Report caching and snapshots in SSRS reduce repeated database work when freshness rules, parameter combinations, and schedules are clear.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
Backing Up SQL Server Express Without Agent
Backing up SQL Server Express requires a BACKUP script, sqlcmd, Windows Task Scheduler, retention rules, and proof that restores work.
UPDATE With a JOIN: Changing Rows From Another Table Safely
Use UPDATE with a JOIN safely, reject duplicate source keys, compare subquery and MERGE behavior, and verify the affected rows.
SQL SERVER – ALTER DATABASE dbname SET SINGLE_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE
Cannot drop a database because it is in use? SET SINGLE_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE rolls back open work first. Be careful with it on production.
STRING_SPLIT and Its Ordinal Column
STRING_SPLIT and its ordinal column preserve token positions when you request the third argument and sort by ordinal in SQL Server.
smalldatetime: Minute Rounding Can Change the Day
smalldatetime does more than hide seconds. These explicit conversions show minute rounding and a midnight carry, with complete original timestamps retained.
SQL SERVER – Find the Size of Database File – Find the Size of Log File
A quick script on sys.master_files to find the size of database file and log file in MB. Remove the WHERE clause to see every database on the server.
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