A long-running query for demonstrations has to run long enough to watch and stop when you say. This post builds one from a counting table, shows how its run time grows with the row count and explains how to watch and stop it. It also compares it with WAITFOR DELAY.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
In-Memory OLTP Migration Checklist: Which Features Block You
An In-Memory OLTP migration checklist from SSMS lists the tables and procedures the engine will refuse. This post tests those refusals on SQL Server 2025, shows which old limits are gone, and adds a query that finds blockers in your own database.
SQL SERVER – Active Parallel Requests and Cached Parallel Query History
I Identify parallel running requests separately from parallel queries recorded in the cache. Those lists answer different performance questions.
Listing Driver, Encryption and Auth Scheme for Every Connection
Inspect the auth scheme, encryption, driver interface, and protocol for current SQL Server connections, then group the results clearly.
A Schedule Table That Repeats Every Other Week
Build an every other week schedule in T-SQL, skip holiday dates, find the next occurrence, and check rota weeks from one anchor.
Do Stream Aggregate Operator Always Need Sort Operator? – Interview Question of the Week #240
Question: Do Stream Aggregate Operator Always Need Sort Operator?
Answer: Absolutely No.Before I explain this question a bit more in detail.
READPAST Query Hint: Skip Locked Rows in SQL Server
The READPAST query hint makes a read skip rows that another transaction has locked, instead of waiting for them. This post builds a five-seat demo, runs it in two windows and lists the cases where the hint does nothing. It also shows the work queue pattern that pairs READPAST with UPDLOCK.
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