IIF and CASE choose result values, but their branches also define a shared return type. I make that type explicit when mixed inputs could surprise the reader. Typed NULL values help describe the same output contract.
SQL SERVER – Query to Find Seed Values, Increment Values and Current Identity Column value of the table
A query to list every identity column with its seed, increment and current value, plus what those numbers mean and how to reseed a table safely.
SQL SERVER – Understanding new Index Type of SQL Server 2005 Included Column Index along with Clustered Index and Non-clustered Index
Clustered index and non-clustered index compared: how many you can have, how each stores data, and where the SQL Server 2005 included column index fits.
SQL SERVER – @@DATEFIRST and SET DATEFIRST Relations and Usage
How SET DATEFIRST changes the first day of the week, and how @@DATEFIRST returns the current value, which also changes with SET LANGUAGE. Simple examples.
SQL Server Interview Questions and Answers Complete List Download
The SQL Server Interview Questions and Answers Complete List Download collects my six part series in one PDF, as many readers asked.
SQL Server Interview Questions and Answers Part 6
Interview Questions and Answers Part 6 covers the six properties of relational tables and de-normalization, adding redundant data to help performance.
SQL Server Interview Questions, Part 5: Practical Answers
Practical SQL Server interview questions cover administration, settings, replication, string functions and data integrity. Compare small examples of string replacement and row counting, and keep each answer within its intended scope.