Tips

Tips

• T-SQL subquery basics: When and how to apply them in SQL Server

  Subqueries in T-SQL give admins flexibility when it comes to analyzing the inner details of subsets of data. Learn how to apply subqueries with this comprehensive rundown.  Continue Reading

• Combining T-SQL subqueries with operators in SQL Server

  Using subqueries with different operators allows admins to collect even more information from T-SQL statement. Learn the basics of each and how to implement them here.  Continue Reading

• Master data management without a SQL Server 2008 R2 upgrade

  With careful planning, DBAs can get similar functionality to Microsoft’s MDS feature -- without migrating to R2 -- by taking advantage of older SQL Server technologies.  Continue Reading

• Programming SMO applications for improved management, automation

  SQL Server Management Objects can be very helpful when used with (or even instead of) T-SQL, particularly when it comes to monitoring database backups and space utilization.  Continue Reading

• Is an Excel pivot table really business intelligence (BI)?

  Although a pivot table is one component of Microsoft’s BI stack, it takes a lot more to create a full-fledged business intelligence solution.  Continue Reading

• Free sqlmap tool helps ward off SQL injection attacks

  DBAs can minimize the risk of injection attacks on their databases with this open source utility designed for Microsoft SQL Server and other systems.  Continue Reading

• Applying algebraic and numeric functions in SQL Server 2008

  Expand even more on T-SQL mathematical functions with this breakdown of algebraic and numeric functions, including details on how they can be used to retrieve data.  Continue Reading

• Getting ‘trigonometric’ with T-SQL mathematical functions

  Mathematical functions in SQL Server 2008 can connect admins to system information that they may not know exists. Learn to apply these functions in this in-depth breakdown.  Continue Reading

• Scalability options for really big SQL Server databases

  When a database outgrows its server, DBAs have the option of either scaling it out across multiple systems or moving to a more powerful server. Here are the factors to consider.  Continue Reading

• Walking through the database auditing process for SQL Server 2008 R2

  SQL Server 2008 R2 features powerful tools for creating database auditing policies that can be implemented using either SQL Server Management Studio or T-SQL scripts.  Continue Reading

• Reporting Services 2008 R2 eases SQL Server report building

  It’s true, Microsoft has put out a number of new BI technologies for SQL Server 2008 R2, but changes to existing tools like Reporting Services may hold the most value initially.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server tools take the time out of database searches

  Searching databases for specific objects can be frustrating – especially when you can’t recall exactly where said objects are. Fortunately, there are tools out there that can help.  Continue Reading

• Weighing visual output options for SQL Server business intelligence

  A business intelligence solution can present data in a variety of ways, such as dashboards, scorecards and reports, but each form has a little something different to offer.  Continue Reading

• The nuts and bolts of T-SQL aggregate functions in SQL Server 2008

  Understanding how to work with aggregate functions can open new doors to the types of information retrieved from your database -- and it may not be as tricky as you think.  Continue Reading

• Seizing stats and grouped data with T-SQL aggregate functions

  The power of aggregate functions goes well beyond the basics. This tip demonstrates how to work with grouped data, verify checksums, and retrieve detailed statistics.  Continue Reading