Ask the Experts

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Troubleshoot Web service issues in SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services

  Learn why your Web service in SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services (SSRS) is not responding. You could be missing Reporting Services configurations.  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

• SSIS error message due to installation problem on SQL Server 2005

  If you are receiving an error message in SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), your problem might be with the installation of the SQL Server 2005 client tools.  Continue Reading