Written by Buck Woody – When a new release of SQL Server comes out, there are many books rushed to publication so that they are released at the same time the new version of SQL Server is released. Unfortunately, this “book rush” often leads to poor quality books. But if you wait some time after a n

by Susan Sales Harkins – By using conditional compilation constants that control SQL statement generation, you can target both Jet and SQL Server, deliver applications to either platform, and reduce conversion time.

By Itzik Ben-Gan – Test your T-SQL skills (and create cool wallpaper) by creating code that randomly generates abstract patterns to certain specifications.

Question to Jorge Cano – I have two MS SQL Servers 2000 on two machines. Is there a way I can create a view table in ServerA, which would look at ServerB, using a ServerA user, who does not exists in ServerB. Check out the answer! (R)

SQL Server 2000 is the first version of the DBMS to enable SQL programmers to write their own functions. SQL Server Pro Joe Lax explains the three ways to write a user-defined function in SQL Server 2000.

By Itzik Ben-Gan – Installing SQL Server 2000 is deceptively simple–choosing the wrong options can lead to big headaches later. These detailed instructions will help you make the right decisions.

by James Crowley – An Interview with Thearon Willis, author of Beginning SQL Server 2000 for VB Developers book.

By David Stodder and Justin Kestelyn – Strategic business applications count on the database to be rock solid, always available — and yet highly flexible in the face of new demands. A discussion with four industry veterans reveals some key directions.

By Michael Otey – One of the most common mistakes in database and software design is thinking and testing too small. So think big to avoid unpleasant and unnecessary application rollout problems.

Hierarchies are sometimes difficult to store in SQL tables…things like trees, threaded forums, org charts and the like…and it’s usually even harder to retrieve the hierarchy once you do store it. Here’s a method that’s easy to understand and maintain, and gives you the full hierarchy (or any pie