Review trace flags worth knowing about in current SQL Server, distinguish session, global, and startup scope, and verify each flag’s support.
Checking IDENTITY Columns Before They Run Out of Numbers
Check IDENTITY columns for their current value, type limit and remaining range, including descending increments, before inserts fail.
Reviewing a Table Change Script Before It Locks Production
Review a table change script for schema locks, data rewrites, supported online options, backfill batches, and a tested rollback.
Contained Databases and Contained Users
Understand contained users in SQL Server databases, how they travel with a database, and the security trade-offs of partial containment.
Using sp_help and Friends to Explore a Database
Using sp_help, sp_helpindex, sp_helptext, and sp_spaceused gives a quick SQL Server tour before you reach for catalog views.
Estimating Table Growth for Next Year From Backup History
Estimate table growth with monthly full backup history, a twelve month forecast, and table space checks that separate evidence from guesses.
Tracking Which Updates Every Server Has
Tracking Which Updates each SQL Server runs takes a dated inventory table, SERVERPROPERTY snapshots, and a report of instances behind the target.