Last month, we had a great response to our monthly round-up of SQLAuthority.com blogs. This month, we have another exciting line-up of articles that cover various SQL Server concepts and ideas. Let’s dive in and explore some of the highlights!

Precision of SMALLDATETIME

We kick-started the month with an interesting discussion on the precision of SMALLDATETIME. In this blog post, we explored how SMALLDATETIME offers a 1-minute precision and its implications in different scenarios. If you’re working with datetime-related data, this article is a must-read.

Difference Between GETDATE and SYSDATETIME

Have you ever wondered about the difference between GETDATE and SYSDATETIME functions in SQL Server? In this blog post, we compared these two functions and discussed their usage scenarios. Understanding these differences can help you write more efficient and accurate queries.

Difference Between DATETIME and DATETIME2

Continuing our exploration of datetime-related topics, we delved into the differences between DATETIME and DATETIME2 data types. This article provides insights into the advantages of using DATETIME2 and when it is recommended over DATETIME.

Optimizing Query Execution Plans

One of the key aspects of SQL Server performance is optimizing query execution plans. In a series of blog posts, we discussed various options such as converting IN to EXISTS, choosing between subqueries and joins, and how the SQL Server engine can help in making the best decisions. These articles provide valuable insights into improving query performance.

Engaging with the Community

We value the participation of our readers and the SQL Server community. In two separate blog posts, we asked for your opinions on the name of the next SQL Server version and the largest supported DML operation. We received great responses, and if you haven’t shared your thoughts yet, we encourage you to join the conversation.

Guest Blog Posts and Community Spotlights

We were fortunate to have two excellent guest blog posts this month. Imran Mohammed shared his insights on shrinking NDF and MDF files, while Jacob Sebastian discussed the SELECT * FROM XML statement. Additionally, we featured interviews with SQL Server MVP Madhivanan and shared a meeting experience with Bryan Oliver. These articles provide a glimpse into the expertise and experiences of SQL Server professionals.

Exploring SQL Server 2008 R2 and Free Resources

We also covered the SQL Server 2008 R2 launch event and shared our thoughts on the Oracle vs SQL Server price list. Furthermore, we provided free resources for SQL Server 2008 R2, including a training kit and the Best Practices Analyzer. Make sure to check out these articles to take advantage of these valuable resources.

Fastest Way to Restore the Database

Lastly, we discussed the fastest way to restore a database. In this article, we shared tips and techniques to optimize the database restoration process, saving you time and effort.

We hope you enjoyed this month’s round-up of SQLAuthority.com blogs. Let us know which article was your favorite and stay tuned for more exciting content in the future!