Did you know SELECT $identity finds the identity column without using column name? Here is how it works, and how to check if a table has one.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
SQL SERVER – Errors and Limitations of Working with SPARSE Columns in SQL Server
What is the catch with SPARSE columns? After a question at SQLBangalore UG, here are the errors and limitations of working with SPARSE columns.
SQL SERVER – Restore Error: Specified cast is not valid (SqlManagerUI)
Restoring a SQL Server 2008 R2 backup failed with Specified cast is not valid (SqlManagerUI). Here is what we found after a few emails and screenshots.
Interview Question of the Week #022: How to Get Started with Big Data?
When an interviewer asks how you would get started with big data, a list of tools is the weakest answer. This post gives a short model answer: start from SQL, learn the core ideas, run one engine on a laptop and build one small project end to end.
SQL SERVER – Error Msg 511 using SQL Server Sparse columns
A reader got Msg 511 when adding a sparse column. Sparse columns reduce the maximum row size from 8060 to 8018 bytes. Here is what that means for you.
SQL SERVER – Using 20 Logical Processors Based on SQL Server Licensing
A friend saw SQL Server use only 20 of 64 processors in Task Manager. Here is how SQL Server licensing explains the limit of 20 logical processors.
Deep Work Time: Book It Like a Server Maintenance Window
Deep work time disappears unless you book it. This post treats your own focus like a server maintenance window: a named block, a runbook, an emergency rule and a short review. Try two 90-minute windows this week.
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