Turn key-value pairs into reporting columns with conditional aggregation and PIVOT, handle missing values and conversions.
Set Operator Rules: Column Names, Types and ORDER BY With UNION
Why did my UNION change its headers, fail on a word, or sort wrong? Small examples show each rule and the error it produces.
Single-Row Inserts in a Loop: Why Commits Cost So Much
A loop that inserts one row at a time waits for the log on every row. Here is how to see it, and three ways to wait far less.
SQL SERVER – Execute Operating System Commands in sqlcmd
Tired of leaving sqlcmd to check something in Windows? Here is a simple trick to execute operating system commands while you are still in the sqlcmd prompt.
Auditing Failed Logins With the Error Log and Extended Events
Investigate failed logins with the SQL Server error log and a focused Extended Events session, then group attempts and decide what to do.
Renaming the Windows Server Under SQL Server: Fixing @@SERVERNAME
After renaming the Windows server, repair SQL Server’s local name with sp_dropserver and sp_addserver, then verify dependent services.
Vector Search in SQL Server 2025 With VECTOR_DISTANCE
Use VECTOR_DISTANCE in SQL Server 2025 to rank small example vectors, compare cosine and euclidean distance, and plan larger searches.