It can help with speed by reducing waits based on IO.

Im sure someone will correct me if im wrong.

Cross post

Please see

http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1413450-392-1.aspx

This is probably what you are after

http://sqlinthewild.co.za/index.php/2009/03/19/catch-all-queries/

Why dont you post some code to see if anyone can help in optimising it ?

Keep in mind that the 2 solutions you have given will only really be valid if all students have the same number of courses.

What have you tried so far ?

Thanks Chris,

Appreciate the feedback.

Looks like i was close so thats always a bonus.

Ive never used ntile before and it certainly looks interesting (although its not suitable for this requirement).

Initially i...

Ive found this too but one thing i noticed is if you use the little search button that pops down a small window that actually works and returns results.

This was my first answered question so thank you 😀

This is what i do with my dynamic sql.

CONVERT(varchar(20),@abc)

so it would be

declare @abc int

set @abc =1

declare @cmd varchar(100)

select @cmd='select'+CONVERT(varchar(20),@abc)+'hello'

print @cmd

just remember to change varchar(20) to...

Thanks for the reply.

I will check the VLF fragmentation when the database is backup although im hoping it will be ok since i ran through an article about it a...

Im not looking at preventing it but I am hoping to limit the amount of time it takes if its at all possible.

Based on the log file im currently looking...

I have considered a consultant yes and will talk to the appropriate people about getting one in.

I thought id give the forums a go just in case it was something...

Thanks for the advice about sparse tables and columns - ive never used them before so i will do some reading.

OK so yes originally this was based on spreadsheets (before my time) and i dont want to use an EAV but I lack design skills which is why im asking...