Latest SQLComics

Nested Loops

on March 24, 2024

Nested loop join operators tend to look quite innocent in an estimated query execution plan. But life ain’t always so simple.

LOOK HERE

Meet the SQL Server Query Optimizer

on March 11, 2024

Thanks to Erik Darling for pointing out that it needed a little teeth.

LOOK HERE

Plan Caching in SQL Server v1

on March 4, 2024

I drew out a first visualization of how the shared plan cache in SQL Server is used when you run a query. I’m pretty sure I’ll refine and and elaborate on this in the future, so let’s call this the v1.

LOOK HERE

Compare SQL Server Isolation levels

on February 17, 2024

Most modern hardware supports RCSI and Snapshot isolation beautifully.

LOOK HERE

Latest blog posts

DBA Confession: Sometimes Everyone’s the Slow Kid

on October 9, 2012

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.

Continue reading

Conference Prep List: Pick Your Workout

on October 3, 2012

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!

Continue reading

Forms of Database Torture (Illustrated)

on March 19, 2012

Many forms of disasters can happen to a database. Here are three I’ve seen lately.

Continue reading

Are You Following Your Dream?

on March 12, 2012

I got my first “real” job working with databases in New York City in the early 2000’s. The woman who hired me was incredibly smart, and a pleasure to work for. She understood how mainframes processed data, the need and challenge to create web interfaces and relational databases that would work well with mainframes, and she could solve problems like crazy.

Continue reading