Choose free SQL Server tools by the problem they solve, from SSMS and sqlcmd to Extended Events, and understand the limits before relying on them.
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Generating Unique, Hard-to-Guess Voucher Codes in T-SQL
Random-looking codes can still be guessed. Build 20 voucher codes from random bytes, check them, and make redemption single-use.
BASE64_ENCODE and BASE64_DECODE in SQL Server 2025
Use BASE64_ENCODE in SQL Server 2025, decode binary and text safely, compare URL-safe output, and replace older XML encoding expressions.
SQL SERVER – How to Identify Datatypes and Properties of Variable
Need a variable’s datatype, precision, scale, length or collation in code? SQL_VARIANT_PROPERTY shows the properties of variable values, with examples.
Clustered Key Choice for Date Range Queries: Date or Identity
Should you cluster on OrderDate? Measure one month of orders on three designs and see what each one costs in reads before you rebuild a table.
MySQL – How to Create Stored Procedure
Confused by semicolons when you create stored procedure code in MySQL? Change the DELIMITER first, then reset it. Here is a simple example.
SQL SERVER – Optimal Memory Settings for SQL Server – Notes from the Field #006
No amount of memory is ever enough. Tim Radney explains the optimal memory settings for SQL Server, the setting people most often miss on a new server.
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