When an interviewer asks how you would get started with big data, a list of tools is the weakest answer. This post gives a short model answer: start from SQL, learn the core ideas, run one engine on a laptop and build one small project end to end.
SQL SERVER – Error Msg 511 using SQL Server Sparse columns
A reader got Msg 511 when adding a sparse column. Sparse columns reduce the maximum row size from 8060 to 8018 bytes. Here is what that means for you.
SQL SERVER – Using 20 Logical Processors Based on SQL Server Licensing
A friend saw SQL Server use only 20 of 64 processors in Task Manager. Here is how SQL Server licensing explains the limit of 20 logical processors.
Deep Work Time: Book It Like a Server Maintenance Window
Deep work time disappears unless you book it. This post treats your own focus like a server maintenance window: a named block, a runbook, an emergency rule and a short review. Try two 90-minute windows this week.
Deleting From a Heap: Why Empty Pages Stay Behind
The rows are gone but the table is the same size and scans are just as slow. Here is why, and two ways to fix it.
SQL SERVER – Identify Disk Latency on SQL Server Box Using PowerShell
Disks are often behind a slow server, and the problem can be hard to spot. Here is a PowerShell script to identify Disk Latency on your SQL Server box.
SQL SERVER – CREATE TABLE Failed Because Column ‘C1024’ in Table ‘myTable’ Exceeds the Maximum of 1024 Columns
Sparse columns should let a table go past 1024 columns, yet a reader’s CREATE TABLE failed saying it exceeds the maximum of 1024 columns. Here is why.