Choose SSMS or VS Code for SQL Server work by task: administration, plans, scripts, MSSQL extension features, and team workflow.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
Skills That Make a DBA Hard to Replace
The skills that make a DBA hard to replace combine tested recovery, careful performance work, useful automation, and clear communication.
Running Start Times: Build an Agenda With SQL
Running start times depend on the durations that precede each activity. Use ordered window sums while retaining full dates and explicit end boundaries.
SQL SERVER – Interesting Observation about Order of Resultset without ORDER BY
Two simple AdventureWorks queries return the same rows in a different order without ORDER BY. I explain why that order is never guaranteed.
Restoring a Backup From an Older SQL Server Version: What Changes
Restore a backup from an older SQL Server into a test database, read the upgrade messages, and check compatibility and integrity.
SQL SERVER – Simple Use of Cursor to Print All Stored Procedures of Database Including Schema
An improved script to print all stored procedures of database, now with schema names. Jerry Hung’s cursor uses sys.all_objects and sp_HelpText.
Keeping Personal Data Out of Test Databases
Keeping personal data out of test databases requires synthetic records or masking during refresh, plus verification before access.
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.