studio for sql server

To start with, let’s give definitions and highlight the difference between PIVOT and UNPIVOT operators in SQL Server.

(more…)

We are glad to announce that we have just rolled out the new dbForge Studio for SQL Server, v5.8. This version features massive improvements of data and schema comparison features, including redesigned diffs presentation, and provides as convenient and effective management and deployment of data and schema diffs as never before. (more…)

In this article, we will show how to set up automatic email delivery of the log file when a comparison of multiple SQL schemas fails. The task will be completed by means of dbForge Studio for SQL Server. Specifically, we will use its command-line functionality, allowing to perform routine tasks in both, command prompt and PowerShell. In this article, we will focus on the command prompt.

(more…)

We are glad to inform our SQL Server users that we have just released a new version of Devart’s IDE for SQL Server, –  dbForge Studio for SQL Server v5.7. In this version, we have implemented support for the Active Directory – Universal with MFA authentication. (more…)

Devart is always trying to keep in touch with the times and provide its users with more and more opportunities for successful and effective databases management. That is why we have released a new version of dbForge Studio for SQL Server v.5.6 with the changes aimed at supporting the latest technologies in the world of database development. (more…)

One of the best methods to analyze the query performance is to explore the query execution plan. A query plan or query execution plan is an ordered set of steps utilized to access data in a SQL relational database management system. In this article, we will discuss the basics of the Query Execution Plan feature available in SQL Server. (more…)

The news about Microsoft’s intention to “chum” SQL Server with Linux keeps floating around. But I haven’t heard a single word about SQL Server 2016 Release Candidate, that recently became available for download. (more…)

In this article, we will talk about the benefits of backing up SQL Server databases, different backup types, and backup strategies.

The immediate purpose of creating database backups is the ability to recover a damaged database and minimize the risk of catastrophic data loss. Thus, a reliable use of backup and restore for recovery requires a backup and restore strategy. (more…)

There are three aggregate functions that are most often used in practice: COUNT, SUM and AVG. The first one has already been discussed previously, while the other two have interesting performance nuances. But first, some theory…

(more…)

I have always liked simple questions with lots of pitfalls. Here is the one: how do you count the total number of records in a table? At first sight, it’s a snap, but if you dig a little deeper, you can reveal lots of peculiar nuances.

So, let’s start from a simple thing. Do the following queries differ in terms of the end result?

SELECT COUNT(*) FROM Sales.SalesOrderDetail
SELECT COUNT_BIG(*) FROM Sales.SalesOrderDetail

(more…)