It’s more important than ever to be vigilant in protecting and securing our data. Always Encrypted is a feature in SQL Server designed to protect sensitive data, such as Social Security numbers or credit card information. In this guide, we’ll focus on testing Always Encrypted using parameterized queries to ensure data remains secure during common operations like searching, inserting, and updating.
Month: October 2024
Avoiding Recompiles in Dynamic SQL: Best Practices for SQL Server
Dynamic SQL is a powerful feature in SQL Server that allows you to build and execute SQL statements on the fly. It’s especially useful when you need flexibility in your queries based on varying conditions. However, a common issue with dynamic SQL is that it can lead to frequent recompilations of execution plans, which can hurt performance. In this post, I’ll explain why this happens, how you can avoid unnecessary recompiles, and provide scripts you can use to test these concepts yourself.
Using TRUNCATE TABLE with Table Partitions in SQL Server
In SQL Server, the TRUNCATE TABLE command is often favored over DELETE for its efficiency when removing data from a table. However, when working with partitioned tables, the locking behavior changes slightly. Additionally, the LOCK_ESCALATION = AUTO setting can further optimize performance by managing lock escalation at the partition level. We explore how these features interact, providing an in-depth look at locking behavior when truncating partitioned tables and the role of LOCK_ESCALATION = AUTO.
Understanding the Timeline of Query Optimization Improvements in SQL Server 2022
Intelligent Query Processing (IQP) is a suite of advanced features introduced in SQL Server 2017 and enhanced in subsequent versions, including SQL Server 2022. By upgrading to SQL Server 2022 and setting your database compatibility level to 160, you enable capabilities that dynamically optimize query performance. Understanding when these performance improvements take effect can help database administrators and developers plan and manage their optimization strategies effectively. The journey toward maximum performance improvement is gradual and influenced by factors such as workload characteristics and system configurations.
Automating Database Restoration Between SQL Server Availability Groups Using PowerShell
In this post, I’ll walk you through a PowerShell script that automates the restoration of a database from one AG to another. The script handles everything—from performing a COPY-ONLY backup on the source AG to restoring the database on the target AG’s primary and secondary replicas, applying transaction logs, and rejoining the database to the new AG seamlessly.
Five More SQL Server Error Log Messages You Should Care About
In a previous post, we explored five significant SQL Server error log messages that demand immediate attention. However, the SQL Server error log contains a wealth of additional information essential for maintaining the health and performance of your databases. In this sequel, we will highlight five more error log messages that should be on your radar. We’ll look into what each error means and offer suggestions for when you encounter them.
Manually Synchronizing a Lagging Secondary Replica in SQL Server Always On Availability Groups
In high-availability environments, SQL Server Always On Availability Groups (AG) are essential for minimizing downtime and preventing data loss. However, situations can arise where a secondary replica lags behind the primary, disrupting synchronization and risking potential data inconsistencies. This blog provides instructions on how to manually catch up a lagging secondary replica using transaction log backups.
Securing NorthPine Bank’s Data: How SQL Server 2022 Can Help
NorthPine Bank, a fictitious yet representative financial institution, recognized the necessity to modernize its data infrastructure to safeguard sensitive customer information against emerging threats. The bank decided to migrate its operations to SQL Server 2022, leveraging its advanced security features to enhance data protection, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain operational efficiency. This blog explores the specific security challenges faced by NorthPine Bank and details how SQL Server 2022 addresses these issues through its robust, built-in features.
The Hidden Layers of Dynamic Data Masking in SQL Server
Dynamic Data Masking (DDM) in SQL Server is a feature that helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data by obfuscating it at the display level. This blog post discusses the various types of masks available, such as default, email, custom string, and random masks. We explore permissions and access control, demonstrating how users can modify masked data without viewing its actual content. Additionally, we discuss the new permission enhancements in SQL Server 2022 that allow for more granular control over unmasked data.