Are the posted questions getting worse?

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Are the posted questions getting worse?

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Brandie Tarvin SSC Guru Points: 173068 More actions · Answer 1

I've found Excel only causes a few minor issues and as long as you know how to work around them, it's not that big of a deal.

It's figuring out the issues in the first place that's the headache.

Brandie Tarvin, MCITP Database AdministratorLiveJournal Blog: http://brandietarvin.livejournal.com/[/url]On LinkedIn!, Google+, and Twitter.Freelance Writer: ShadowrunLatchkeys: Nevermore, Latchkeys: The Bootleg War, and Latchkeys: Roscoes in the Night are now available on Nook and Kindle.

Sioban Krzywicki One Orange Chip Points: 27770 More actions · Answer 2

GilaMonster (9/21/2010)
Alvin Ramard (9/21/2010)
Kit G (9/21/2010)
Admittedly, with date formats, text files have a bit of the same problem, you have to figure out what format the date has been put in, but Excel throws a few monkey wrenches into the works when SQL tries to figure out what the field is supposed to be.
I don't think the problem is really "... when SQL tries to figure out what the field is supposed to be". I think the issue is on the Excel side, in the driver. I'd like someone to develop a new driver, one that gives you exactly what's in the cell, without trying to convert it in any way.
I must admit, I often save-as .csv to import an excel sheet into SQL.

That's my usual approach too. The real problem comes when they want to use Excel to edit the database directly.

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Alvin Ramard SSC-Forever Points: 41190 More actions · Answer 3

GilaMonster (9/21/2010)
Alvin Ramard (9/21/2010)
Kit G (9/21/2010)
Admittedly, with date formats, text files have a bit of the same problem, you have to figure out what format the date has been put in, but Excel throws a few monkey wrenches into the works when SQL tries to figure out what the field is supposed to be.
I don't think the problem is really "... when SQL tries to figure out what the field is supposed to be". I think the issue is on the Excel side, in the driver. I'd like someone to develop a new driver, one that gives you exactly what's in the cell, without trying to convert it in any way.
I must admit, I often save-as .csv to import an excel sheet into SQL.

That works much better but it's not always error proof.

We had a situation where there were "conversion" problems when uploading Excel data with DTS. I added an ActiveX Script to open the spreadsheet and save it as .CSV so that we could upload the .CSV instead. The .CSV file had the same problem as the spreadsheet. Everybody was happy when I found the fix using the IMEX setting.

I can't remember if there was a problem with the .CSV file if the conversion was done manually.

Alvin Ramard
Memphis PASS Chapter[/url]

All my SSC forum answers come with a money back guarantee. If you didn't like the answer then I'll gladly refund what you paid for it.

For best practices on asking questions, please read the following article: Forum Etiquette: How to post data/code on a forum to get the best help[/url]

Paul White SSC Guru Points: 150467 More actions · Answer 4

Stefan Krzywicki (9/21/2010)
Really? I'm guessing you mean features and not actual products 'cause I've always seen that as Microsoft's business model. Release something into the market that is crap (The first versions of Access, Word, Excel, etc...) just to have something in the market and then improve it constantly until you have a world beater.

:laugh: Yes, I was talking about features, and SQL Server features in particular.

I know they've improved SQL Server with every release as well, have they really not improved various features within the product? I'm asking honestly as I haven't done rigorous cross-platform testing myself. I'm usually more interested in testing various ways to do the same task as I'm stuck with whatever version of SQL Server my employer has on any given contract.

The current SQL development model is to address a small number of main product features in each new major release. The downside to that is that the shiny new features introduced last time are unlikely to get much love in the following release (bug fixes and small impact enhancements only).

Paul White
SQLPerformance.com
SQLkiwi blog
@SQL_Kiwi

ChrisM@Work SSC Guru Points: 186127 More actions · Answer 5

khanameerkhan (9/20/2010)
Is there any way to determine who deleted the database in sql server 2008.

Look under tables and in cupboards for one of these :blush:

^{“Write the query the simplest way. If through testing it becomes clear that the performance is inadequate, consider alternative query forms.” - Gail Shaw}

For fast, accurate and documented assistance in answering your questions, please read this article.
Understanding and using APPLY, (I) and (II) Paul White
Hidden RBAR: Triangular Joins / The "Numbers" or "Tally" Table: What it is and how it replaces a loop Jeff Moden

Alvin Ramard SSC-Forever Points: 41190 More actions · Answer 6

Chris Morris-439714 (9/21/2010)
khanameerkhan (9/20/2010)
Is there any way to determine who deleted the database in sql server 2008.
Look under tables and in cupboards for one of these :blush:

Isn't there a system table in the deleted database that has that information?

Alvin Ramard
Memphis PASS Chapter[/url]

All my SSC forum answers come with a money back guarantee. If you didn't like the answer then I'll gladly refund what you paid for it.

For best practices on asking questions, please read the following article: Forum Etiquette: How to post data/code on a forum to get the best help[/url]

jcrawf02 SSC-Insane Points: 24198 More actions · Answer 7

Alvin Ramard (9/21/2010)
Chris Morris-439714 (9/21/2010)
khanameerkhan (9/20/2010)
Is there any way to determine who deleted the database in sql server 2008.
Look under tables and in cupboards for one of these :blush:
Isn't there a system table in the deleted database that has that information?

Or, just email the question to everyone, copy the boss, and whoever doesn't answer is your suspect 😉

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How best to post your question[/url]
How to post performance problems[/url]
Tally Table:What it is and how it replaces a loop[/url]

"stewsterl 80804 (10/16/2009)I guess when you stop and try to understand the solution provided you not only learn, but save yourself some headaches when you need to make any slight changes."

