This Resource Database Quiz asks where SQL Server stores the definition of sys.objects and whether BACKUP DATABASE can protect it. The answer is the hidden Resource database. A tested script shows its version, its date and the system objects every database sees.
Create Constraints Quiz: What Does WITH NOCHECK Leave Behind?
This Create Constraints Quiz adds a CHECK constraint WITH NOCHECK to a table that already holds a bad row. The bad row stays, and the constraint is marked not trusted. A tested script proves it, shows what trust changes for the optimizer and lists four ways to create a constraint.
CHECKPOINT Behavior Quiz: What Lets the Log Be Reused?
This CHECKPOINT Behavior Quiz asks what lets SQL Server reuse transaction log space under the SIMPLE and FULL recovery models. The answers differ, and a tested script shows both. It also shows how one open transaction keeps the log from being reused.
CHAR, VARCHAR, NVARCHAR and VARCHAR(MAX) Quiz: How Many Bytes?
This CHAR, VARCHAR, NVARCHAR and VARCHAR(MAX) Quiz stores the text abc in three columns and asks how many bytes each one uses. The answer is 10, 3 and 6. A tested script proves it and shows the trailing space trap, the question mark problem and the 8,000 byte limit.
Stored Procedure Recompile Quiz: What Forces a New Plan?
This Stored Procedure Recompile Quiz asks which action makes SQL Server build a new plan for a procedure. The answer is a new index on a table it reads. A tested script uses plan counters to show what reuses the plan and what rebuilds it.
Table Variables vs Temporary Tables Quiz: Which Survives a Rollback?
This Table Variables vs Temporary Tables Quiz inserts one row into each, then rolls back. The table variable keeps its row and the temporary table loses it. A tested script proves it, and two more scripts show a rollback-proof log and the statistics gap.
DACPAC vs BACPAC Quiz: Which File Carries Your Data?
This DACPAC vs BACPAC Quiz asks which file moves a database with its rows to Azure SQL Database. The answer is the BACPAC. A tested script shows what each file describes, and the SqlPackage commands show how to use them.