Report caching and snapshots in SSRS reduce repeated database work when freshness rules, parameter combinations, and schedules are clear.
Backing Up SQL Server Express Without Agent
Backing up SQL Server Express requires a BACKUP script, sqlcmd, Windows Task Scheduler, retention rules, and proof that restores work.
UPDATE With a JOIN: Changing Rows From Another Table Safely
Use UPDATE with a JOIN safely, reject duplicate source keys, compare subquery and MERGE behavior, and verify the affected rows.
SQL SERVER – ALTER DATABASE dbname SET SINGLE_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE
Cannot drop a database because it is in use? SET SINGLE_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE rolls back open work first. Be careful with it on production.
STRING_SPLIT and Its Ordinal Column
STRING_SPLIT and its ordinal column preserve token positions when you request the third argument and sort by ordinal in SQL Server.
smalldatetime: Minute Rounding Can Change the Day
smalldatetime does more than hide seconds. These explicit conversions show minute rounding and a midnight carry, with complete original timestamps retained.
SQL SERVER – Find the Size of Database File – Find the Size of Log File
A quick script on sys.master_files to find the size of database file and log file in MB. Remove the WHERE clause to see every database on the server.