A quick T-SQL method using LEN and REPLACE to count the occurrence of character or word in a string, written as a hint for TSQL Beginners Challenge 14.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
Synchronizing Data Between Two Databases
Synchronizing data between two SQL Server databases requires a latency target, change source, conflict rule, and recovery plan before tool selection.
geometry MakeValid: Repair Can Change the Geometry Type
geometry MakeValid returns a valid geometry from an invalid instance, but the result can change type. I keep the original beside the proposed repair. A validity flag alone does not describe everything that changed.
SQL SERVER – Computed Column and Performance – Part 3
Part 3 of my series on computed column and performance shows how an index improves the performance of a computed column. Read the earlier parts first.
SQL SERVER – SHRINKDATABASE For Every Database in the SQL Server
A query tuning visit turned into a lesson on why running SHRINKDATABASE for every database is a bad idea. Here is what happened at the client’s office.
Random Tokens in SQL Server: Generation, Storage and Expiry Checks
Random tokens in SQL Server need more than a generated value. Their stored state must define expiry, revocation and whether consumption already occurred. A guarded disposable fixture makes the boundary conditions explicit.
SQL SERVER – Best Practices for DBA Before Taking Vacation
Why is it so hard for a DBA before taking vacation to relax? For T-SQL Tuesday I share my best practices, starting with the hardest: do not think about your job.
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.

