Once you've done a number of SQL code-reviews, you'll be able to identify signs in the code that indicate all might not be well. These 'code smells' are coding styles that, while not bugs, suggest design problems with the code. In this PDF, Phil's put together 119 of those code smells, some generic, and some particular to SQL Server, so you can see what to avoid and why.… Read more
So, given the many good reasons for using Version Control systems for managing the changes in database applications, how does one go about the rather different routines of team development, such as testing, continuous integration, and managing data? What are the issues you're likely to face?
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SQL Server Hardware will provide the fundamental knowledge and resources you need to make intelligent decisions about choice, and optimal installation and configuration, of SQL Server hardware, operating system and the SQL Server RDBMS.… Read more
While we all know that the Query Optimizer uses Indexes to produce better execution plans, we don't all know exactly which indexes will give the best results. Benjamin Nevarez has done the research, and in this sample from his upcoming book, "Inside the SQL Server Query Optimizer", he helps us to understand how the Query Optimizer selects indexes to improve execution plans.… Read more
This book will take you from the fundamentals of Statistics, Cost Estimation, Index Selection, and the Execution Engine, and guide you through the inner workings of the Query Optimization process, and throws in a pragmatic look at Parameterization and Hints along the way.… Read more
TRY...CATCH error handling in SQL Server has certain limitations and inconsistencies that will trap the unwary developer, used to the more feature-rich error handling of client-side languages such as C# and Java. In this article, abstracted from his excellent new book, Defensive Database Programming with SQL Server, Alex Kuznetsov offers a simple, robust approach to checking and handling errors in SQL Server, with client-side error handling used to enforce what is done on the server.… Read more
There can be a great difference in the performance of a particular routine in a test database, and in a fully loaded production system. When you hit performance problems in a database under load, and there is excessive locking and blocking, how can you determine exactly where the problems lie, in order to fix them? Read on...… Read more
You can create a database under the assumption that SQL looks after all the problems of concurrency. It will probably work fine under test conditions: Then, in the production environment, it starts losing data in subtle ways that defy repetition. It is every Database Developer's nightmare. In an excerpt from his acclaimed book, Alex explains why it happens, and how you can avoid such problems. … Read more
Inside this book, you will find dozens of practical, defensive programming techniques that will improve the quality of your T-SQL code and increase its resilience and robustness.… Read more
Jaap's Practical Guide to Exchange Server 2010 draws upon all that experience to deliver an easy-to-use guide to this latest platform, full of useful examples and top tips for SysAdmins, both new and experienced.… Read more
When information is exchanged in XML format, you need an agreement between the sender and receiver about the structure and content of the XML document. This "agreement" takes the form of an XSD (XML Schema Definition Language) Schema. Jacob Sebastian's book explains all. Download the eBook.… Read more
When information is exchanged in XML format, you need an agreement between the sender and receiver about the structure and content of the XML document. This "agreement" takes the form of an XSD (XML Schema Definition Language) Schema. Jacob Sebastian's book explains all...… Read more
For everything you need to know, rather than want to know, about SQL Server Reporting Services, replication, backup, XML, performance, data warehousing and more..… Read more
Why is my query running slow? Why isn't my index getting used? In order to answer these questions, you have to ask the same return question in each case: have you looked at the execution plan? Grant Fritchey provides the only dedicated and detailed guide to this essential topic...… Read more