Replace SELECT * with the columns your application needs. The tests here show a query that read 4 pages instead of 64, a view that missed a new column, and two errors that appear when a table changes, all on SQL Server 2025.
Naming Conventions for Tables, Columns and Constraints
Use naming conventions for readable SQL Server tables, columns, keys and indexes, then find exceptions and plan safe renames with sp_rename.
Common Table Expressions Quiz: Why Did My Second Query Fail?
This Common Table Expressions Quiz defines one CTE, reads it once, and then reads it again. The answer is error 208, because a CTE lives for one statement only. A tested script shows the error, the missing semicolon trap and the recursion limit.
Policy Based Management Quiz: Which Mode Can Stop a Change?
This Policy Based Management Quiz asks which evaluation mode can stop a bad change before it is saved. The answer is On change: prevent. A tested T-SQL script blocks a badly named table and shows how few facets support that mode.
SET NOEXEC and PARSEONLY: Checking a Script Without Running It
Use PARSEONLY and NOEXEC to inspect scripts without executing them, understand deferred references, and check existing module dependencies.
Build a Query in Two Phases: Organize First, Itemize Second
Build a query in two phases: organize first, itemize second. Phase one gets the tables, joins and filter working with SELECT *, and phase two swaps the star for a column list. This post shows the method on a small branch and staff table, and the three errors it helps you avoid.
Common Table Expressions for Readability
Common table expressions for readability name query steps and support recursion, but they do not promise cached intermediate results.