SQLCMD: Prevent an Entire Batch From Even Parsing With One Magical Character (Cruel Joke #4)

(last updated: 2021-09-01 @ 14:18 ET / 2021-09-01 @ 18:18 UTC ) In my previous post, SSMS and SQLCMD: Prevent T-SQL Batch From Not Only Executing, but Also From Parsing (Cruel Joke #3), I talked about voiding an entire query batch in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), the sqlcmd utility, and Visual Studio. I discovered… Continue reading SQLCMD: Prevent an Entire Batch From Even Parsing With One Magical Character (Cruel Joke #4)

SSMS and SQLCMD: Prevent T-SQL Batch From Not Only Executing, but Also From Parsing (Cruel Joke #3)

(last updated: 2021-08-13 @ 19:50 ET / 2021-08-13 @ 23:50 UTC ) In a previous post, Prevent Full Script Execution (Understanding and Using PARSEONLY and NOEXEC), I explained how to easily disable a script using the PARSEONLY session setting. That same method can be used to disable one or more sections within a script instead… Continue reading SSMS and SQLCMD: Prevent T-SQL Batch From Not Only Executing, but Also From Parsing (Cruel Joke #3)

SSMS: Prevent Copy and Paste of Text in “Messages” tab (Cruel Joke #2)

An invisible character is all it takes to have a little fun 🙃

Actual Difference Between EXISTS(SELECT 1 …), EXISTS(SELECT * …), and EXISTS(SELECT column …)

Is EXISTS(SELECT 1 ...) better than EXISTS(SELECT * ...)? Who would know better than SQL Server?

Specific String Pattern Magically Hidden From Step Output in SQL Agent History

Specific String Pattern Magically Hidden From Step Output in SQL Agent History. Who Knew?

Error -2068643839 / 1602 Installing msoledbsql.msi, msodbcsql.msi, and sqlncli.msi for SQL Server 2019 (CTP or RTM)

Installing SQL Server 2019 CTP 2.5 fails with almost no useful info. Searching on code or message finds nothing. This post fixes that 😎

Cruel Joke: Prevent SQL Server From Starting, and With (Almost) No Indication Why

Come see how to prevent SQL Server from starting, and in an easy-to-fix-yet-impossible-to-find way! 😈

SQLCLR vs. SQL Server 2012 & 2014 & 2016, Part 7: “CLR strict security” – The Problem Continues … in the Past (Wait, What?!?)

Using SQLCLR on SQL Server 2012, 2014, or 2016? Jealous of the "fun" those on SQL 2017 are having with "CLR strict security"? Come see how you can join the party 😼

Server Audit Mystery 2: Filtering action_id gets Error Msg 25713

Server Audits allow filtering on certain fields. Two fields claim to be strings, yet don't accept strings for filters. Here's how I figured out filtering on action_id (i.e. the event) :-)

Will GDPR cause a “Database Run”?

What is GDPR, everyone's (current) favorite acronym? It stands for "General Data Protection Regulation" and is an act / law / set of laws that governs the collection, retention, and use of personal information for EU (European Union) and UK citizens. It's the topic "flavor of the month" due to it going into effect on… Continue reading Will GDPR cause a “Database Run”?