SQL Server is a powerful database management system that offers a wide range of functionality to meet the needs of developers and database administrators. In addition to the core features, SQL Server also provides additional tools and functions that can enhance productivity and simplify tasks. In this article, we will explore some of these additional functionalities.

xp_dirscan

The xp_dirscan extended procedure is a useful tool for performing recursive directory scans in SQL Server. It allows you to search for files that match a specific file mask within a given directory and its sub-directories. This can be particularly helpful when you need to perform operations on multiple files or analyze file structures within your database.

fn_encode_base64 and fn_decode_base64

The fn_encode_base64 and fn_decode_base64 functions provide a convenient way to encode and decode strings to and from Base64 format. Base64 encoding is commonly used for data transmission and storage, and these functions allow you to easily convert your data to and from this format within SQL Server.

fn_hash_sha

The fn_hash_sha function performs an SHA-2 type hash on a given plaintext value. This can be useful for generating secure hash values for passwords or other sensitive data. The function supports different hash lengths, allowing you to choose the level of security that is appropriate for your needs.

fn_propercase

The fn_propercase function is a handy tool for capitalizing the first letter of each word in a string. This can be useful when you need to format names or titles in a consistent and professional manner. The function takes into account various punctuation marks, spaces, and numbers to determine the beginning of words.

fn_rot13

The fn_rot13 function provides a simple way to perform ROT-13 encryption on a given string. ROT-13 is a basic encryption technique that replaces each letter with the letter 13 positions ahead or behind it in the alphabet. This function can be used to obfuscate data or add a layer of security to sensitive information.

fn_CalculateHolidays

The fn_CalculateHolidays function is a versatile tool for calculating holidays based on a given region and year. It currently supports the ‘US’ (United States) and ‘EN’ (England/Wales) regions and calculates the dates of federal holidays and widely recognized religious holidays. This function can be easily extended to include other regions, states, or religious holidays, making it a valuable resource for managing holiday-related data.

These additional functionalities provide SQL Server users with a range of tools to enhance their database management and development tasks. Whether you need to perform directory scans, encode/decode data, generate hash values, format strings, or calculate holidays, SQL Server has you covered.

Download the DBA Toolkit here to explore these additional functionalities and more.