Retrieve the last inserted identity of record safely, compare identity functions with a trigger, and capture multi-row values using OUTPUT.
SQL SERVER – How to Remove All Characters From a String Using T-SQL?
A reader wanted only the digits from a string like ab123ce234fe. Here is a simple T-SQL loop to remove all characters from a string and keep the numbers.
SQL SERVER – Puzzle – Inside Working of Datatype smalldatetime
A developer got odd results when casting strings sent from an app. This puzzle looks at how the smalldatetime datatype works inside SQL Server.
SQL SERVER – DevOps for the DBA – Notes from the Field #091
DevOps is a buzz word with real substance behind it. In Notes from the Field #091, Stuart Ainsworth explains what DevOps means for a DBA’s daily job.
SQL SERVER – Error: Msg 245 – Conversion failed when converting the varchar value ‘Inactive’ to data type int
Mixing text and numbers in a CASE statement can throw Msg 245: conversion failed when converting the varchar value to data type int. Here is why and the fix.
Recovering Unsaved Query Windows After SSMS Closes Unexpectedly
A restart ate your script, but maybe not all of it. Two places to look: SSMS recovery files and the text SQL Server remembers.
SQL SERVER – Inserting into Sparse Column Sets and Errors Associated With It
You can write to sparse column sets directly, not just read them. I show how to insert into column sets and the errors you hit without an explicit column list.