Using Python notebooks to save money in Fabric: The Fabric Modern Data Platform
In this next article, we look at how notebooks using Python can be cheaper than Spark notebooks.
2026-01-07
2,334 reads
Articles
Let’s Build a Better KILL. What Do We Need to Consider?
When there’s a performance emergency, a lot of us perform the same manual tasks over and over. We run sp_BlitzWho or sp_WhoIsActive, look for blocking, long-running or out-of-control queries, and kill them.
2026-01-07
Loading a Database for USD$5
See how Claude Code helped load a lot of messy data into a database for less than $5.
2026-01-05
2,479 reads
Optimize SQL Server Query without Changing the Query
Sometimes we cannot improve query performance because we don’t have control over the code. Consider a query that is generated by Entity Framework (EF) from the application and you do not have access to the source code. The main question is how you can improve SQL Server query optimization for a poorly performing query?
2026-01-05
The OUTPUT Clause for INSERT and DELETE Statements
In this article, I will provide a set of examples to show case the use of OUTPUT clause for INSERT and DELETE statements.
2026-01-02 (first published: 2017-05-25)
306,935 reads
10 Key Concepts Developers Should Know About the SQL Server model Database
This article covers the 10 key concepts developers should understand to avoid surprises and to use the model database intentionally.
2026-01-02
Fixing "Login failed for user" error in SQL Server
In this article, I am going to explain fixing a problem related login failure error with SQL Server. The Problem One of the common error in the SQL Server error log is "Login failed for user 'DomainName\ServerName$'. Reason: Could not find a login matching the name provided. [CLIENT: <local machine>]". Even though it says that […]
2025-12-31 (first published: 2020-11-24)
54,169 reads
Preparing SQL Servers and Data for Quantum Computing
Just like advances in artificial intelligence, I have heard that quantum computing is going to be a disruptive technology for our future. For instance, there’s the concern that it’s going to break/crack a lot of network encryption and potentially data encryption. What’s going to be affected, how long do we have, and what do I (and my organization) need to do to prepare for it?
2025-12-31
SQL Server 2025 Backup Compression Algorithm
Learn about the new ZSTD compression algorithm in SQL Server 2025.
2025-12-29
1,991 reads
Making AI Talk to Your Database: AI-Powered Database Queries Made Simple
Beneath the surface though, AI is just a tool that learns certain patterns and draws conclusions from information on the Web to answer questions, make decisions, or craft a code sample or two. Those that have used AI in the past will know that just as it’s capable of providing valuable information, AI tools can also generate inaccurate responses, and that’s why it’s important to use it wisely.
2025-12-29
Blogs
A New Word: Dolorblindness
By Steve Jones
dolorblindness – n. the frustration that you’ll never be able to understand another person’s...
Claude Code Helps Analyze Test Data Manager Log Files
By Steve Jones
I had a customer ask about analyzing their Test Data Manager (TDM) usage to...
PowerPoint to HTML with Claude AI
By Steve Jones
I had an idea for an animated view of a sales tool, and started...
Forums
Optimism Without Illusion or Why AI Needs Blunt Technologists
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Optimism Without Illusion or Why...
SSIS with VS2022 64/32 issue with Excel files
Hi all, I'm trying to do classic scenario for loading multiple Excel files into...
Case part is sloooooow
Hi So the case statement is slowing this down - but for the life...
Question of the Day
The String Distance I
In SQL Server 2025, what is returned by this code:
SELECT EDIT_DISTANCE('tim', 'tom')
Assume preview features are enabled. See possible answers