Pre-aggregating data can make dashboards fast through summary tables or indexed views when grain, refresh, and reader consistency are clear.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
SQL SERVER – Comma Separated Values (CSV) from Table Column
The script I use most often to build Comma Separated Values (CSV) from a table column with FOR XML PATH. I think XML is the best option for code and speed.
SQL SERVER – Interesting Observation – TOP 100 PERCENT and ORDER BY
ORDER BY in a view raises Msg 1033 unless TOP is used, so many developers add TOP 100 PERCENT. An interesting observation on what that really does.
SQL SERVER – A Common Design Problem – Should the Primary Key Always be a Clustered Index
Should the Primary Key always be a clustered index? A design discussion about SSN numbers stored as strings and when a separate clustered index makes sense.
SQL SERVER – Remove Bookmark Key Lookup – 4 Different Ideas
A bookmark key lookup slows down any query. Here are my four posts on removing it, gathered in one place so you can read them in order.
SQL Server for Oracle DBAs: The Vocabulary
SQL Server for Oracle DBAs translates instance, database, schema, tablespace, undo, and redo without pretending the two architectures are identical.
TDE, Column Encryption and Always Encrypted Compared
Compare SQL Server encryption options by the threat they address, where keys live, what applications must change, and how recovery is tested.
SQL Server slow? Let's fix it together in about four hours.
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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 120 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.

