The MATCH clause finds rows in SQL Server graph tables by describing the path between them. The small graph runs one hop, two hops, a shared skill and a SHORTEST_PATH query, compares the plain join, and shows what the MATCH clause does not allow.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
SQL SERVER – Exploring PIVOT and UNPIVOT
The SQL Server PIVOT and UNPIVOT operators are powerful tools that provide an easy way to transform your data in SQL.
Function in the WHERE Clause – SQL in Sixty Seconds 201
Few even asked me to build a video on this topic. Hence, I decided to make a Function in the WHERE Clause – SQL in Sixty Seconds 201.
SQL SERVER – Best Practices for Securely Storing Passwords
This post will explore industry-standard techniques to securely store passwords. Let us learn about Best Practices for Securely Storing Passwords.
SQL SERVER – Generating Secure Passwords
We’ll explore industry guidelines for complex passwords and implement them in an SQL Server stored procedure to generate secure passwords.
SQL SERVER – Login Experience with DEFAULT_DATABASE and MUST_CHANGE
DEFAULT_DATABASE and MUST_CHANGE shape the login experience. Tested on SQL Server 2025: the syntax that fails, and how the two lock a user out.
SQL SERVER – Ins and Outs of Online Index Operations
I recently talked about Ins and Outs of Online Index Operations with my clients during the Comprehensive Database Performance Health Check.
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 125 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.

