Using CASE in ORDER BY to switch between ASC and DESC gives Error 156: Incorrect syntax near the keyword. I show two ways to write a dynamic case that works.
Planning a Move Off an Old SQL Server Version
Plan a move off an old SQL Server version with a complete inventory, compatibility testing, a supported target, and a dated exit plan.
SQL SERVER – SELECT 1 vs SELECT * – An Interesting Observation
SELECT 1 vs SELECT * inside IF EXISTS: I ran 4 tests and both gave the same result and the same execution plan cost. Can you find a case where they differ?
Templates and Snippets in SSMS
Templates and snippets in SSMS turn repeated SQL patterns into editable starting points while keeping environment assumptions visible.
SQL SERVER – 2005 – Licensing Model Compared to Other Database Products
How does the SQL Server 2005 Licensing Model compare with other database products? I share a chart and table showing it is feature rich and far cheaper.
SQL SERVER – Understanding Licensing Models
The licensing structure has evolved to reflect advances in technology and diverse use cases. Below are the primary licensing models available:
SQL SERVER – Find All The User Defined Functions (UDF) – Part 2
Madhivanan shared another way to find all the user defined functions in a database, using information_schema.routines. Here is his short script.
SQL Server slow? Let's fix it together in about four hours.
In my Comprehensive Database Performance Health Check, you share your screen, I guide you, and we fix your biggest performance troublemakers. No passwords. No remote access.
You keep every script, and the know-how to fix it yourself next time.
Want your whole team to learn it?
My Practical Workshop has no PowerPoint, just live demos. My AI Enablement Workshop shows your team where AI saves hours, and where it quietly costs them.
Over 400 customers have worked with me this way, and not one shared a password. See all consulting options.
Who We Are
Pinal Dave is an SQL Server Performance Tuning Expert and independent consultant with over 24 years of hands-on experience. He holds a Masters of Science degree and numerous database certifications.
Pinal has authored 19 books and 120 Pluralsight courses. To freely share his knowledge and help others build their expertise, Pinal has also written more than 5,800 database tech articles on his blog at https://blog.sqlauthority.com.
Pinal is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1) and CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2).
Nupur Dave is a social media enthusiast and an independent consultant. She primarily focuses on the database domain, helping clients build short and long-term multi-channel campaigns to drive leads for their sales pipeline.
Shaivi Pinalkumar Dave is a book author and a women’s artistic gymnast.

