Read fixed-width text files with OPENROWSET and an XML format file, trim fields, validate conversions, and load only acceptable rows.
Resetting a Test Database With Database Snapshots
Resetting a test database with SQL Server snapshots gives a fast baseline for repeatable tests; create, revert, and manage sparse files safely.
SQL SERVER – A Quick Puzzle on JOIN and NULL – SQL Brain Teaser
A relaxing SQL Brain Teaser on INNER JOIN and NULL: set up a sample table, look at the result, and fill in the missing T-SQL that produces it.
SQL SERVER – ERROR: FIX – Database diagram support objects cannot be installed
Database diagram support objects cannot be installed because this database does not have a valid owner. Here is the quick fix I used on a friend’s database.
SQL SERVER – Finding Count of Logical CPU using T-SQL Script – Identify Virtual Processors
A friend needed to count Virtual Processors available to SQL Server 2000. Scripts for 2000 with xp_msver, and for 2005 to 2012 with sys.dm_os_sys_info.
Application Roles: Permissions That Follow the App, Not the User
Application roles sound like a lock only your app can open. This demo shows what the switch really does and why the password is the whole key.
Data Quality Rules in T-SQL
Data quality rules in T-SQL turn nulls, duplicates, invalid dates, and broken references into visible failures before rows reach reports.