One shared server list can save you from running a query on the wrong server. Here is how to build it, export it without passwords and use it.
SQL SERVER – Customization of New Query in SQL Server Management Studio
A junior DBA was fired for dropping a table on production. Here is how to customize the New Query window in SSMS so it opens with the commands you need.
SQL SERVER – SSMS Trick – Generating CSV file using Management Studio
Readers asked why use SQLCMD or BCP at all. Generating CSV file output is easy in SSMS: set Results to Text as comma delimited in Tools, Options.
Choosing a Database IDE
Choosing a database IDE means testing SQL editing, plans, schema work, security, and team workflow across SSMS, VS Code, and other tools.
Live Execution Plan of a Running Query: SQL in Sixty Seconds #073
A live execution plan shows how far a query has gotten while it is still running. This post builds a slow query on SQL Server 2025, watches it through sys.dm_exec_query_profiles from a second window, and explains why rows divided by the estimate is a progress meter only when the estimate is right.
SQL SERVER – CTRL + R Shortcut Does Not Work in SSMS
After a fresh SQL Server 2014 install, CTRL + R no longer hid the results pane in SSMS. These keyboard option steps got my shortcut working again.
SQL SERVER – SSMS: Memory Usage By Memory Optimized Objects Report
Why is SQL Server using all the memory? In-Memory OLTP in SQL Server 2014 makes it trickier. This SSMS report shows memory used by memory optimized objects.