Find column definitions in SQL Server with sys.columns, sys.types, and sys.all_columns, including length, nullability, and system objects.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
Choosing Where to Put Data and Log Files
Choosing where data and log files live means checking storage behavior, capacity, install defaults, and a tested move procedure.
ABS: Widen an Integer Before Taking Its Magnitude
ABS can overflow even when the negative input fits its signed integer type. I widen the input before asking for its magnitude. Casting the output afterward would be too late to protect the calculation.
SQL SERVER – Fix : Error : 1326 Cannot connect to Database Server Error: 40 – Could not open a connection to SQL Server
If you are receiving the following error related to connection to SQL Server, this blog is for you.
Protecting an Instance You Cannot Patch Any More
Protect an Instance You Cannot Patch with isolation, least privilege, disabled features, tested backups, and a firm retirement date.
Hierarchyid Subtree: Move With GetReparentedValue
Move a hierarchyid subtree while keeping stable node identifiers. Check the whole branch, repeated requests, missing endpoints and cyclic destinations.
SQL SERVER – EXCEPT Clause in SQL Server is Similar to MINUS Clause in Oracle
Is there a MINUS clause in SQL Server like in Oracle? Yes, EXCEPT returns the rows of the first query that are not in the second. Example included.
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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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.

