SQL Server 2012 adds the new system stored procedure sp_describe_first_result_set. I try it on a query and a view to see what metadata it returns.
Stored Procedure Recompile Quiz: What Forces a New Plan?
This Stored Procedure Recompile Quiz asks which action makes SQL Server build a new plan for a procedure. The answer is a new index on a table it reads. A tested script uses plan counters to show what reuses the plan and what rebuilds it.
SET NOEXEC and PARSEONLY: Checking a Script Without Running It
Use PARSEONLY and NOEXEC to inspect scripts without executing them, understand deferred references, and check existing module dependencies.
SQL SERVER – Bad Practice of Using Keywords as an Object Name – Avoid Using Keywords as an Object
Why using keywords as an object name is a bad practice: a stored procedure named GO runs with EXEC GO, and the result can surprise you.
SQL SERVER – Powershell – Get a List of Fixed Hard Drive and Free Space on Server
A PowerShell way to get a list of fixed hard drives and free space on server: MVP Ravikanth’s short script with Get-WmiObject and Win32_LogicalDisk.
SQL SERVER – Get Directory Structure using Extended Stored Procedure xp_dirtree
Need to list a directory structure from T-SQL? The undocumented xp_dirtree procedure does it, and here is how to save its output in a temp table.
Temp Table Caching: Why Some Temp Tables Get Reused
Understand temp table caching in stored procedures, avoid cache blockers, inspect creation counters, and review retained statistics.