SQL Server is a powerful relational database management system that is widely used in the industry. Over the years, SQLAuthority.com has published numerous articles covering various aspects of SQL Server. In this blog post, we will highlight some of the most interesting and useful articles from SQLAuthority.com and discuss the concepts and ideas they present.

UDF – Function to Convert List to Table

This article introduces a user-defined function (UDF) that can convert a list of values into a table. This can be particularly useful when dealing with large text fields or when you need to convert a list into a more structured format. The article provides code examples and explanations for implementing this UDF in SQL Server 2005.

Creating Comma Separated Values List from Table

In this article, you will learn how to create a comma-separated values (CSV) list from a table in SQL Server. The provided script demonstrates how to convert the data in a table into a CSV format, which can be useful for various data manipulation tasks. The script is compatible with SQL Server 2005 and provides instructions for adapting it to SQL Server 2000.

Index Optimization Checklist

Index optimization is a crucial aspect of database performance tuning. This article presents a checklist of basic rules and guidelines for optimizing indexes in SQL Server. By following these recommendations, you can significantly improve the speed and efficiency of your queries. The article emphasizes the importance of experimentation and experience in achieving optimal index performance.

Explanation of SQL Command GO

The SQL command GO is often used in T-SQL code, but its purpose and behavior may not be well understood. This article provides a clear explanation of the GO command and its role in executing batches of Transact-SQL statements. Understanding how GO works can help you better organize and manage your SQL scripts.

Find Table in Every Database of SQL Server

When working with multiple databases in SQL Server, it can be useful to find a specific table across all databases. This article presents a script that allows you to search for a table in every database on your SQL Server instance. This can save time and effort when you need to locate a table in a large database environment.

Find Last Date Time Updated for Any Table

Knowing when a table was last updated can be important for various reasons, such as auditing or troubleshooting. This article demonstrates how to use a dynamic management view (DMV) in SQL Server to determine the last update time for a table. The provided example shows how to create a table, update it, and then query the DMV to retrieve the update timestamp.

Questions and Answers with Database Administrators

This article features an interesting conversation with database administrators (DBAs) discussing the qualities that make a great DBA. The primary focus is on the importance of data security and efficient data retrieval. The article highlights the significance of backup strategies and restoring methodologies in evaluating a DBA’s skills.

Get Latest SQL Query for Sessions – DMV

Monitoring and analyzing active sessions in SQL Server can be essential for performance tuning and troubleshooting. This article presents a script that retrieves the latest SQL query executed by each session using a dynamic management view (DMV). This information can help identify resource-intensive queries and optimize their execution.

Spatial Database Queries – What About BLOB

Spatial databases allow for the storage and querying of geographic data. This article explains how to calculate the distance between two cities using spatial database queries in SQL Server. The example demonstrates the practical application of spatial data types and functions in solving real-world problems.

Create Script to Copy Database Schema and All The Objects

Developers often need to create a replica of a database for testing or practice purposes. This article provides a script that generates a complete copy of a database schema and all its objects, including data, stored procedures, functions, triggers, tables, views, and constraints. This script can be a valuable tool for developers who want to experiment with a database without affecting the original.

What Kind of Lock WITH (NOLOCK) Hint Takes on Object?

The NOLOCK hint is commonly used to improve query performance by allowing dirty reads. This article clarifies the type of lock acquired by the NOLOCK hint, which is a schema lock. The provided example demonstrates the behavior of the NOLOCK hint and its impact on concurrent transactions.

Resource Database ID – 32767

The resource database is a special system database in SQL Server that contains all the system objects included with the software. This article explains the purpose and structure of the resource database, highlighting its role in providing system objects to all user databases. Understanding the resource database can enhance your knowledge of SQL Server’s internal architecture.

Quiz and Video – Introduction to SQL Server Security

In 2012, SQLAuthority.com introduced a unique quiz format accompanied by video hints. This article presents a quiz on SQL Server security, covering topics such as authentication, authorization, and encryption. The combination of quizzes and video hints offers an interactive and engaging way to learn about SQL Server security concepts.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of articles available on SQLAuthority.com. Exploring these articles can deepen your understanding of SQL Server concepts and provide practical solutions to common challenges. Stay tuned for more informative articles on SQL Server!