A very common task is to check if column exists in a SQL Server table before you act on it. Here are two simple methods, using sys.columns and COL_LENGTH.
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Trying New SQL Server Features Without Risk
Trying New SQL Server Features safely takes a separate instance, a controlled data copy, and before and after measurements.
Row Overflow Data: Finding Rows That Spill Past 8,060 Bytes
Find row overflow data pages in wide SQL Server tables, identify large VARCHAR values and rows, and measure their extra read cost.
SQL SERVER – How to Set Variable and Use Variable in SQLCMD Mode
A reader asked how to pass a different table name each time in SSMS. I show how to set and use a variable in SQLCMD mode with :SETVAR, step by step.
SQL SERVER – Another lesser known feature of SQL Server Management Studio 2012 – Guest Post by Balmukund Lakhani
Balmukund Lakhani shows another lesser known feature of SQL Server Management Studio 2012, hidden in the Connect to Server screen you see every day.
Estimated vs Actual Rows: The First Thing to Read in a Plan
Read estimated vs actual rows in execution plans, find where the first gap appears, and investigate statistics, parameters, and predicates.
SQL SERVER – Relationship with Parallelism with Locks and Query Wait – Question for You
In server properties, Locks and Query Wait sit under the Parallelism section next to MAXDOP and cost threshold. I do not know why. Do you?
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