Would you like SQL cache with that?

One of the things I feel I keep badgering on about in the world of SQL Server and query tuning is to be fair and consistent when comparing the different possible variants. If you don’t level the playing field, then potentially it will lead to you thinking a particular query out-performs another when in fact the opposite could be true. It’s a bit like comparing 2 paper boys to see which one can complete a given round the quickest - if one of them has been doing the round for the past 2 weeks but the other has never done that round before, then are you going to be able to reliably tell which one is actually quickest? [Read More]

Pulling my finger out

Starting up a blog is something I’ve been threatening to do for some time now. There’s always a good excuse not to get round to it, even though it’s something I’ve really wanted to dip my toe into, just to see if I could cut the mustard. As it’s the start of what I hope will be a successful foray into blogging, I’m afraid this is indeed a “what do you do and where do you come from? [Read More]