Most of us haven’t learned everything we know about technology from books or classes. Instead, when things go wrong, a quick search on Google or Bing typically brings up possible solutions from others who have experienced the same problem. I often wonder about that unfortunate guy who is the first to tackle a difficult issue. … Read more
Everyone knows how important code testing is, and to be thorough, you must automate testing. This includes scripts such as those written in PowerShell as well. In this article, Robert Cain introduces Pester, a tool for testing PowerShell code.… Read more
The Azure Cosmos DB Emulator can be used to develop Cosmos DB applications without a cost for the Azure service. In this article, Suhas Pande demonstrates several common tasks using C# and the emulator: creating databases, collections, and documents.… Read more
Despite the attention to data privacy and protection caused this year because of the GDPR, regulations governing how data is handled are nothing new. In this article, Robert Sheldon provides an overview of two US regulations, HIPAA and SOX, and explains how these regulations affect DBAs. … Read more
PowerShell is the preferred scripting tool used by Windows and Active Directory administrators. It can also be used to administer SQL Server or even just export data. In this article, Greg Moore demonstrates how to use the PowerShell cmdlet Invoke-SQLCMD to export data from SQL Server.… Read more
Just recently, my local .NET user group asked me to present at their meeting on the topic of graphical execution plans. I love presenting for developers on SQL Server topics. I’m often describing something well known by database administrators, but completely new to the devs. I think the group learned a lot from me that … Read more
NoSQL databases like MongoDB are gaining popularity, but using the right tools for the job at hand is most important. In this article, Phil Factor demonstrates how to work with a MongoDB database and how to use PowerShell with MongoDB so that the process can be automated.… Read more
Creating resources in Azure, while not difficult, can be time consuming if you use the manual steps. One way to automate the process is by using JSON templates to save time and enforce standards. In this article, Brian Flynn describes how to create JSON templates for deploying a network with virtual machines. … Read more
Microsoft Office is heavily used in most organizations, and Microsoft has provided several ways to extend and customize Office applications. In this article, Darko Martinovic demonstrates how to use C# to create several automation solutions, including custom add-ins. … Read more
The characters in many games today seem lifelike. Under the covers, an application controls the behavior. In this article, Lance Talbert walks you through setting up a game with some simple artificial intelligence built in using Unity and C#… Read more
In this article of the Power BI series, Robert Sheldon demonstrates how to work with the Power Query M language to import and transform data.… Read more
Along with the GDPR, regulations require that confidential data is protected and used properly. In this article, William Brewer discusses the ways that data manages to migrate around the organisation and the challenges found in protecting that data.… Read more
I recently took two of my grandchildren to a McDonald’s restaurant for some lunch. We were greeted by a young woman with a big smile on her face asking if she could show us how to use the new kiosk to place our order. My first thought is that she must have been instructed by … Read more
AWS Serverless Applications allow developers to create apps without needing a server environment. In this article, Gerald Bauer demonstrates how to get started with this technology in C#. He shows how to deploy and test one of the built-in samples and then walks you through how to create your own application. … Read more
In this article, Michael Sorens describes unit testing for applications written in Go. While focused on Go, many of his recommendations and techniques can be applied to other languages as well.… Read more
Agile methodology for software delivery is accepted at many organizations but is not used everywhere. In this article, Mohammad Rizvi gives advice on how to successfully implement a software project in a non-Agile environment.… Read more
Once again, Dino Esposito explains a Bootstrap 4 enhancement. This time, he explains how the card component replaces the well and panel classes. … Read more
Data for Power BI can come from many sources, but often the data is hosted in SQL Server. In this article, the fifth of the series, Robert Sheldon demonstrates how to work with SQL Server data in Power BI Desktop, including relationships between tables. … Read more
Many organizations are moving to Azure and other cloud providers. Understanding how resources are being used and what is spent is very important. In this article, Feodor explains his solution for automating the collection of the Enterprise Agreement billing from Azure into an Azure SQL Database where it can be analyzed. … Read more
St. Louis, MO, has a wonderful museum called The St. Louis Science Center. If you are ever in the area, it’s worth a visit. I’m lucky enough to live less than an hour’s drive away and visit once a month or so. My favourite event at the Science Center is called First Friday, an evening … Read more
