Columnstore indexes for reporting tables can cut scan work, but clustered and nonclustered designs affect loading and point lookups differently.
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Filling Template Parameters in SSMS With Ctrl+Shift+M
Template parameters save you from typing one value in four places, but they only paste text. Here is what that means in practice.
XML modify(): Inserting, Replacing and Deleting Nodes
The modify() method edits XML in place, but a path that matches nothing changes nothing and says nothing. Here is how to stay in control.
Timed-Out Queries in Query Store: Finding Aborted Executions
An aborted row is a clue, not a verdict. Here is how to read Query Store execution types and match them with what the caller saw.
Dynamic ORDER BY Without Injection: Whitelisting Sort Columns
Parameters cannot name a column, so grids end up gluing text into SQL. Here is the approved-list pattern that keeps the sort safe.
SQL SERVER – Quiz and Video – Introduction to Hierarchical Query using a Recursive CTE
Learn to write a hierarchical query using a recursive CTE with a short video and a quiz on an employee and manager table. Check your answer.
Effective Permissions in SQL Server: When GRANT, DENY and REVOKE Meet
Effective permissions are what a user can do after every GRANT, DENY and REVOKE has been added together. This post follows one user through eight statements, with a role, a direct DENY and a direct GRANT, and checks the result after each step with HAS_PERMS_BY_NAME. It then shows how to take away one ability from a user who holds CONTROL. Every result comes from SQL Server 2025.
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