Tuesday, April 15, 2025

SQL Server Tutorial

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.

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.

SQL HAVING vs. WHERE: What Is the Difference?

Not sure when to use HAVING vs. WHERE in SQL? Learn how they differ, when to apply them in queries, and see practical examples.

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.

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....

SQL Query Optimization: How to Tune Performance of SQL Queries

In the article, we are going to examine how to optimize SQL queries and improve query performance by using SQL query optimization tips and techniques, such as execution plans, indexes, wildcard characters in SQL, and many others.

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 Convert MySQL Databases to SQL Server: Step-by-Step Process

Read on to delve into the basics of data conversion between MySQL and SQL Server and see how to easily transfer data from a MySQL table to a SQL Server table.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Understanding SQL Server Triggers

Read on to learn more about SQL triggers and how to create and manage them. Learn more about best practices for using them.

Integrating dbForge Studio With Azure for Advanced Java Web UI Development

Developing web-based applications often requires a robust, scalable, and efficient database solution that can handle dynamic data needs. Azure SQL Server provides developers with a cloud-based platform that fulfills these requirements. By combining Azure SQL Server with modern web development technologies, developers can build powerful, data-driven web applications that offer distinctive user experiences.

Mastering SQL PARTITION BY With dbForge Studio for SQL Server

By partitioning data effectively, you can handle large datasets and get accurate and relevant results for various analytical and operational tasks. This is when PARTITION BY proves invaluable. In this article, we are going to talk about the theoretical foundations and practical applications of this SQL argument with the help of a convenient IDE — dbForge Studio for SQL Server.

Ultimate Guide to SQL Indexes

An SQL index improves the speed of data retrieval operations on a table. Much like an index in a book, it helps locate needed information. This article delves into the various types of indexes, their benefits, potential drawbacks, and strategies to address index fragmentation issues, whether manually or automatically.

How to Migrate from Oracle to SQL Server

Read on to learn how to easily migrate data from an Oracle table to a SQL Server table using Devart ODBC driver for Oracle and dbForge Edge.

Managing Open Transactions in SQL Server

Open transactions in SQL Server occur frequently and demand close attention and proper handling to prevent issues. Monitoring open transactions and ensuring their timely completion (either committing or rolling back) is a best practice, and this article will explore tools and methods and provide a guide on automatically finding and resolving open transactions.

Unlocking the Power of Execution Plans

One of the best methods to analyze query performance is to explore its execution plan. In this article, we are going to discuss the basics of the Query Execution Plan feature and its importance in SQL performance optimization with the help of a convenient IDE - dbForge Studio for SQL Server.

Enhancing PHP Projects With SQL Server

In the world of web development, PHP stands as one of the most popular scripting languages that empowers developers to create dynamic and interactive web applications with ease. Central to the functionality of many PHP projects is the management of data, which often necessitates the integration of powerful database solutions.

Advanced Index Rebuild and Maintenance Strategies for SQL Server

In this article, let us dive into the intricacies of index maintenance strategies, explore index fragmentation and its impact on database efficiency, discuss rebuilding and reorganizing indexes, and talk about automating index maintenance.

Best 8 Free and Paid Database Design Tools

Explore the most popular database design tools that aid users in visualizing, refining, and converting database schemas into functional databases.

How to Run dbForge Studio for SQL Server on Linux Using WINE

As the popularity of Linux continues to soar among developers and database administrators, the demand for robust database management tools compatible with this open-source operating system has become increasingly pressing. In response to this growing need, running applications originally designed for Windows on Linux platforms has become a viable solution.

Instant File Initialization – Killer Feature for SQL Server

Instant file initialization (IFI) is a feature in SQL Server that can help the users to save time and resources when creating, expanding, and recovering databases. In this article, we’ll examine the benefits of instant file initialization along with potential drawbacks, and learn how to enable and disable this feature.

How to Check if a Database Exists in SQL Server

Let us examine the common use case of comparing and synchronizing databases that involve checking if the specific database exists in SQL Server.

How to Install SQL Server on Linux (Ubuntu)

It may be news to many database developers and administrators that SQL Server actually performs better on Linux. In this article we will go...

How To Export SQL Server Data From Table To a CSV File

In this article, we are going to export a table from SQL Server to a .csv file using four different tools. Besides, you will...

SQL Database Design Basics With Examples

Discover how to populate a database with data by means of Data Generator for SQL Server, and search for database data and objects with the free dbForge Search tool. I will use dbForge Studio for SQL Server to implement charts for my examples, and dbForge Data Pump to import and export data.

Data Import and Export: BCP Utility vs dbForge Studio for SQL Server

The preconditions for easy and versatile import and export are rather simple. First, you need to have quite a few data formats to deal with, a dozen or so. Second, you need to tailor each operation to your needs with a selection of flexible settings. Third, you most certainly wouldn't mind automating your recurring tasks.

Elevating SQL Server Database Management With System-Versioned Temporal Tables and dbForge Studio

Let’s delve into the system-versioned tables in SQL Server. We will examine their characteristics, the process of creating these tables, and querying them effectively.

Mastering SQL Views and Materialized Views for Optimal Database Management

The article covers fundamental aspects of SQL views and materialized views, delving into ownership prerequisites, permission considerations, and various use cases.

How to Create Images with Microsoft Designer and Import Them into SQL Server Databases Using dbForge Studio

Microsoft Designer is a web-based, AI-powered graphic tool that helps create variegated visuals in a nearly effortless way. Let's see how to generate images with its help and import them into SQL Server databases using dbForge Studio.

Automating Bulk Data Import from MS Access to SQL Server

In the article, you'll learn how to automate the bulk data import from MS Access to SQL Server using dbForge Data Pump and PowerShell command-line.

Understanding Pull Requests, Merge Requests, and dbForge Source Control for SQL Server

Read on to learn the difference between merge and pull requests and explore how to version-control SQL Server databases using dbForge Source Control.

Create and Connect to an Azure SQL Database on Heroku: A Step-By-Step Guide

In today's digital landscape characterized by rapid technological advancements and a multitude of innovative solutions, the seamless integration of diverse platforms is paramount for efficient application development. This guide delves into the process of creating and connecting an Azure SQL Database on the Heroku platform, offering step-by-step instructions and insights to help you bridge the gap between two powerful cloud services.

How to Use OPENQUERY in SQL Server

We are thrilled to share the exciting news that our dbForge tools now support SQL OPENQUERY, a powerful feature introduced in SQL Server 2022. With this integration, our users can take full advantage of this feature's capabilities, enabling seamless execution of queries on remote data sources directly from our tools.

Mastering IF THEN Logic in SQL Server

Exploring the advanced usage of IF-THEN statements and understanding how dbForge Studio SQL Server aids in handling these tasks will be the main focus of this article.

Social

Products