Event Log File Paths

How does one consistently find the correct path to the Extended Event Log file (XEL file)? This article shows a thorough method to capture that information for all sessions on the server.

Puzzles and Daily Trivia

One of my favorite database automations is to send trivia style questions daily. This helps me to mentor and assess other dba talent within an organization without being too aggressive. Not only can a database be used for automation but it can also be used for numerous other automations. Beyond being highly useful for automation and training, there is also the possibility of using TSQL to solve puzzles like Sudoku puzzles.

Database Offline – Redux

A database can be offline at the time that you take over responsibility of the database. You will be asked when it was taken offline. This script will help you get a reasonable deduction for that offline event in the absence of better data.

Database Recovery Monitoring with XE

Database recovery (crash recovery) is a nerve wrenching situation under the wrong conditions. It can be as bad as a root canal and just as necessary to endure that pain at times. When the business is waiting on you waiting on the server to finish crash recovery, you feel nervous at best. If you can be of some use and provide some information back to the business, that anxiety dissipates and the business becomes more calm as well. While the previous script can help you get that information easily enough, I want to introduce the easiest method to capture that information currently available.

Making Databases Personal

If you can use a database to create automation routines to help sustain your work life, you can certainly do the same to sustain your personal life. Databases are an essential piece of both my personal and professional life.