sp_TexasHoldEm: Multi-Player Poker in T-SQL
Wanna play some Texas Hold ‘Em style poker and make a pile of Query Bucks? Wanna watch other database people playing?
2026-08-26
Articles
The memory toll of VARCHAR(MAX) in SQL Server
Introduction When designing the tables or writing the stored procedures in SQL Server, we get easily tempted to choose the path of least resistance. When deciding how much space to allocate for a text column in a database table which may contain the description of a product, a product name, or an additional comment/remarks, it […]
2026-08-24
7,892 reads
How a SQL Server backup can execute attacker code during restore
CVE-2026-47295 is a SQL Server vulnerability that lets a maliciously crafted database backup execute attacker-controlled code with sysadmin privileges during a routine RESTORE DATABASE operation.
2026-08-24
How We Reduced SQL Server Infrastructure Costs by 33% on AWS: Lessons From a Database Operations Manager
Read a story about how one company saved substantially on their cloud costs with a few simple changes and no interruptions to service.
2026-08-21
2,595 reads
What does a modern DBA actually do? 6 key points from a senior DBA
We sat down with Lee Brownhill, a senior DBA and Redgate Ambassador with 20 years of experience, to get his honest take on where the role is heading – and what database professionals are actually focused on right now.
2026-08-21
Automating SSAS Multidimensional Security Audits with PowerShell
This article presents a way to audit your SSAS cubes using PowerShell to prepare for any audit questions about who has access to the data.
2026-08-19
1,458 reads
Miscellaneous Thoughts About Building Stuff with AI in July 2026
Over the past couple of years, I've been using the bejeezus out of AI. I don't really feel like an expert by any means - it's so hard to keep up with the advancements - but I've been enjoying reading Grant Fritchey's series on building stuff with AI, and I thought you might enjoy some of my lessons learned as well.
2026-08-19
Automating OSM Data Refresh in Power BI’s Azure Maps Reference Layer
Learn how to automate OpenStreetMap data refresh on Power Bi's Azure Maps reference layer.
2026-08-17
1,767 reads
SQL Server index tuning: common mistakes and how to fix them
This guide walks through the most common SQL Server index tuning mistakes seen in production environments, such as over-indexing, oversized INCLUDE lists, unnecessary fill factor settings, misuse of SORT_IN_TEMPDB, over-aggressive index maintenance – and the myth that heaps are a shortcut to speed. Features real examples.
2026-08-17
The Hidden Danger of Wildcard Operators In Join Operations
This article looks at one of the killers of performance at scale, SELECT *.
2026-08-14
2,300 reads
Blogs
Announcements from the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference — Barcelona 2026
By James Serra
Microsoft shared a broad set of Fabric, Power BI, and SQL updates at FabCon...
Au Revoir for now
By Steve Jones
No, I’m not quitting or retiring. Just going on vacation, but I leave tonight...
Forums
Let's Talk Certifications
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Let's Talk Certifications, which is...
FARE LABS Pvt. Ltd. is a Proficiency testing laboratory located in India.
The top proficiency testing facility in India is Fare Labs. We employ particular metrics...
The Hidden Security Risks of Role Combination in SSAS Tabular
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Hidden Security Risks of...
Question of the Day
The Empty Aggregate
I have this table in a SQL Server 2025 database:
CREATE TABLE [dbo].[CustomerOrder] ( [OrderID] [int] NULL, [CustomerID] [int] NULL, [total] [money] NULL ) ON [PRIMARY] GOWhat is returned from this code? (answers are for the sum and then the count)
SELECT SUM(total) AS sum,
COUNT(total) AS count
FROM dbo.CustomerOrder;
See possible answers