Wednesday, June 18, 2025

SQL Server

New Features in SQL Server 2025: AI, Performance, and Cloud Integration 

Get a full breakdown of SQL Server 2025’s key features—including built-in AI, real-time event streaming, REST API support, and hybrid cloud integration.

Database Design Best Practices for Optimal Schema & Table Structures

Learn the essential database design best practices to optimize your schema and table structures. Implement these strategies for scalable, high-performance databases. Read more!

How to Reset Identity Seed After Deleting Records in SQL Server

Learn how to reset the identity seed in SQL Server using DBCC CHECKIDENT, TRUNCATE, and dbForge Studio for SQL Server. Fix numbering gaps after deleting records.

Parameterized Queries: Complete Guide to SQL Query Parameterization

Improve SQL query safety and performance with parameterized queries. Find out what a parameterized query is and how it protects your database. Click to learn more!

How to Use SQL Server Filtered Indexes for Better Queries

Learn what filtered indexes are in SQL Server, when to use them, how they work, and how dbForge Studio for SQL Server can help you build and manage them.

Understanding System Tables in SQL Server 

Modifying system tables might seem like a shortcut—but it’s a high-risk move that can lead to data loss and unsupported environments. Thankfully, SQL Server provides safer, supported tools for every metadata task. Explore recommended alternatives that ensure both precision and protection.

SQL ALTER COLUMN Command: Quickly Change Data Type and Size 

Changing a column type in SQL sounds simple, but it’s a high-stakes operation that can break dependencies, corrupt data, and disrupt production. Learn how to use ALTER COLUMN safely, with practical steps, real examples, and enterprise-grade best practices.

Best Synthetic Data Generators 

Real data slows teams down—and risks breaking compliance. Synthetic data by contrast flips the script, fueling faster development with privacy built in. But not every generator delivers the precision, flexibility, and scale modern teams expect. Find out which synthetic data tools lead in 2025.

Best Database Diagram Tools–Free and Paid 

Scalable systems live or die by schema clarity. That’s why most engineers now use database diagram tools to map, manage, and document their structures. But not all tools are built for modern, fast-moving teams. Here’s a look at the top database diagram tools making a difference in 2025.

Deleting a Column in SQL: Everything You Need to Know

Learn the correct syntax for the SQL Server drop column command to safely remove columns from tables. Check out step-by-step examples.

SSMS Tools Pack vs dbForge SQL Complete: A Clash of SSMS Add-ins

Looking for a multifunctional SSMS add-in that will give you maximum features and make your daily work easier? We've got two worthy candidates engaged in a feature-by-feature comparison.

dbForge Tools for SQL Server v7.1 Released: Extended Connectivity and Compatibility!

We are excited to announce the release of our ultimate tools for database management, administration, development, and deployment - dbForge SQL Tools and dbForge Studio for SQL Server. The new version, 7.1, mainly focuses on extended connectivity and compatibility.

Top 100 SQL Interview Questions and Answers for Every Skill Level

Prepare for your next interview with our ultimate guide to SQL interview questions and answers. Covering beginner, intermediate, and advanced topics, it includes practical examples, database concepts, and query techniques to help you succeed.

SQL Server CAST Function With Examples for Data Type Conversion

Don’t let hidden conversions distort your data. Whether it’s financial reports or query performance, CAST() ensures your SQL stays sharp, accurate, and error-free.

SQL Server ROUND Function With Examples 

One decimal can cost millions. From payroll to pricing, SQL Server’s ROUND() function is your best friend for consistent, audit-proof numbers. Learn how to use it like a pro—with real examples.

How to Choose the Right Database for Data Analytics

Looking for the best database for data analytics? Compare top-rated systems for data analytics, real-time processing, and big data. Find the right solution today!

SQL CREATE VIEW Statement: How to Use It and Best Practices

Learn how to use the SQL CREATE VIEW statement with syntax, examples, and best practices. Find out how views improve security, simplify queries, and organize data.

Top SQL Data Tools: Alternatives to SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT)  

SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) is powerful but limited to SQL Server, lacks advanced performance features, and isn’t cross-platform. If you need better optimization, multi-database support, or automation, it's time to explore alternatives. This guide covers the top SQL data tools, from dbForge Studio to Azure Data Studio, helping you choose the best fit for your workflow.

How to Use SQL Server SUBSTRING Function

Learn how to use the SQL Server SUBSTRING function for extracting text. Check extensive examples with tables, dynamic extractions, and tips for effective SUBSTRING queries in SQL Server.

How to Use SQL Server CHARINDEX() Function

Discover SQL Server's CHARINDEX() function with clear examples. Learn to locate text patterns, apply case sensitivity and handle advanced use cases in SQL.

PATINDEX() Function in SQL Server 

Working with large datasets often involves searching for patterns buried deep in your data. Whether you’re validating entries, cleaning records, or identifying errors, pinpointing...

7 Best Tools to Compare Two SQL Server Databases – Free and Paid 

Explore the top 7 tools to compare two SQL Server databases with detailed reviews, key features, pros and cons, and pricing to help you choose the best one.

SQL Server GET DATE Function: Usage and Practical Applications

Learn how to use the SQL Server GETDATE function to retrieve the current date and time. Includes syntax, use cases, performance tips, and examples in dbForge Studio for SQL Server.

SQL DROP INDEX Statement With Syntax, Examples

Learn how to use the SQL DROP INDEX statement with clear syntax, practical examples, and step-by-step guidance for managing indexes in dbForge Studio for SQL Server.

Data Types in SQL Server: A Complete Guide to Choosing and Using Them

Learn about SQL Server data types, their categories, examples, and how to choose the right type for your data. Get tips on avoiding common mistakes and optimizing your database schema.

