Sparse columns should let a table go past 1024 columns, yet a reader’s CREATE TABLE failed saying it exceeds the maximum of 1024 columns. Here is why.
SQL Server – Knowing Deprecated or Discontinued Features Using Extended Events
Find the use of deprecated or discontinued features without Profiler. Here is a step by step way to track them using Extended Events in SSMS.
SQL SERVER – Only Formatted Files on Which the Cluster Resource of the Server has a Dependency can be Used
Creating a database on a SQL Server 2012 cluster failed with: Only formatted files on which the cluster resource has a dependency can be used. Here is why.
SQL SERVER – Adding Reference Data to Master Data Services – Notes from the Field #081
Reeves Smith shows how to add reference data to Master Data Services with the MDS add-in for Excel, so the business can manage it themselves.
SQL SERVER – Reading Statistics IO Data
I start every tuning exercise with Statistics IO. Here is how to read its output: scan count, logical reads, physical reads and read-ahead reads per table.
MONTH, DATEPART and DATENAME: Getting Month Names and Numbers Right
Use DATENAME for month labels, compare MONTH and DATEPART, control language and culture, and group sales without combining different years.
SQL SERVER – Antivirus Exclusions Best Practices With SQL Server
If antivirus locks a SQL Server file, you can face startup issues or even corruption. Here are the antivirus exclusions best practices every DBA should follow.