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.

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Meet the SQL Server Query Optimizer

on March 11, 2024

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

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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.

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Compare SQL Server Isolation levels

on February 17, 2024

Most modern hardware supports RCSI and Snapshot isolation beautifully.

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Latest blog posts

Addressing the Rumors that I Have Been Removed from the MVP Program

on November 4, 2021

I’d like to openly and honestly answer the rumors that I have been removed from the Microsoft MVP program.

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Gotchas with Deferred Name Resolution in SQL Server: Stored Procedures, Synonyms, Views, and Functions

on October 18, 2021

Have you ever tried to create an object in SQL Server, but it failed due to a missing table, column, or other dependency? If so, you’ve hit a case where SQL Server doesn’t offer ‘deferred name resolution’.

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Learn Azure SQL with One Free Learning Path

on October 14, 2021

Have you been meaning to learn about SQL Server in the Azure cloud, but never seem to get around to it? It’s easy to be overwhelmed and not know where to begin.

I recommend you start with the Azure SQL Fundamentals Learning Path.

I stepped through this training this week and WOW, this is an incredibly high quality free course, complete with hands-on exercises in an online sandbox. I wish I’d done this sooner!

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New Tricks I Learned from the Azure Data Studio Code Editor Tutorial

on October 7, 2021

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.

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