part 3
Phase 3 of my home office – doors! – couldn't have happened at a better time.
Please help with STRING_SPLIT improvements
I want to push for improvements to STRING_SPLIT in the next version of SQL Server. See how you can help!
Illogical errors can be a factor of the plan
See a quick example where plan shape can cause errors that really shouldn't happen.
Changing a function's interface but staying backward compatible
In this tip, see ways you can change how a function is called without having to modify all calling code at the same time.
Attaching / restoring databases inside a container
Need to get data, log, or bak files into your container's file system? See how, with docker cp.
SQL Server 2019 Cumulative Update #3
SQL Server 2019 Cumulative Update #3 is available, with 56 enhancements. The build number is 15.0.4023.6.
Additional Tips for Working From Home
With the increasing number of office closures, I share some tips about working from home.
Measure Delayed Durability impact in SQL Server 2016 and later
In this tip, I show how to measure the positive effects of delayed durability, in cases where a small amount of data loss is acceptable.
Removing the default trace – part 1
I start a series explaining how I evaluated the default trace and decided to replace it with a slimmer Extended Events session across all of production.
SQL Server Checkpoint Monitoring with Extended Events
See how you can use Extended Events to find your worst performing checkpoints.
SQL Server 2019 Cumulative Update #2
It's a few days later than many of us were expecting, but Cumulative Update #2 for SQL Server 2019 (15.0.4013.40) is overflowing with 134 fixes and enhancements.
Patch Tuesday : Security Updates for SQL Server 2012, 2014, 2016
Security updates were released today to patch a remote code execution vulnerability in Reporting Services, but I would install the patch even if you're not running SSRS.
T-SQL Tuesday #123 : Life hacks
This month, Jess Pomfret hosts T-SQL Tuesday, and asks us to talk about our own personal life hacks that make our day easier.
SQL Server 2017 Cumulative Update #19
SQL Server 2017 Cumulative Update #19 is available. The build # is 14.0.3281.6 and there are 38 fixes.
Use caution with sys.dm_db_database_page_allocations
In this tip, I talk about a concerning behavior in the dynamic management function, sys.dm_db_database_page_allocations.
Fun with (columnstore) compression on a very large table – part 3
I continue my series on large table compression with results from row and page compression as well as a process involving scheduler manipulation.
A reliable and flexible replacement for sp_MSforeachdb
Find out about the replacement I wrote for the undocumented, unsupported, and ill-advised system procedure, sp_MSforeachdb.
How soft deletes can slow ghost record growth in Availability Groups
In this tip, I show how soft deletes and a filtered index can help minimize the cost of ghost records in an Availability Group.
A minor office reorg – part 2
I add some details about phase 2 of my home office changes.
A minor office reorg – part 1
I detail my home office setup, much of the gear in it, and show the progress of a minor renovation – a new standing desk and improved backlighting.