The Default Fill Factor in SQL Server is 0. Change it with sp_configure to leave free space on index pages and reduce page splits. I like mine at 90.
Composite Keys: Match Complete Pairs Instead of Separate Lists
Composite keys need a complete pair match when the allowed values are defined together. I don’t split the components into independent lists. Doing so can admit combinations that were never allowed.
A Quote of the Day From a Table, With No Repeats Until All Are Used
Build a quote of the day table that rotates without repeats, handles concurrent requests, and supports a stable date-based selection.
SQL SERVER – 2005 Comparison EXCEPT operator vs. NOT IN
The EXCEPT operator returns distinct rows from the left query with no match on the right, just like NOT IN. Both give the same plan, but EXCEPT reads simpler.
What Is NULL in SQL Server? The Value That Isn’t a Value
NULL in SQL Server is not zero and not an empty string. It means the value is unknown, and that changes every comparison you write. Why equals never matches, the NOT IN trap that returns nothing, and where NULL is allowed to live.
Collecting Server Facts Into One Table Every Night
Collect Server Facts each night to track SQL Server versions, settings, databases, and file sizes in a practical history table.
Replacing @@ERROR Checks With TRY CATCH in Old Procedures
Replace fragile @@ERROR checks with TRY CATCH, transaction state checks, and THROW while preserving clear failure information for callers.