SQL Multi Script can easily be persuaded to run queries at the server level rather than the database level. It is also able to combine results from many databases even if the results aren't identical but have some different columns. Phil Factor demonstrates how this works, when collecting a set of performance counters from all databases on a distribution list of servers. Read more
SQL Multi Script does one thing and does it well: it will run whatever script or scripts you select, on a list of databases, and collate all the results neatly. However, it has a surprising number of uses. Phil Factor explains how it works and then uses it to search 100 databases, for occurrences of a string, in about 7 seconds. Read more
Phil Factor explains how to use Dynamic Management Views and Extended Events to track use of deprecated SQL Server syntax on working SQL Server databases, as well as SQL Prompt and SQL Change Automation to detect its use during database development. Read more
You need to compare database schema objects in two SQL Server databases, and then automatically generate a SQL deployment script that when executed will remove these differences, either making the schema of the target database match the source, or vice-versa. It sounds easy, but the problems lie in the details of the schema comparison options. Read more
Let's say your QA team maintain two similar test databases. They run tests to verify that different versions of the same application still produce the same, correct results. Therefore, any differences in the test data, between the two databases, needs to be corrected before the tests start. This is the sort of task for which SQL Data Compare is ideally suited, and Bob Sheldon explains how it all works. Read more
Louis Davidson provides a pair of SQL Prompt snippets that will help you deal with dependencies, whenever you need to drop columns or tables. Read more
If some of your database constraints have system-generated names, they can cause 'false positives' when comparing schemas and generating build scripts using SQL Compare or SQL Change Automation. Phil Factor explains the difficulties, and the Compare option you need to enable to avoid them. Read more
How developers who were previously writing and managing database source code in SSMS can make a smooth transition to Azure Data Studio. Read more
How well do the SQL Server licenses you own match up with what you need for your current use? William Durkin explains how to use Redgate Monitor to find out. Read more
Phil Factor on the fill factor, pages splits and index fragmentation, and how Redgate Monitor can help you decide if a custom fill factor for certain indexes might help alleviate performance issues. Read more