SQLRNNR SSC Guru Points: 281334 More actions · Answer 8

Chris Morris-439714 (9/21/2010)
khanameerkhan (9/20/2010)
Is there any way to determine who deleted the database in sql server 2008.
Look under tables and in cupboards for one of these :blush:

If SQL Server were designed around things found in the kitchen, what are the cups, forks, spoons, firehose, cupboard (which makes one ponder why a cabinet is also a cup-board), stove, sink and refrigerator?

Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
_______________________________________________
I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
Learn Extended Events

ChrisM@Work SSC Guru Points: 186127 More actions · Answer 9

CirquedeSQLeil (9/21/2010)
Chris Morris-439714 (9/21/2010)
khanameerkhan (9/20/2010)
Is there any way to determine who deleted the database in sql server 2008.
Look under tables and in cupboards for one of these :blush:
If SQL Server were designed around things found in the kitchen, what are the cups, forks, spoons, firehose, cupboard (which makes one ponder why a cabinet is also a cup-board), stove, sink and refrigerator?

They're all in the diskwasher.

^{“Write the query the simplest way. If through testing it becomes clear that the performance is inadequate, consider alternative query forms.” - Gail Shaw}

For fast, accurate and documented assistance in answering your questions, please read this article.
Understanding and using APPLY, (I) and (II) Paul White
Hidden RBAR: Triangular Joins / The "Numbers" or "Tally" Table: What it is and how it replaces a loop Jeff Moden

Alvin Ramard SSC-Forever Points: 41190 More actions · Answer 10

jcrawf02 (9/21/2010)
Alvin Ramard (9/21/2010)
Chris Morris-439714 (9/21/2010)
khanameerkhan (9/20/2010)
Is there any way to determine who deleted the database in sql server 2008.
Look under tables and in cupboards for one of these :blush:
Isn't there a system table in the deleted database that has that information?
Or, just email the question to everyone, copy the boss, and whoever doesn't answer is your suspect 😉

Seriously now, if that's allowed in the Thread, shouldn't there be something on the log about this?

Alvin Ramard
Memphis PASS Chapter[/url]

All my SSC forum answers come with a money back guarantee. If you didn't like the answer then I'll gladly refund what you paid for it.

For best practices on asking questions, please read the following article: Forum Etiquette: How to post data/code on a forum to get the best help[/url]

SQLRNNR SSC Guru Points: 281334 More actions · Answer 11

Chris Morris-439714 (9/21/2010)
CirquedeSQLeil (9/21/2010)
Chris Morris-439714 (9/21/2010)
khanameerkhan (9/20/2010)
Is there any way to determine who deleted the database in sql server 2008.
Look under tables and in cupboards for one of these :blush:
If SQL Server were designed around things found in the kitchen, what are the cups, forks, spoons, firehose, cupboard (which makes one ponder why a cabinet is also a cup-board), stove, sink and refrigerator?
They're all in the diskwasher.

LOL

Now we know that the hard disks are plates.

Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
_______________________________________________
I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
Learn Extended Events

SQLRNNR SSC Guru Points: 281334 More actions · Answer 12

Chris Morris-439714 (9/21/2010)
CirquedeSQLeil (9/21/2010)
Chris Morris-439714 (9/21/2010)
khanameerkhan (9/20/2010)
Is there any way to determine who deleted the database in sql server 2008.
Look under tables and in cupboards for one of these :blush:
If SQL Server were designed around things found in the kitchen, what are the cups, forks, spoons, firehose, cupboard (which makes one ponder why a cabinet is also a cup-board), stove, sink and refrigerator?
They're all in the diskwasher.

Database Maintenance = Cleaning the Kitchen

Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
_______________________________________________
I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
Learn Extended Events

Paul White SSC Guru Points: 150467 More actions · Answer 13

jcrawf02 (9/21/2010)
I'm with Bob on this one, not sure I fully understand all the requests, but the ones I got look useful to me.

Look useful and interesting, for sure, but there are no shortage of ideas for features and enhancements to SQL Server. It's a question of prioritization. If the question was "should the SQL Server dev team add these ranking function enhancements, or go play golf instead?" it would be a no-brainer 🙂

When it comes to prioritizing requests, it definitely makes sense to say to people "yes, that's fine, but exactly how would you use it, and what specific benefits would it bring?"

Paul White
SQLPerformance.com
SQLkiwi blog
@SQL_Kiwi

SQLRNNR SSC Guru Points: 281334 More actions · Answer 14

Paul White NZ (9/21/2010)
jcrawf02 (9/21/2010)
I'm with Bob on this one, not sure I fully understand all the requests, but the ones I got look useful to me.
Look useful and interesting, for sure, but there are no shortage of ideas for features and enhancements to SQL Server. It's a question of prioritization. If the question was "should the SQL Server dev team add these ranking function enhancements, or go play golf instead?" it would be a no-brainer 🙂
When it comes to prioritizing requests, it definitely makes sense to say to people "yes, that's fine, but exactly how would you use it, and what specific benefits would it bring?"

So T-time is at 4? Sounds good to me:cool:

Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
_______________________________________________
I have given a name to my pain...MCM SQL Server, MVP
SQL RNNR
Posting Performance Based Questions - Gail Shaw[/url]
Learn Extended Events

Alvin Ramard SSC-Forever Points: 41190 More actions · Answer 15

CirquedeSQLeil (9/21/2010)
So T-time is at 4? Sounds good to me:cool:

Is it ok if I have coffee instead of tea? 😎

Alvin Ramard
Memphis PASS Chapter[/url]

All my SSC forum answers come with a money back guarantee. If you didn't like the answer then I'll gladly refund what you paid for it.

For best practices on asking questions, please read the following article: Forum Etiquette: How to post data/code on a forum to get the best help[/url]