Blogs

Today I walked through the Use Azure Data Studio to connect and query Azure SQL database Quickstart. This Quickstart is solid and is great for someone new to Azure Data Studio.

At the end of the Quickstart it suggested I try the Tutorial: Use the Transact-SQL editor to create database objects - Azure Data Studio. The tutorial taught me a couple of things that I’ve not noticed about Azure Data Studio, even though I’ve used it for a couple of years.

Trying Out the Azure SQL Database Quickstart

in Azure, AzureSQL

October 4, 2021

I’m working through a series of tutorials and learning paths for Azure SQL and sharing bite-sized reviews.

In this first walkthrough, I’m stepping through the Create a Single Database tutorial.

Tutorial: Create a Disposable SQL Server Database Container in an Azure DevOps Pipeline With Spawn

in devops, containers

July 13, 2021

This post is part of TSQLTuesday #140, “What have you been up to with containers?"

Disposable databases are indispensable for software developers, both for initial development work and in automation pipelines. Containers pair exceptionally well with temporary databases and provide a lightweight mechanism to spin up an environment on demand.

The HBO Max Integration Test Email Means You Should Make Automation Safer-- for Everyone

in devops, sql

June 18, 2021

When I woke up today in the UK, Twitter was alive with jokes, hot takes, and sympathy about an email sent out to millions of folks on a contact list for HBO Max featuring the subject line, “Integration Test Email #1”.

Managing Drift in Automated Deployments to SQL Server Databases

in DevOps, SQL

June 4, 2021

One big gotcha that teams often encounter when automating deployments for databases is that it’s difficult– or sometimes impossible – to ensure that all changes to the production database are performed through the automation pipeline.

These out-of-band changes case the production database to “drift” away from the schema as defined in version control.

Why NoSQL Database Adoption is not a One Way Journey

in NoSQL

May 27, 2021

A coworker shared with me recently that a customer is wholly investing in adopting non-relational datastores.

“Is NoSQL taking over?” they asked.

My Sketchnotes from Redgate Level Up Week 2021

in sketchnotes

May 24, 2021

Redgate regularly holds an internal conference called Level Up week. In 2020 and 2021, this conference has been scaled to include multiple Redgate offices using a remote learning approach.

While this is an internal conference, I can share my drawings and notes from sessions I attended. I hope these inspire you with ideas on how you can contribute to learning in your own organization – or perhaps simply inspire you to give sketchnoting a try.

Azure Static Web Apps Are Now Generally Available

in Blogging

May 18, 2021

I wrote recently about moving my blog from Wordpress to an Azure Static Site.

Azure Static Web Apps have now moved out of Preview and are now generally available. A free tier has been announced which is great for personal blogs.

Maintaining Balance While Retraining in a New Professional Area

in Mental Health

May 10, 2021

It’s common to shift your professional focus multiple times over your career while working in tech. But moving into a new role often causes a lot of stress.

In my recent lightning talk for Mental Health and Awareness Day, I reflected on the lessons I’ve learned to set myself up for success and protect my health when taking on a new professional challenge.