Two convenient SQL Server 2008 features: inline assignment with DECLARE @idx INT = 0, and inline operations like SET @idx += 1. Fewer lines than before.
SQL SERVER – Find Space Used For Any Particular Table
Running out of drive space is a common reason SQL Server stops. sp_spaceused shows the Space Used by any table, with its row count and index size.
SQL SERVER – 2008 – Introduction to Row Compression
Row Compression in SQL Server 2008 stores zero and null values without using disk space. Check the savings first with sp_estimate_data_compression_savings.
SQL SERVER – 2008 – Introduction to New Feature of Backup Compression
SQL Server 2008 adds Backup Compression. I back up AdventureWorks with and without compression, compare file sizes and show how to turn it on at server level.
SQL SERVER – 2008 – Insert Multiple Records Using One Insert Statement – Use of Row Constructor
SQL Server 2008 lets you insert multiple records using one INSERT statement with a row constructor. I compare it with separate INSERTs and the UNION ALL method.
COLLATIONPROPERTY CodePage: Identify Text Encoding
COLLATIONPROPERTY CodePage reports varchar encoding metadata. Compare code pages 1252 and 65001 without confusing inspection with text conversion.
DATEPART Quarter: Keep the Year Beside the Quarter
DATEPART quarter identifies a calendar component. I keep its year when reporting separate periods. A cross-year January case shows how quarter-only grouping combines events.