SQL Server is a powerful relational database management system that has been evolving over the years. In this blog post, we will explore some interesting concepts and ideas related to SQL Server.

Finding Stored Procedures Related to Tables

One common task for developers is finding stored procedures that are related to specific tables. In earlier versions of SQL Server, this was achieved using a small script. However, in SQL Server 2012, a new DMV called sys.sql_expression_dependencies can be used for the same purpose. This provides a more efficient way to search for referenced or referencing objects.

Understanding SQL Server Versions and Codenames

SQL Server has gone through several versions and codenames over the years. It is interesting to look back and see the progression of this powerful database management system. From SQL Server 4.21 for Windows NT in 1993 to SQL Server 2019, each version has brought new features and improvements.

Searching for Strings in Stored Procedures

Developers often need to search for specific strings in stored procedures. This can be a time-consuming task, but there are scripts available to simplify the process. Additionally, alternative methods can be used to achieve the same result. It is worth exploring different approaches to find the one that suits your needs.

Refreshing Databases Using T-SQL

There is no need to restart the SQL Server to refresh a database or create a new log file. A simple T-SQL command, sp_cycle_errorlog, can be used to achieve the same result. This saves time and avoids unnecessary server restarts.

Managing Backup History

SQL Server stores the history of all backups in the msdb database. However, there are times when older backup history is no longer required. By executing a stored procedure with a parameter specifying the number of days to keep, the backup history can be cleaned up. This helps to maintain a clean and organized backup history.

Understanding Stored Procedure Compilation

There is a common misconception that stored procedures are pre-compiled. In reality, they are compiled only during the first run. For subsequent runs, they are pre-compiled. Understanding this concept can help developers and DBAs optimize the performance of their stored procedures.

Improving Performance with Seek Predicate

Seek Predicate is an important concept in performance tuning. It describes the b-tree portion of the Seek operation, which is more efficient than Predicate. By understanding the difference between Seek Predicate and Predicate, developers can optimize their queries and improve overall performance.

Policy-Based Management

Policy-Based Management is a powerful feature of SQL Server that allows for the implementation of various policies to ensure reliable configuration of the system. It provides additional administration assistance to DBAs and helps them manage various tasks across the enterprise. Exploring this feature can greatly simplify the management of SQL Server.

Introduction to Analytic Functions

SQL Server 2012 introduced new analytic functions that provide powerful analytical capabilities. Functions like CUME_DIST(), FIRST_VALUE(), LAST_VALUE(), LEAD(), and LAG() allow for advanced data analysis and manipulation. Understanding these functions and their usage can greatly enhance the analytical capabilities of SQL Server.

A Real Story of Book Getting ‘Out of Stock’

As a bonus, we have a real story to share. Our book was in high demand and went out of stock within 48 hours of being available. We had to overcome challenges to meet the demand and ensure that the book was back in stock as soon as possible. This story highlights the importance of efficient inventory management.

SQL Server is a vast and ever-evolving technology. Exploring these concepts and ideas can help developers and DBAs optimize their use of SQL Server and improve overall performance. Stay tuned for more articles on SQL Server and its various features!