Fast exports with bcp compares native and character files, shows a format file, and explains where batch size helps and how to check a large export.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
Fixing Invalid Geography Polygons and Ring Orientation
Diagnose invalid geography polygons with STIsValid and IsValidDetailed, repair with MakeValid, and check ring orientation and EnvelopeAngle.
SQL SERVER – Datetime Function TODATETIMEOFFSET Example
A quick example of the datetime function TODATETIMEOFFSET in SQL Server, and how it differs from SWITCHOFFSET when offsets change.
SQL SERVER – Datetime Function SWITCHOFFSET Example
SWITCHOFFSET changes a datetimeoffset value from its stored time zone offset to a new one. Here is a quick example of how it works in SQL Server 2008.
Row Goals: Why TOP and EXISTS Change the Plan
Inspect row goals from TOP and EXISTS, read EstimateRowsWithoutRowGoal, and compare a targeted optimizer hint using actual plans.
SQL SERVER – How do I Learn and How do I Teach
How do I learn and how do I teach? My T-SQL Tuesday answer looks back at my teachers and books as a kid and at what I am learning and teaching today.
Unsigned Integers: Safe Type and Range Mapping
Map unsigned integers to SQL Server types without narrowing their range. Keep strict source-text validation separate from destination CHECK constraints.
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.
Want your whole team to learn it?
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.