Comparing the Best Database Management Systems

Compare the top database management systems (DBMS) like MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Oracle, and more. Learn about their features, advantages, and the best use cases to choose the right database for your project.

How to Write Complex Queries in SQL Server

One of the regular jobs performed by a database administrator and developer is creating and executing queries of higher complexity to resolve complicated tasks....

How to Connect Java to Microsoft SQL Server

Learn how to connect to SQL Server in Java using JDBC. This guide covers authentication methods, driver setup, and best practices for database connectivity.

How to Migrate From SQL Server to Oracle

Database migration involves transferring data, schemas, and other database objects from one database system to another. How can you migrate data from SQL Server to Oracle, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency?

How to Create a Database in SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server is known as a relational database management system (RDBMS). It's designed to store and manage substantial amounts of data efficiently. The system provides many features and tools required to develop and administer databases. That's why SQL Server is a popular solution among developers and enterprises for completing different tasks in the field of data.

Best 7 DBVisualizer Alternatives

Discover why dbForge Edge is the top DBVisualizer or DBeaver alternative for database management. Learn how dbForge Edge surpasses DBVisualizer and DBeaver in functionality and efficiency.

Difference Between Blocking and Deadlocks in SQL Server

Read on to learn about blocking and deadlocks in SQL Server, differences between them, reasons for their occurrence, and ways to detect and resolve them in databases.

What Are MDF and LDF Files? How to Attach Them in SQL Server Easily

Think backups are enough? Think again. Without your LDF file, recovery can fail—even with the MDF intact. Discover why these files matter and how to attach them the right way in SQL Server.

7 Best SQL Database Viewer Tools

So, you need a tool for database management. You want something with an intuitive user interface that will give you a comprehensive overview of your databases at any given moment. Moreover, you want something functional enough to allow retrieving and managing your data with ease. That said, we've picked 7 SQL database viewer tools that you might want to take note of.

How to Export Data From Azure SQL Database

If you are a user of Azure SQL Database, you don't have all that many ways of exporting your data. Here, we'll show you all of them and save the best for last.

How to Handle Null or Empty Values in SQL Server

This article explores the differences between NULLs and empty values in SQL Server and discusses how to handle them effectively.

Protecting Against Ad-Hoc Query Exploits

Read on about security aspects of ad-hoc queries, including the vulnerability of SQL injection and methods to protect database data and minimize the risks of unauthorized access.

When to Use CHAR, VARCHAR, and VARCHAR(MAX) in SQL

The choice of data type affects data integrity, storage, and performance, making it a critical decision. This article will focus on three commonly used data types: CHAR, VARCHAR, and VARCHAR(MAX).

How to Restore a SQL Server 2019 Backup on a SQL Server 2017 Instance

Read on the article to learn about alternative methods to transfer a SQL Server 2019 backup on a 2017 instance using SQL scripts and the dbForge tools.

SQL Server Backup Types and Key Concepts

The importance of regular database backup and recovery can be neither underestimated nor ignored. And since your data is subject to modification, the primary task is to ensure its safety and mitigate the risks of data loss.

SQL Server UPDATE Statement

In this article, you'll learn what SQL UPDATE is used for. Also, you'll explore different ways to update columns in a table with the help of the statement.

Using Alternatives to the LIMIT Clause in SQL Server

In database management, efficient limiting of query results is key for optimizing performance and retrieving relevant data. Let's explore how this can be achieved in SQL Server.

SQL Konferenz 2024 Insights Recap

Explore the top insights of SQL Konferenz 2024, an event that regularly connects database professionals, SQL enthusiasts, and data architects from the DACH region, that took place this October in Hanau, Germany, hosting numerous attendees. Learn about the most trending sessions and discussions held this year.

How to Use CREATE TABLE in SQL Server

Creating a table is the core of the database design and one of the fundamental skills for all database professionals. This article will review default methods of creating tables on Microsoft's SQL Server.

How to Migrate From SQL Server to MySQL

One of the standout features of dbForge Studio is its ability to import data from various sources, including ODBC data. This significantly expands your capabilities, both for direct conversion of data stored on different platforms and for the convenient development of database-related objects such as ETL procedures, reports, and more.

Awards and Endorsements Recap: Discover the Best dbForge Products of Q2 and Q3 2024

Throughout the second and third quarters of 2024, the Devart team achieved multiple awards for the dbForge product line, winning gold and silver for the DBTA Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 nominations, as well as getting badges from Crozdesk, Sourceforge, G2, and SoftwareSuggest listings.  Let's check them out.

Find Invalid Objects in Your Databases

Read on to learn basics about invalid objects and how to identify them in SQL Server, MySQL, and Oracle databases using dbForge Edge or from the command line.

The Latest and Greatest dbForge SQL Complete 7.0 Is Now at Your Service!

dbForge SQL Complete is, without a doubt, one of our key add-ins for SSMS, designed to level up the speed and precision of your routine SQL coding, formatting, and debugging. And today, we're happy to herald the release of its latest incarnation—version 7.0. Traditionally, here's a detailed overview of all the new goodies awaiting you in it; so buckle up, since it's going to be a long ride—but by no means boring.

dbForge Tools for SQL Server 7.0: Big Release Overview

Are you a user of dbForge tools for SQL Server? If you are, then we've got a great slice of news for you—our entire product line for SQL Server has just been updated, and you're welcome to get your update right now. If you are not, you may still want to take a look at all the goodies that come with this release. Our tools come with a hefty free trial, and we gladly invite you to give them a go.

Fixing Dependent Column Issues With dbForge Data Generator

Read on to learn how to generate values for the referenced columns using dbForge Data Generator and how to resolve some issues that may arise during data generation.

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