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Show me everything on SQL Server Database Modeling and Design

DEFINITION - A block is a contiguous set of bits or bytes that forms an identifiable unit of data. The term is used in database management, word processing, and network communication.

1) In some databases, a block is the smallest amount of data that a program can request. It is a multiple of an operating system block, which is the smallest amount of data that can be retrieved from storage or memory. Multiple blocks in a database comprise an extent.

2) In word processing, a block is a contiguous set of characters. Often it consists of a phrase, a sentence, a paragraph, or a set of paragraphs that is selected by the user for copying/pasting, cutting, or moving. But a block can consist of any contiguous set of characters, whether or not it forms a logical unit of text.

3) In network communication, a block is a group of data bits or bytes that is transferred as a standard unit. The size (or length) of such a block depends on the communications protocol.

Learn more about SQL Server Database Modeling and Design
SQL Server database design disasters: What not to do: Inspired by what he recently found in some SQL Server shops, database architect Brian Walker shares advice for improved database design – and SQL Server performance.
Physical data storage in SQL Server 2005 and 2008: Learn the fundamentals of data storage in SQL Server 2005 and 2008, including tables, views and data types, in this book excerpt.
Designing SQL Server non-clustered indexes for query optimization: Optimize SQL Server non-clustered indexes and queries by considering index fields, compound indexes and SQL Server statistics' impact on non-clustered indexes.
Creating SQL Server tables and columns: Quick tips to know: Improve performance of SQL Server tables and columns by defining data types, indexes, keys, partitions and more. Create SQL Server columns and tables with these best practices.
Top 10 SQL Server Tips of 2008: Get the top 10 SQL Server tips of 2008 on topics such as clustered index design, log shipping setup, date/time data conversions and many other aspects of SQL Server.
Tutorial: SQL Server indexing tips to improve performance: Significantly improve your SQL Server performance through this tutorial on proper indexing choices. Learn how to design high performing indexes and tune your existing SQL indexes.
Tutorial: Learn SQL Server basics from A-Z: If you're new to SQL Server of simply want a refresher on some fundamentals, check out this tutorial on topics from security and performance to SSIS and using native tools.
Supertype and subtype tables in SQL Server: Learn how to physically implement supertype and subtype tables on a SQL Server in this book excerpt.
SQL Server and data manipulation in T-SQL: Learn about stored procedures, parameters, triggers and other T-SQL code functions in this book excerpt.

LAST UPDATED: 01 Apr 2005

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