SQL Server Diaries

An often overlooked and underestimated edition of SQL Server, the Express Edition superceded the SQL Server 2000 MSDE (Microsoft Data Engine) edition.  Introduced with the SQL Server 2005 lineup, this edition allowed applications requiring a small data store to be distrubuted without incurring the cost of a higher-end SQL Server... [Read More]

In an earlier article titled SQL Server Connection Strings, Unique Application DNS and Listening Ports I explained a method that can be used to manage applications’ connectivity to SQL Server databases across an enterprise.  This article extends the principles explained. [Read More]

I managed to put together into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet the formulas to calculate how to estimate the size of a database. The formulas are based on information found in the SQL Server Books Online at Estimating the Size of a Database. The formulas might differ in other editions. [Read More]

A developer asked about whether it was possible to store additional tags to identify the owner of a generic login or generic database user.  The below solution can be used to store this information and also offers further possibilities. [Read More]

An application developer asked me if there was an option in SQL Server to compare the contents/data of two tables without having to create a custom application.  There are various third party tools that can achieve this target however SQL Server comes with an out-of-the-box solution. [Read More]