Resetting a test database with SQL Server snapshots gives a fast baseline for repeatable tests; create, revert, and manage sparse files safely.
SQL SERVER – Solution – A Quick Puzzle on JOIN and NULL – SQL Brain Teaser
The solution to my quick puzzle on JOIN and NULL. Many readers said the puzzle had an error; it did not, and here is the answer that works.
SQL SERVER – A Quick Puzzle on JOIN and NULL – SQL Brain Teaser
A relaxing SQL Brain Teaser on INNER JOIN and NULL: set up a sample table, look at the result, and fill in the missing T-SQL that produces it.
SQL SERVER – INNER JOIN Returning More Records than Exists in Table
Can an INNER JOIN returning more records than exist in a table be right? Jeff thought it was a bug. Our chat shows why it is possible and natural.
Convert Subquery to CTE: SQL in Sixty Seconds #001
You can convert subquery to CTE syntax by naming the inner query and using that name in the outer query. The first SQL in Sixty Seconds episode shows the change. My tests on SQL Server 2025 show the result stays the same, and that a CTE used twice reads the table twice.
SQL SERVER – Installation Log Summary File Location – 2012 – 2008 R2
A new DBA on his first day could not find the SQL Server installation log summary. Here is the file location for SQL Server 2012 and 2008 R2.
SQL SERVER – ERROR: FIX – Database diagram support objects cannot be installed
Database diagram support objects cannot be installed because this database does not have a valid owner. Here is the quick fix I used on a friend’s database.