Ask the Experts

How do the T-SQL commands TRUNCATE TABLE and DELETE differ?

TRUNCATE TABLE and DELETE are T-SQL statements with similar functions, but that doesn't make them interchangeable. They operate differently and use different amounts of SQL Server resources. Continue Reading
What is the benefit to Microsoft SQL Server Express on Azure?

Microsoft recently announced that it has added Microsoft SQL Server Express to Azure. Expert Robert Sheldon shares what he sees as the benefits and pitfalls. Continue Reading
What to consider when deploying In-memory OLTP in SQL Server 2014

In this expert answer, Michael Steineke from Edgenet talks about what to consider when deploying In-memory OLTP in SQL Server 2014. Continue Reading
Can SQL combine tables like these? Doubtful

Can SQL combine tables where the values don't relate to one another? One expert says it's difficult unless you redesign the tables. Continue Reading
SQL PIVOT helps merge results into a single row

SQL Server expert Denny Cherry shows how code can be used to the same effect as a SQL PIVOT statement. Continue Reading

Five steps for a successful backup of a stored procedure in SQL Server

Follow these steps to use Management Studio for SQL 2005 for a successful SQL Server stored procedure backup. Continue Reading
Tips for tuning SQL Server 2005 to improve reporting performance

There are a few things you can do to tune SQL Server for improved reporting performance. Here are some generic and Reporting Services-specific techniques. Continue Reading
Licensing a standby server for SQL Server replication

Is a license needed for a standby server if it's used for SQL Server replication? Get that answer and a comparison of SQL Server log shipping to replication. Continue Reading
Storing and searching for image files in SQL Server

Learn about working with image files in SQL Server, including advice on using queries to locate them, in this expert answer. Continue Reading
Manipulate column names in a SQL Server table

Learn SQL Server commands to manipulate column names in a table and turn column names into variables or rename SQL columns. Continue Reading
SQL Server trigger vs. stored procedure to receive data notification

Learn why using a SQL Server stored procedures vs. a trigger can be a preferred method to retrieve data notification from a database field. Continue Reading

Can I encrypt and restore a database backup in SQL Server 2005?

Discover the best solutions for encrypting, decrypting and restoring a database in SQL Server 2005. Continue Reading
Configuring SQL Server with a changed computer name

Find out how to reconfigure all aspects of your SQL Server after your computer name has been changed. Continue Reading
Ordering the results of a SQL query

Learn how to order the results of a SQL query when using case statements in a SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) report. Continue Reading
Using MDX and UDM in a SQL Server Analysis Services environment

Learn the specifics of Multidimensional Expressions (MDX) and the Unified Dimensional Model (UDM) in a SQL Server Analysis Services environment. Continue Reading

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