Category: SQL Server
Achievement Unlocked: MCSA SQL 2016 Database Development
This week I accomplished something to continue my education. I obtained my MCSA in SQL Server 2016 Database Development!
UPDATE: I told you the who, what, when, and why but not the how. Added a new section below.
T-SQL Tuesday #97 – Setting Learning Goals for 2018
The topic for this months T-SQL Tuesday #97 (hosted by Malathi Mahadevan Blog/Twitter) is:
Setting Learning Goals for 2018
I like to think of year end goal setting in terms of inhaling and exhaling. Reflecting back on the year and planning ahead for the next year is exciting to me. I think a lot about these things – sometimes too much. Like breathing there is a balance between thinking about something and taking action to do it.
Let’s see about a healthy balance by looking first at 2017 then ahead to 2018.
T-SQL Tuesday #96 – Inspire to Make a Difference
The topic for this months T-SQL Tuesday #96 (hosted by Ewald Cress Blog/Twitter) is:
Who inspires you in the data community?
Inspire means to motivate or move to action. To many, the word conjures up images of fun, happiness, and cajoling to leisure time. That’s not what I think of when I look at those who have motivated me and impacted my career. Inspire involves both good and bad experiences.
I’m not saying that you need bad times to learn good lessons – there are more desirable ways – but they can work. To be fair, I consider both in my experiences and how they’ve impacted me for the better. Stay with me as I’m going to take a different angle on this.
Irregular Identifiers – Be Aware of Surprises
Surprises exist in SQL Server. There are “gotchas” to be aware of. One thing that can trip up your code is how tables, indexes, and other objects are named. They’re called identifiers. If you step outside the bound of a regular identifier then you must be careful how it is referenced.
For example adding a datetimestamp suffix to a table – let’s see how this can cause trouble.
I’m Speaking – SQL Saturday Charlotte!
On Saturday October 14 I’ll be speaking at SQL Saturday Charlotte. I’m excited to be presenting a lively session about Environmental SQL Server Troubleshooting. If you want a preview you can check out some of my previous posts:
- Microsoft SQL Server Environmental Checks
- SQL Server Environmental Diagnostics Guide
- SQL Server Environmental Diagnostics Guide – Windows Server
- SQL Server Environmental Diagnostics Guide – VMware
There are about 45 different sessions scheduled ranging from beginner to advanced – something for everyone.
T-SQL Tuesday #94 – Embrace the Shell of Power! Get into Powershell with dbatools
The topic of this months T-SQL Tuesday #94 (hosted by Rob Sewell b/t) is all about PowerShell.
The question: What are you going to automate today?
I’m Speaking – SQL Saturday Spartanburg!
On Saturday September 23 I’ll be speaking at SQL Saturday Spartanburg. I’m excited to be presenting a lively session about Environmental SQL Server Troubleshooting. If you want a preview you can check out some of my previous posts:
How to Learn SQL Server For Free Starter Pack
Do you want to learn SQL Server but don’t have any money? Are you thinking about working more seriously with SQL Server? Do you wonder what you need to do to get ahead or become a SQL Server DBA or developer?
I can help. You need a SQL Server Starter Pack. Read on for how to learn it on your own, on your own time, and all for free!
T-SQL Tuesday #93 – Interview get-help
The topic of this months T-SQL Tuesday #93 (hosted by Kendra Little / @Kendra_Little) is Interviewing Patterns & Anti-Patterns. The question: What advice to you have for people preparing for or going through an interview?
It is a big question with many different perspectives and factors:
- Entry level vs experienced professional
- Startup vs enterprise
- DBA vs developer
Instead of delving into each specific domain I will discuss some insights that have served me well. I hope they will help you too. Whether you are interviewing for a Senior DBA role or an entry level BI developer some things remain the same.