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.
T-SQL Tuesday #122 : Imposter Syndrome
For this month's T-SQL Tuesday, I talk a little bit about how I make my imposter syndrome feel less like imposter syndrome.
SQL Server 2019 Cumulative Update #1
SQL Server 2019 Cumulative Update #1 is now available, with 83 fixes and improvements. Build # is 15.0.4003.23.
Fun with (columnstore) compression on a very large table – part 2
I continue my series on investigating compression for a 1TB table, honing in on clustered columnstore and partitioning.
A simple use case for columnstore indexes
In this tip, I show how and why a columnstore index can provide benefits to COUNT(*) queries.
2019 : Community Influencer of the Year
With another new year comes the recognition of a standout contributor to the SQL Server community. Read on to see 2019's honoree.
Fun with (columnstore) compression on a very large table – part 1
I start a series looking at using clustered columnstore indexes and page compression to address storage footprint for a 1TB table.
Using metadata to troubleshoot metadata
I show how I tried to chase down a very unexpected issue with SQL Server metadata. Spoiler: it didn't end the way I thought it would.
T-SQL Tuesday #121 : Gifts
For this month's T-SQL Tuesday, I talk about an opportunity earlier this year to significantly change my career trajectory.
Filtered Indexes and Forced Parameterization (redux)
Discover a simple way to keep your filtered indexes effective – even under forced parameterization.
Should we still chunk delete operations?
Conventional wisdom has suggested that deletes should be batched, but in some cases this can actually take a lot longer.