The number of people who really love having their code [quoted] with [square brackets] is pretty small. The vast majority of people who I meet really hate them, and promptly remove them.
Continue readingIt’s been a little bit since the last T-SQL Tuesday I joined, when I blogged about religion & politics. This month, I answer Bert Wagner's call to blog about code I would hate to live without
Continue readingI’m no accidental DBA. Very shortly after I started working in tech, I realized that I wanted to be a DBA when I grew up. Eventually, I landed that DBA job, and have been a DBA ever since. A couple of weeks ago, I told my manager I was leaving and gave my …
Continue readingWatch my PASS Professional Development session on résumé writing and job hunting for data professionals.
Continue readingI was recently asked: For testing, I need to generate artificial CPU load on the server, outside of SQL Server. Do you have any ideas? Maybe something with PowerShell? I quickly replied:
Continue readingCheck whether a Windows file share still uses SMBv1 before disabling the legacy protocol.
Continue readingEarlier tonight, I sat down to install Reporting Services on my laptop. I haven’t played with SSRS 2017 yet, so I figured I’d poke around some. Much to my surprise, the configuration failed when creating the ReportServer database, reporting a deadlock. When I …
Continue readingConfigure SQL Server replication with availability groups and understand its supported publisher and subscriber roles.
Continue readingI might be a SQL Server pro, but I’m still a PowerShell novice. I learn best by doing, so I keep pushing myself to do more with PowerShell so that I can learn more. If you don’t already know this about the SqlServer PowerShell Module, you can access SQL Server …
Continue readingThe great tabs vs spaces debate is often framed as a matter of opinion or coding style. “As long as you’re consistent, it doesn’t matter.” Keep in mind that unlike your choice in footwear, coding style can’t be personal. I’m going to draw a line in the sand …
Continue readingWhen I started travelling to speak at SQL Server events, I committed that I would make the most of it. To me, that means a lot more than just attending the event where I’m speaking. Sure, I want to learn and network at the event, but it means more than that, …
Continue readingUpdated (2018-09-24): SQL Ops Studio is now generally available, and has been renamed Azure Data Studio. I've updated the cheat sheet to reflect the name change, but the shortcuts remain the same. Feel free to grab the updated PDF with the new label, or keep …
Continue readingAs a DBA, there seems to be a constant trickle of automation where I need to parse a file name out of a full path. So let's parse this stuff in T-SQL, even though other languages might be better for this.
Continue readingFind active SQL Server transactions and avoid leaving uncommitted work that can block other users.
Continue readingUse a backup to NUL to test SQL Server backup throughput without writing a backup file.
Continue readingMohammad Darab interviewed me about SQL Server’s future, the DBA role, and cloud computing.
Continue readingA practical approach to monitoring SQL Server blocking and alerting when it becomes disruptive.
Continue readingA conversation about organizing the LGBT meetup at PASS Summit and running inclusive technology events in Boston.
Continue readingI won’t be at PASS Summit this year, but that doesn’t mean I can’t give advice to those who will be there. I got an email asking for advice for Summit First-Timers, and after sending over the list of tips, I figured I’d write a blog post on the topic while I …
Continue readingLearn how to identify the head blocker in SQL Server and trace a blocking chain to its source.
Continue readingUnfortunately, due to a change in plans, I’m not going to be at PASS Summit this year, so I won’t be hosting this meetup in 2017. Hopefully, next year the event will be back! Still want to meet up? If you’re bummed that this meetup isn’t happening (I know I …
Continue readingI often get asked, “Do you have any of your sessions recorded so I can watch them online?” And the answer has always been, “No, you’ll have to come see me in person.” I’m a tad of a perfectionist, so if I was going to record something just for publication …
Continue readingIn this post, I walk through identifying and fixing a serious performance issue with a multi-statement TVF in Dynamics CRM.
Continue readingI share my excitement about joining SentryOne’s Community Ambassador program and what the role means.
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