Why do folks continue to use outdated and unnecessary naming conventions? Specifically, the ridiculous ‘tbl’ prefix on tables, and the equally meaningless ‘usp’ for stored procedures. I think that it is because that is what they see illustrated in books, magazines, white papers and on-line 'example' code.  So the real question is really: ...

SQL Server as an EAV Database -Good Idea?  It seems like I am getting more and more inquires from potential clients asking for help solving performance related issues with what, after some investigation, is using SQL Server as an EAV database. First, for those unfamiliar with the concept, an Entity-Attribute-Value (EAV) database seems ...

Over the past couple of years, the chorus of voices asking, requesting, even demanding that I present my thoughts in a blog has grown so loud I can no longer ignore. As a long time teacher and trainer, I have great respect for the 'written word' -and even more for personal presentation. I thrive on dialogue, I refine and clarify my thoughts ...