This Zero puzzle asks for the shortest SQL Server code within three restrictions. I want the exact code and character count.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
SQL SERVER – Learning DATEDIFF_BIG Function in SQL Server 2016
DATEDIFF returns INT and overflows with Msg 535 on large ranges. SQL Server 2016 adds DATEDIFF_BIG, which returns BIGINT. Here is a simple example.
Asking a SQL Question That Gets Answered: The Reproducible Script
Write a reproducible script with minimal tables, synthetic rows, the failing query, expected results, and the exact SQL Server version.
SQL Server Management Studio – New Feature – Object Explorer Query Tracking
Object Explorer Query Tracking exposed SSMS queries while expanding nodes in the historical release. I used its Output window for investigation.
How to Allow Only Alphabets in Column? – Interview Question #136
Question: How to Allow Only Alphabets in Column? Answer: This was a real world scenario and I have mixed feeling about this kind of question.
SQL SERVER – 3 Different Usage of DBCC SQLPERF
DBCC SQLPERF can report log usage or reset cumulative wait and latch statistics. I separate reporting from resetting the baseline.
SQL SERVER – Cluster Patching: The RPC Server is Too Busy to Complete This Operation
A cluster patch failed with The RPC server is too busy. The real cause was a stopped Remote Registry service on the other node, and why it was off.
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.
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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.

