APPROX_COUNT_DISTINCT counts distinct values with almost no memory. Tested on 5 million rows, it was within 2.2 percent of the exact count and needed no memory grant, while COUNT(DISTINCT) asked for 436 MB. It was not faster.
SQL SERVER – Fix : Error : SQLDUMPER library failed initialization. Your installation is either corrupt or has been tampered with. Please uninstall then re-run setup to correct to correct this problem. in a modal dialog with the title SQL Writer
SQLDUMPER library failed initialization in a SQL Writer dialog does not mean you must reinstall SQL Server. Remove SQL Server VSS Writer and reboot.
SQL SERVER – Interesting Observation of Logon Trigger On All Servers
I created a Logon Trigger to audit every successful login for a client, and one login was recorded several times on different threads. The script and what I saw.
SQL SERVER – Find Hostname and Current Logged In User Name
Connected to many servers in SSMS? HOST_NAME() and SUSER_NAME() show the hostname and current logged in user for any query window.
Reading System Procedures With OBJECT_DEFINITION
Use OBJECT_DEFINITION and sys.system_sql_modules to read visible SQL Server system procedure text and learn how built-in tools work.
SQL SERVER – Introduction to Business Intelligence – Important Terms and Definitions – 2
Important terms and definitions in business intelligence, explained in plain words and grouped by how data moves from source systems to reports.
SQLAuthority News – SQL Server Energy Event with Rushabh Mehta – May 20, 2009
The SQL Server Energy Event on May 20, 2009 in Ahmedabad was a hit, with BI expert Rushabh Mehta of SolidQ as the star speaker for SQL fans in Gujarat.
SQLAuthority News – Download – SQL Server 2008 Developer Training Kit
Download the SQL Server 2008 Developer Training Kit by Microsoft to learn how to build web applications with the new data types in SQL Server 2008.
SQL SERVER – FIX : ERROR : (provider: Named Pipes Provider, error: 40 – Could not open a connection to SQL Server) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: )
Named Pipes Provider error 40, could not open a connection to SQL Server, hit me after I rebuilt my home network. Here are the common errors and the fix.
The Scripts Worth Having on Every Server You Touch
Keep focused DBA scripts for active requests, blocking, table size, index usage, backups, and failed jobs, with clear limits on each result.