In SQL Server, locking and blocking are mechanisms that are used to protect data integrity and consistency by controlling access to data by concurrent transactions. Locking is the process of identifying and reserving data resources for use by a specific task, while blocking is the process of preventing other tasks from accessing data that is currently being used by another …
I am looking for feedback on your naming conventions for a couple areas relating to naming convention. As Stedman Solutions consultants we work for several clients in each week, and sometimes any team member may work with more than 15 clients in a month. That gives us a large variety of exposure to different nomenclatures. Some of those conventions are …
One of the services we do a ton of is our Design and Development Service. This involves anything from writing custom TSQL procedures to website integration with the database to custom C# applications that we have created. We at Stedman Solutions work with in types of environments – If you have a new application in the cloud with 500+ TB …
Sometimes we all need a little help without a long term commitment. That why we created our SQL Server Mentoring service at Stedman Solutions. SQL Server Mentoring is a training / consulting option for those who just need a little help or direction. This is a cost-effective approach for those who need just a little help. Some call it coaching, …
SQL Server Mentoring – Do you need a little help? Read more »
Every DBA, owner or CEO etc. have worries regarding their SQL Server. We face challenges everyday with constant evolving business and technology needs. We at Stedman Solutions are interested and concerned about your worries in regards to SQL Server work. What is your biggest SQL Server worry today? Tell us so that we can focus our attention on the issues …
When working on different client servers, we often times get asked, why all their memory is not being used, and often times we are hitting the memory limits for SQL Server Standard Edition. Keep in mind that this limit on memory is for the buffer pool and what is being used by databases. SQL Server can use more than this …
The following query will show the last time your SQL Server instance was started. I used this just today for planning purposes for doing SQL Server updates on a server that I had not ever restarted. I wanted to get an idea of how long it had been running before doing any work. This sample has been tested on SQL …
Determining the last time your SQL Server instance was restarted Read more »
When teaching people about how to use SQL Server Execution Plans, one thing that is commonly overlooked is the size of the arrows between different operators in the plan. How fat the arrow is, is an indication of how many rows are being moved from one operator to the next. Larger arrows move more data (rows), and narrow arrows move …
Every role that I have been in has had different challenges over time. Sometimes the challenge is a technical one that relates to scalability, or some specific technical topics. Other times the challenge may be an employee, subordinate, co-worker or your supervisor. You might have issues with time, resources or your work environment. I worked in one position for several …
What are your biggest challenges in your current position? Read more »
Over the last 30+ years of working with SQL Server, I have seen a lot of interview questions relating to SQL Server. I have been on both sides of the interview table, sometimes wondering what the person on the other side of the table was asking. There are 3 questions that I really like when interviewing people for SQL Server …
What is your favorite SQL Server DBA Interview question? Read more »