Tag: SQL Server 2008

  • SQL Query: To Find Which Columns An Index Is On

    Do you need to write a SQL Server query to find out which columns an index is on? Do you have an index name but need to use T-SQL to determine the column names? Not a problem! The query below will qive you exactly what you want. The example uses an AdventureWorks index as the […]

  • SQL Query: List All Indexes And Their Columns

    Looking to write a SQL query which will list out all the indexes in your database as well as the columns in the index? Well my friend you’ve come to the right place. The query below will give list out the following information: Schema Table Name (or view) Index Name Is Primary Key Is Unique […]

  • Escaping From An Underscore In A SQL Server Wildcard / LIKE Search

    There are two different ways to perform a wildcard (aka LIKE) search in SQL Server to find a word with an “_” underscore. Both options are outlined at the end of the article after a reference to the cult classic Mystery Science Theater 3000: Escape From The Bronx.

  • Formatting MDX and DAX: Free Online Tool From Microsoft

    Ever cut and paste a mess of generated MDX from Excel? How about a coworker who doesn’t know how to use the “tab” key when working in SQL Server Management Studio? I came across this no frills online MDX formatter from “Microsoft Labs” and have been using it for the last few days to clean […]

  • Parse and sort SET STATISTICS IO output with Excel

    I wish I could say this was my idea. Somebody posted it on twitter awhile back and I did the classic “facepalm”. I have no idea how many times I manually picked apart the results of SQL Server’s SET STATISTICS IO ON without considering creating a formula to handle it for me. So, somebody came […]

  • SQL Server DELETE FROM: The World’s Scariest DELETE statement

    It’s out there. Waiting for you. While you sleep, it’s awake. It’s coming for you. It’s the Jason Voorhees of SQL Server and you’re the teenager headed into the woods on a dark night… How can you stay safe?  Well my friend, knowledge is power.  (For example, if you’re a teenager don’t go to Crystal […]

  • Create a MessageBox in SSIS with C#

    What is wrong with me?!?  Or rather what is wrong with everyone else on the internet?  Why won’t anyone post a little article on how to create a message box in an SSIS package so I can easily google it?  Must I do everything around here? Confession: I don’t know jack about C#.  Creating a […]

  • Last Restore Date And Time – SQL Server Query

    “How old is this data?” “When was this database restored?” “How old is this backup?” These are common question in development environments.  A fast little t-sql query can tell you the following: The date and time of the last restore. The date and time the backup which was restored was originally taken. The user who […]

  • Alter Table: Add Not Null Column – SQL Server

    Listen up my people.  NOT NULL columns are your friend.  It may take a few extra brain cells to populate it initially but the long term rewards in data quality are well worth it. (You’ll also force all your software developer cohorts to think specifically about the values they’ll be inserting into a column which […]

  • SQL Script: Distinct Column Values Across All Tables

    Sometimes I wonder if some of the more random scripts I post are useful to anyone but me so if this one is useful to you definitely drop a comment below! Check it out:  Our team was trying to confirm what our best practice was when creating flag columns in the data warehouse.  As usual […]