The long-awaited final instalment of Steve Joubert's popular 4-part "from the ground up" guide to SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services. Here, he dissects the Report Definition Language and provides a practical demonstration on the use of Report Builder, an ad-hoc reporting tool that allows end users to build and customize their own reports.… Read more
The need to produce Excel reports from SQL Server is very common. Here, Robyn Page and Phil Factor present practical techniques for creating and manipulating Excel spreadsheets from SQL Server, using linked servers and T-SQL. The pièce de résistance is a stored procedure that uses OLE Automation to allow you full control over the formatting of your Excel report, and the ability to include sums, ranges, pivot tables and so on.… Read more
Most DBAs don't have time to perform routine processes manually. Everything has to be scripted, automated and scheduled. Here, Dan Sullivan describes how a combination of PowerShell and SMO ("PowerSMO") can provide a familiar but powerful command line tool for managing common SQL Server tasks.… Read more
The topic of cursors is the ultimate "hot potato" in the world of SQL Server. Everyone has a view on when they should and mainly should not be used. By example and testing Robyn Page proves that, when handled with care, cursors are not necessarily a "bad thing". This article coined a phrase, 'Quirky Update', that has since established itself as the industry-term. We now feature a new revised version of the old classic, with help from Phil Factor.… Read more
Nigel Rivett provides a technique for moving files from one FTP directory to another, and for performing this processing from SQL Server Integration Services.… Read more
Is your IT project in trouble? Do you need to create a smokescreen so that no-one can pin the blame on you? No problem! Marvel at Phil Factor's versatile use of T-SQL functions in creating the "ultimate excuse database" and then start generating your excuses immediately!
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When a 'torn page' error corrupts a SQL Server database, threatening the survival of some vital data and a mainly harmless colleague, our curmudgeonly hero jumps into action...… Read more
Written by geeks, for geeks, the Simple-Talk Cookbook is a quirky culinary collection of recipes by SQL Server and .NET MVPs and experts, who would like to inspire Simple-Talk readers to ditch their microwave convenience meals for some more nourishing dishes this winter. Chef hats at the ready, because the e-cookbook download is available for free now to registered users...… Read more
William Brewer investigates an unsung hero in SQL Server, extended properties, and shows how to use them to create self-documenting SQL Server databases.… Read more
Nigel Rivett demonstrates some core techniques for extracting SQL Server data into CSV files, focussing on a stored procedure approach that gives complete control of the format of the extracted data.… Read more
Learn how to get maximum performance out of the dataflow task with an extract from Kirk Haselden's popular book on Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Integration Services.… Read more
