The query with the most total reads is not always the one to tune first. Here is how to rank by cost per call and read the spread.
SQL SERVER – FIX – Error 3201 – Cannot open backup device. Operating system error 3
BACKUP DATABASE failed with Error 3201, cannot open backup device, operating system error 3. The cause was a missing default folder. Here is the fix.
Top N per Group: Three Ways and Which Is Fastest
Compare top N per group with ROW_NUMBER, APPLY and a correlated subquery, define tie behavior, and measure plans with a supporting index.
SQL SERVER – The Basics of the SSIS Script Task – Notes from the Field #065
SSIS expert Andy Leonard explains the basics of the SSIS Script Task, where to start with it, and how a new developer can learn to configure and use it.
Finding Near-Duplicate Rows With REGEXP_REPLACE
Find near-duplicate rows with SQL Server 2025 normalization, group matching labels, rank survivors, and preserve originals for review.
SQL SERVER – How to Know Backup History of Current Database?
An updated script to see the backup history of the current database: who took each backup, its type, and the recovery model and compatibility level at the time.
Gaps and Islands: Finding Missing Ranges in a Sequence
Solve gaps and islands with LEAD, ROW_NUMBER, and GENERATE_SERIES, then apply the same date patterns to missing days and login streaks.