After the first SQLSaturday in Sri Lanka, here is a question worth a script: how many lines of code do you have in your database? Here is a way to count them.
SQL SERVER – Puzzle with Year Function
After my MONTH() contest, here is a puzzle with YEAR function: what do MONTH and YEAR return for the date 0001-1-1, and why? Take a guess first.
SQL SERVER – FIX – Error 3702, Level 16, State 3 – Cannot Drop Database “DB_Name” Because it is Currently in Use
Error 3702 says you cannot drop the database because it is currently in use, and even speakers get stuck on it. Here are simple ways to get past it.
SQL SERVER – Error Msg 511 using SQL Server Sparse columns
A reader got Msg 511 when adding a sparse column. Sparse columns reduce the maximum row size from 8060 to 8018 bytes. Here is what that means for you.
SQL SERVER – What are T-SQL Window Functions? – Notes from the Field #082
Kathi Kellenberger, one of my favorite SQL authors, explains what T-SQL window functions are and how the OVER clause works in SQL Server.
SQL SERVER – Adding Reference Data to Master Data Services – Notes from the Field #081
Reeves Smith shows how to add reference data to Master Data Services with the MDS add-in for Excel, so the business can manage it themselves.
Interview Question of the Week #020 – What is the Difference Between DISTINCT and GROUP BY?
Explain the difference between DISTINCT and GROUP BY with a self-contained demo, HAVING filters, and a correlated-subquery plan comparison.