How To Avoid MERGE in SQL Server
Introduction This article shows how to script a basic merge between two tables, without using MERGE. This can be handy when you're merging a pair of tables with hundreds of columns, since the script doesn't know anything about them. This technique introduces and populates some auditing columns (IS_DELETED, IS_INSERTED, IS_UPDATED, TRANSACTION_DATE) for each record, and runs fast. […]
3 Key Areas to Drive Digital Transformation
This article explores three key areas that need to be considered to make digital transformation occur: as a response to current changes, in preparation for future changes and to enhance the human experience. Read on to find out more!
json_object and json_array Functions SQL Server 2022 Tutorial
Learn about the new functions JSON_OBJECT and JSON_ARRAY to work with JSON formatted data in SQL Server.
With the Rise of AI Chat, are Experts Still Needed?
As I looking at the feed of technology stories this week, two things jumped out at me. First, Valentine's day happened to fall on the monthly release day for Microsoft updates and feature previews. If you work with Azure services, specifically in the data platform space, there are a lot of update announcements to work […]
Building Recommended Software Practices
Do you have a set of practices for building software in your organization?
SQL Server 2014 Build List
A list of builds for SQL Server 2014, through CU4 for SP2 and CU11 for SP1.
Join us in our castle at SQL Bits, March 15-18
SQL Bits is coming to Wales, home of dragons and D&D, and we’re happy announce we’re supporting them as platinum sponsors again this year. Meet us at our Red Keep and catch sessions by noble Fighter Grant Fritchey, Sorcerer Steve Jones, and more beloved Redgate Paladins and Druids. For a magical 10% discount on your ticket, use 10REDGATE from our spell book.
Resources for PL-900 Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals Certification Exam
This resource includes several links to related to...
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