Take the SQLChallenge: Tuning a Stored Procedure
I’ve just published a new SQLChallenge course for subscribers, and I think it’s one of the best ones yet.
Update: this course is now totally free. :smile:
Joining Redgate Software
I’m excited to announce that I’m joining the evangelist team at Redgate. Starting next Monday, I’ll be working with Steve Jones, Grant Fritchey, and Kathi Kellenberger – plus the whole Redgate team. Why take on a “real job”? The last time I had a manager and a normal paycheck was back in the spring of 2011. Since then, I’ve had company co-founders, or I’ve been doing my own thing, solo.
Employee Agreements & Contracts: Anti-Patterns (31 minute video)
When you take a new job in software engineering or in IT, within the paperwork there often lurks an employee agreement: a contract between you and your employer. In this half-hour live episode, I talk about why these contracts exist, and multiple anti-patterns you should avoid.
Table Value Constructors in TSQL
Last week’s quiz was on Table Value Constructors in TSQL.
Table value constructors let you create a dataset on the fly. These can occasionally be useful in writing queries, but I think playing with them has another benefit: they provide a simple, lightweight framework to let you develop your ability to think in sets.
Upcoming Live Podcast Recording Sessions: Employee Agreements and Contracts for DBAs and Devs
I’ve just scheduled two new podcast recording sessions! These are live, half hour sessions - you can join in listen, or share comments. Here’s what we’ll be talking about….
Dear SQL DBA: Remembering Robert Davis, DBA Hero
What makes a person a DBA Hero? In this episode, I talk about how Robert Davis made a huge impact on the SQL Server community, and the traits that Robert displayed that I hope to emulate.
SQL Operations Studio: Keyboard Shortcuts, Actual Plans, & More
Last week I posted a quiz on SQL Operations Studio, a free, multi-platform tool from Microsoft..
This tool is under active development and the features are improving by the day – which makes it a great time to start trying out the tool and see what you like: because you can suggest changes!
Changing Your Highlight Color in SQL Operations Studio
I’ve been enjoying working with SQL Operations Studio lately - a new, free, cross-platform editor from Microsoft. The tool is under active development and it’s a great time to try it out and suggest changes for how you’d like to see the product work. (Here’s a suggestion I made this week, for example.)
CROSS APPLY in T-SQL: Why to APPLY
Michelle asked a great question:
In your own words, why would one want to use a cross apply operator rather than a join operator? I’m old school, and I’m just not getting why a cross apply would be so much better to use than a join.
Dear SQL DBA: Why I Rarely Mention Service Broker
I’ve gotten a few questions about whether I recommend learning Service Broker, and recently I was asked if I’m planning to make any courses on Service Broker.
In this 23 minute episode, I talk about why I personally haven’t become an expert with Broker, the factors that I believe play into Service Broker adoption, and other resources online for learning Service Broker in SQL Server.