How I learned to write TSQL
I primarily work with SQL Server, but my favorite book on TSQL is the one that I learned with: The Transact SQL Cookbook.
SQL Server Filtered Indexes: The Third Index Dimension
One perk to filtered indexes that may not be obvious at first is that you get an extra “dimension”– almost an extra kind of key column. This can be useful for some queries that can be tricky to index.
The new ApprenticeshipInEducation.com, and How You Can Learn about Life in Haiti
Like anyone else, I easily get wrapped up in my own life: my family and friends, my work, my local community, my technical community. Facebook, Twitter, cat pictures. When I took time off from work recently, I got a glimpse outside of my normal, narrow world.
Public Speaking Is Not Only Helpful for Your Audience
It’s also for you, the speaker. Speaking takes up your time and energy. It teaches you to express concepts, to listen well, and it even teaches you a lot about how you think.
DBCC USEROPTIONS: See Your Session Settings in SQL Server
This is a super old command, but it still comes in handy when working with SQL Server.
My Biggest Regret as a Database Administrator
Is one simple, small thing. It’s not spending as much time as I possibly can with other people.
The #1 Thing You Forget to Do Before Presenting
You’ve painstakingly written and practiced your demos. You’ve polished your slides. You’ve walked through each moment of your talk– maybe it was in front of your dog, maybe it was in front of your ever-patient spouse, but you’ve given it your all.
There’s something you’re probably forgetting.
DBA Confession: Sometimes Everyone’s the Slow Kid
I’ve been working with SQL Server databases, Windows administration, and software development an awfully long time. Once you have a lot of experience with something, it’s easy to forget what’s not obvious to newbies. But some things you have to learn the hard way.
Conference Prep List: Pick Your Workout
I got an email recently from a first time attendee to the SQL PASS conference that made me squeal with glee. The email asked the question: do you know a good place to go do Crossfit in Seattle?
I somehow hadn’t realized that I could plan workouts for the conference, and I was so glad I got that tip!
Forms of Database Torture (Illustrated)
Many forms of disasters can happen to a database. Here are three I’ve seen lately.