Understanding Locking, Data Modification and Committing Data in SQL Server
Learn about how SQL Server uses locks when modifying data and how data is committed to a database after data changes.
Celebrate THEIR Accomplishments
I can't hide this in any way. I love it when I accomplish something. It's such a great feeling. Even more than that, I really do love getting some acknowledgement for it. Almost as good, is when I see others, especially friends and acquaintances, doing well. So many people I know, regularly just knock it […]
Declining Work for Mental Health
A busy year got a little too busy for Steve and he is taking steps to improve his work life balance.
What Exactly Is a CTE in T-SQL? A Comprehensive Guide with 7 Examples
Learn how to use CTEs through the use of a number of examples.
Azure Databricks Tables - Delta Lake, Hive Metastore, TempViews, Managed, External
Learn about the different tables that can be created using Azure Databricks with a dive deep into the importance of Delta Lake tables.
Query processing architecture guide
The SQL Server Database Engine processes queries on various data storage architectures such as local tables, partitioned tables, and tables distributed across multiple servers. The following sections cover how SQL Server processes queries and optimizes query reuse through execution plan caching.
Practicing (Annoying) Better Security
Steve has had to change his security, which is good, but annoying.
Stairway to Database DevOps Level 2: Manage Code with Red Gate SQL Source Control
In this second level of the Stairway to Database DevOps, we learn to use Redgate's SQL Source Control to save and updates changes to objects, as well as tracking data in certain tables.
Designing Databases for Distributed Systems
Several data management patterns have emerged for microservices and cloud-native solutions. Learn important patterns to manage data in a distributed environment.
What I Wish Everyone Knew About ETL Processes - Traditional to Modern Cloud Solutions
Learn about the evolutionary journey of ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) from traditional processes to modern cloud solutions.
Blogs
RANK() vs DENSE_RANK(): #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
I haven’t done one of these in awhile, but I saw an article recently...
Using CAT for Testing of Data Agents
In last months one of the scenarios where you can use AI has been...
Forums
Missing the Jaro Winkler Distance
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Missing the Jaro Winkler Distance
25 Years Later: What SQLServerCentral Meant to Me
Comments posted to this topic are about the item 25 Years Later: What SQLServerCentral...
Doing Good at SQL Server Central
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Doing Good at SQL Server...
Question of the Day
Missing the Jaro Winkler Distance
I upgraded a SQL Server 2019 instance to SQL Server 2025. I wanted to test the fuzzy string search functions. I run this code:
SELECT JARO_WINKLER_DISTANCE('tim', 'tom')
I get this error message:Msg 195, Level 15, State 10, Line 1 'JARO_WINKLER_DISTANCE' is not a recognized built-in function name.What is wrong? See possible answers