Automating SQL Server Patching with PowerShell means staging a verified package, running Setup quietly, checking logs, and stopping on failure.
Restoring a TDE Protected Database on Another Server
Restore a TDE protected database on another SQL Server by moving its certificate and private key, then verify encryption state.
SQL SERVER – Retrieving Random Rows from Table Using NEWID()
Two quick ways to pull random rows from table data in SQL Server: ORDER BY NEWID() or CHECKSUM(NEWID()) with TOP, plus a 60 second video.
SQL SERVER – Concurrency Basics – Guest Post by Vinod Kumar
Vinod Kumar explains concurrency basics with a simple queue analogy: the shorter the line, the higher the concurrency, and how databases manage it with locks.
Rename a Column or Table in SQL Server Safely
To rename a column in SQL Server, call sp_rename with the table and column name, the new name and the word COLUMN. This post tests the rename on a demo database and shows what it leaves behind: a broken view, an old constraint name and permissions that stay. It ends with a safe way to swap two column names.
Storing UTC and Local Time Side by Side
Store UTC and local time consistently, preserve offsets, handle daylight saving changes, and filter timestamps with clear boundaries.
Change Logs as JSON: Old and New Values in One Column
Skip the audit table with a column for every field. One JSON payload per changed row is lighter, if you handle NULL and multirow updates correctly.