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Transforming Flat Files with Irregular Delimiters in SSIS
When working with flat files in SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), one of the most common challenges is dealing with irregular delimiters. An irregular delimiter is a character or sequence of characters that separates the fields in a flat file, but th[.....]
Using sys.dm_exec_requests to Troubleshoot Blocking
SQL Server provides a wealth of dynamic management views (DMVs) that can be leveraged to troubleshoot a variety of issues. One of the most useful for investigating blocking issues is sys.dm_exec_requests. This DMV returns information about all requests tha[.....]
Basic Graph Queries in SQL Server 2017
Welcome to the SQLSupport.org blog. Today, we are going to delve into the realm of graph databases and how they can be utilized in SQL Server 2017. As you may know, graph databases are a type of NoSQL database that uses graph theory to store, map and query[.....]
SSIS Project Deployment: Environment Variable Tips
SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) is a component of the Microsoft SQL Server database software that can be used to perform a broad range of data migration tasks. It is a platform for data integration and workflow applications. In this blog post, we wi[.....]
Using Temp Tables vs Table Variables in Joins
In SQL Server, developers often face the decision of whether to use temporary tables or table variables when performing joins. Both methods come with their own advantages and disadvantages, and understanding these can help improve the performance and effic[.....]
Working with Legacy DTS on Modern SQL Servers
Legacy DTS (Data Transformation Services) packages can be a challenge to work with on modern SQL Server versions like SQL Server 2016 and 2017. They are no longer natively supported, but with a few workarounds, it is possible to continue using them, albeit[.....]
DBA Checklists: What to Monitor Every Morning
The life of a Database Administrator (DBA) revolves around ensuring that database systems run efficiently and securely. A crucial part of this is daily monitoring and maintenance. In this post, we will be discussing a checklist that a DBA should follow eve[.....]
Surrogate vs Natural Keys in Warehouse Dimensions
The choice between surrogate and natural keys in warehouse dimensions is one that can significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of your database management system. Before we delve into the specifics of each, it's important to understand that th[.....]
Slow SSRS Reports: Identifying Dataset Bottlenecks
In a world that thrives on data, speed is king. Slow running reports can be a source of frustration for users and a headache for developers. In this post, we will explore how to identify bottlenecks in SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) datasets, which a[.....]
Backup Encryption in SQL Server 2016
In recent years, the importance of data security has become paramount. With SQL Server 2016, the need for data encryption, particularly for backups, has been addressed. The introduction of the Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) feature, which was first intr[.....]