Blogs

Down Tools Week 2020 (10 minute video/podcast episode)

Down Tools Week 2020 (10 minute video/podcast episode)

on August 6, 2020

It’s Down Tools Week at Redgate.

About This Episode

In this episode, I share what “Down Tools Week” is, what I’m working on this week, and why I think it’s a terrific experience for fostering creativity, innovation, and teamwork. In closing I share some thoughts on variations of this kind of project which you might use in your own organization.

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Common Antipatterns in Database Development (28 minute video/podcast episode)

Common Antipatterns in Database Development (28 minute video/podcast episode)

on July 30, 2020

Many people use entrenched processes for database development that have been in place so long that it’s hard to imagine doing it any other way. In this episode, I share three things that should NOT be normal for database development– but which are incredibly common.

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Everything I Never Wanted to Know About Collation (14 minute video/podcast episode)

Everything I Never Wanted to Know About Collation (14 minute video/podcast episode)

on July 16, 2020

I’m not an expert on collation in SQL Server, but there are a few important facts which I’ve had to learn the hard way. In this episode I share the basics, along with helpful resources to learn more.

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How to Spell and Capitalize tempdb for SQL Server

How to Spell and Capitalize tempdb for SQL Server

on July 15, 2020

No matter what I write in this post, some of y’all are going to tell me I’m wrong. That’s inevitable, because I’m writing about tempdb: a database so complex and mysterious in SQL Server, that even the spelling and capitalization of the database name is a topic of great disagreement.

Note: nearly everyone has been inconsistent about this

You might think, “This is easy, just check Microsoft’s documentation to find the answer.”

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The Manager Guide to Git Training for DBAs - Video and Podcast

The Manager Guide to Git Training for DBAs - Video and Podcast

on July 9, 2020

Learning Git can be daunting for DBAs. In this 20 minute episode, I discuss why learning a VCS is necessary for DBAs, then give three tips on scoping your project, choosing the right tools, and making sure the project is successful.

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Thoughts as Pride Month 2020 Comes to a Close

Thoughts as Pride Month 2020 Comes to a Close

on June 30, 2020

I’ve begun working on developing a couple of small habits this month, thanks largely to Andy Mallon’s helpful advocacy.

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New Free Course: The Dirty Secrets of NOLOCK

New Free Course: The Dirty Secrets of NOLOCK

on June 29, 2020

I’m excited to begin moving over courses from SQL Workbooks and making the material available here. The first course up for grabs is The Dirty Secrets of NOLOCK.

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