Choose free SQL Server tools by the problem they solve, from SSMS and sqlcmd to Extended Events, and understand the limits before relying on them.
BASE64_ENCODE and BASE64_DECODE in SQL Server 2025
Use BASE64_ENCODE in SQL Server 2025, decode binary and text safely, compare URL-safe output, and replace older XML encoding expressions.
SQL SERVER – Working with Business Days in SQL Server – A Different Approach
I recommend that you download XLeratorDB and try this problem along with me, this is going to be a fun exercise and something new to learn about Business Days.
Why the Same Query Is Fast Then Suddenly Slow
Recognize parameter sniffing by comparing compiled values, data distribution, and reused plans, then test a remedy with its tradeoffs.
SQL SERVER – Export Data AS CSV from Database Using SQLCMD
We often import CSV into SQL Server, but how do you export data as CSV with SQLCMD? Two simple commands, one with column headers and one without.
XQuery Comparisons: General Equality Is Not Singleton Equality
XQuery Comparisons use different rules for general sequence operators and singleton value operators. I make equality and inequality visible side by side. A general unequal-pair result is not always the inverse of an equal-pair result.
SQL – Biggest Concerns in a Data Driven World
The snooping debate made users distrust how their data is used. Here are the biggest concerns for companies taking a data driven approach to business.