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SQL Transact SQL T SQL

• Importing and exporting bulk data with SQL Server's bcp utility

  The bcp utility is a command-line utility in SQL Server that allows for the customization of importing and exporting data from text files and SQL Server tables. Continue Reading

• Testing transaction log autogrowth behavior in SQL Server

  Shrinking SQL Server transaction logs can undermine server performance. An expert runs various tests to demonstrate how transaction log files respond to several T-SQL commands and to determine whether shrinking files is necessary. Continue Reading

• Securing SQL Server with access control, login monitoring and DDL triggers

  SQL Server login monitoring and access control are important elements of SQL database security. Learn how DDL triggers can help alert you to security issues. Setting up security configuration in the beginning can prevent data breaches. Learn how to ... Continue Reading

• The sqlcmd utility in SQL Server

  The sqlcmd utility in SQL Server is a handy tool for running ad hoc queries or creating script files to perform routine tasks or automate procedures. Robert Sheldon provides a guide to getting started using sqlcmd in interactive mode, and shows you ... Continue Reading

• How to create a SQL inner join and outer join: Basics to get started

  When you're querying a SQL Server database and want to pull related data from more than one table, you'll need to create a join, and here's how. Continue Reading

• Implementing security audit in SQL Server 2008

  If you're a DBA tasked with producing detailed audits tracking database use, take a look at these capabilities in SQL Server 2008 where the process is much easier than in earlier versions.Continue Reading

• New datetime data types in SQL Server 2008 offer flexibility

  The fifth and final tip in this series on SQL Server datetime values outlines four new data types supported by T-SQL in SQL Server 2008. SQL Server expert Robert Sheldon walks you through how to use DATETIME2, DATETIMEOFFSET and DATE and TIME data ...Continue Reading

• Using DATEADD and DATEDIFF to calculate SQL Server datetime values

  SQL Server DATEADD and DATEDIFF functions allow you to easily perform calculations such as adding or subtracting a time interval from a datetime value or for comparing two date/time values. SQL Server expert Robert Sheldon explains and gives ...Continue Reading

• SQL Server trigger vs. stored procedure to receive data notification

  Learn why using a SQL Server stored procedures vs. a trigger can be a preferred method to retrieve data notification from a database field.Continue Reading

• Manipulate column names in a SQL Server table

  Learn SQL Server commands to manipulate column names in a table and turn column names into variables or rename SQL columns.Continue Reading

• Using SQL Server datetime functions GETDATE, DATENAME and DATEPART

  Part three in our series on datetime in SQL Server describes functions for retrieving the current date and time, or individual parts of a DATETIME or SMALLDATETIME value. Learn how to extract the day, month or year from a datetime value, as well as ...Continue Reading

• SQL Server data conversions from date/time values to character types

  T-SQL supports two built-in methods for converting date/time data to character data and vice versa. SQL Server expert Robert Sheldon takes you through a step-by-step process for using each method -- implicit and explicit conversions. The steps ...Continue Reading

• How to configure Database Mail in SQL Server 2005 to send mail

  Sending mail via SQL Server has become a much more reliable process. Here, SQL Server expert Roman Rehak explains how to configure Profiles and Accounts within the Database Mail architecture for sending and monitoring email.Continue Reading

• How to use rank function in SQL Server 2005

  SQL Server 2005 T-SQL includes a set of functions that let you rank the rows in your result set. SQL Server expert Robert Sheldon defines and gives examples of how to use the four ranking functions: ROW_NUMBER, RANK, DENSE_RANK and NTILE. Include ...Continue Reading

• Create a computed column in SQL Server using XML data

  In this tip, SQL Server expert Robert Sheldon demonstrates how to create a function that runs the XQuery expression and then use that function within your computed column definition.Continue Reading