This Blocking and Deadlock Quiz asks which problem SQL Server ends on its own, and how the losing session finds out. A two-window test on SQL Server 2025 shows the deadlock error 1205 and the lock timeout error 1222. It also shows how to find a blocker and how to retry.
Ranking Functions Quiz: ROW_NUMBER, RANK or DENSE_RANK?
This Ranking Functions Quiz uses two tied scores to ask what number the next student gets from ROW_NUMBER, RANK and DENSE_RANK. The answer is 3, 3 and 2. A tested script proves it and replaces a cursor loop with one query.
Indexed View Restrictions Quiz: Which Rule Blocks the Index?
This Indexed View Restrictions Quiz asks which rule stops a unique clustered index on a view. The answer is the LEFT OUTER JOIN. A tested script shows the error, the working view, and what happens when each required rule is missing.
Collation Sensitivity Quiz: Does ‘jose’ Match ‘José’?
This Collation Sensitivity Quiz asks whether jose matches JOSE and José in a case-insensitive, accent-sensitive database. The answer is JOSE yes, José no. A tested script compares three collations and shows the width and kana settings too.
Locking and Blocking Quiz: Will Updating a Different Row Wait?
This Locking and Blocking Quiz asks whether an update waits when it changes a different row than an open transaction. The answer depends on the index. A two-window test on SQL Server 2025 shows the wait, the lock that causes it, and two ways to remove it.
WHERE Clause Quiz: Why Can’t It See My Column Alias?
This WHERE Clause Quiz asks what happens when a query filters on a column alias. The answer is error 207, because WHERE runs before SELECT. A tested script shows three working fixes and a trap where an alias hides a real column.
Capturing Autogrowth Events With database_file_size_change
A data file grew over the weekend and nobody owns up. This small demo shows how one extended event tells autogrowth from a manual resize.