Clik here to view.
Dumplings, Databases and Corporate Espionage
This blog post takes a tangent from my usual technology-specific ramblings, but I’ll make the connection eventually. Just bear with me. Dumplings Dan dan mien, mango bubble tea, and petite chicken...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Thank you #sqlsatbostonbi 2015
Yesterday was SQL Saturday #437 or as we call it, SQL Saturday Boston BI Edition. It was my first time helping to organize a SQL Saturday (or any event like this). It was an honor to be asked to join...
View ArticleSpeaking at SQL Saturday #470 in DC
On December 5, I’m speaking at SQL Saturday #470 in Washington DC. My session is called “Wheaton’s Law for Technology Pros” and is based on my post “Watch your step! Don’t become a DBA-hole.” I’m...
View ArticleSpeaking at SQL Saturday #465 in Providence, RI
On December 5, I’m speaking at SQL Saturday #465 in Providence, RI. My session is called “Shortcuts from an Impatient DBA.” This is an expanded version of my lightning talk from the New England SQL...
View ArticleClik here to view.
RECONFIGURE—When to use WITH OVERRIDE?
When you’re using sp_configure to change a system configuration, you have to run a RECONFIGURE to finalize your change. You even get the helpful output that reminds you to run RECONFIGURE:...
View Article#sqlcares, #sqlwish, and #sqlfamily
I’ve been using SQL Server for a dozen years now, but I’ve only been starting to make friendships and build relationships within the SQL Server community in the last couple of years. More importantly,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
SSMS Vertical block highlighting & editing
Shortcuts & tips from an Impatient DBA #11 This series of short posts will demonstrate some lesser-known features, keyboard shortcuts, and other tips that make my day as a DBA more productive. None...
View ArticleDROP TABLE Bug on Filestream Garbage Collection
FILESTREAM is not a particularly popular feature of SQL Server–if you’re using it, you are in the minority. If you have a database with filestream in an Availability Group, then you’re REALLY in the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
sp_autostats: object-level auto update statistics
In SQL Server, auto-update statistics is a database level setting. It’s right there: I’m not going to say whether I think Auto Update Statistics should be on or off. Instead, I’m going to argue that...
View ArticleData Compression: Costs & benefits
SQL Server supports two kinds of data compression on rowstore data. Columnstore compression is for a different day. You can compress heaps, clustered indexes (on both tables and views), and...
View ArticleSpeaking at #SqlSatChi – SQL Saturday #484 in Chicago
I’m really excited to be speaking in Chicago this year. I’m going to be giving my “Shortcuts From an Impatient DBA” session. I love this presentation, and I’m excited to share it in Chicago. How’d you...
View ArticleDecoding sql_handle
If you’ve ever looked at sys.sysprocesses or sys.dm_exec_requests (or a number of other DMVs), you’ve noticed there is a column called “sql_handle” that contains some binary gobbledygook. Books Online...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Shortcuts Cheat Sheet – SSMS & Windows
I’ve presented my Shortcuts from an Impatient DBA talk a few times now, and I really love it. Everyone learns something, whether you’re a Junior Developer, or a multi-decade veteran, or a Data Platform...
View ArticleClik here to view.
T-SQL Tuesday #77– My favorite SQL Server feature
It’s T-SQL Tuesday, the blog party that SQL Server expert Adam Machanic (blog|twitter) started. This month’s episode is hosted by Jens Vestergaard (blog | twitter). The topic: Favorite SQL Server...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How fast queries hurt performance
This week at work, I noticed CPU on one server seemed pretty high. I wasn’t familiar with this particular server, but based on the applications it supported, I was expecting the server to be...
View ArticleClik here to view.
CONVERT() to float using scientific notation
Someone posted to #sqlhelp on Twitter, asking the following: “Wondered if anyone could enlighten me as to why ISNUMERIC(‘7d8’) returns 1?” Sure enough, SELECT ISNUMERIC('7d8') returns a 1. WTF? d isn’t...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to shrink a database in 4 easy steps
I pity the fool who needs to shrink his database! It’s a really common question: “How do I shrink my database?” Luckily, there’s also a really common answer: “Don’t.” …but what if you really have to?...
View ArticleClik here to view.
My 5th DBAnniversary
Five years ago today, I officially became a DBA: Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to extend to you our offer of employment for the position of Database Administrator How I got there I got my first...
View ArticleClik here to view.
T-SQL Tuesday #78– sys.dm_db_file_space_usage
It’s T-SQL Tuesday, the blog party that SQL Server expert Adam Machanic (blog|twitter) started. This month’s episode is hosted by Wendy Pastrick (blog| twitter). The topic: Learn something new and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
SSMS Template Replacement
Shortcuts & tips from an Impatient DBA This series of short posts will demonstrate some lesser-known features, keyboard shortcuts, and other tips that make my day as a DBA more productive. None of...
View Article
