| Over the last five years, I have got into the habit of carrying around what I call "The Green Folder". This
folder contains useful Transact-SQL tricks, rare error code definitions, complicated syntax examples, bug
reports, and things I just cannot seem to remember without looking them up first.
My fellow SQL Server database administrators and developers soon found out about the folder, and asked me
for copies of the contents. Some co-workers complained when I threw away articles that I no longer thought I
needed, as they wanted to see if it was something they too should learn or commit to memory.
One day it occurred to me that "The Green Folder" would be much more useful if I migrated it to a reference
manual format, organized by topic and question.
As SQL Server professionals we require continuous learning and hands-on experience in order to remain
effective in our jobs. We must continually refine our craft by learning new technologies, as well as keeping a
firm grasp on core administration and development topics. No one will be impressed if we are experts in
using DTS or XML, but cannot remember how to rebuild an index or add a new login.
My hope is that this book will be a helpful day-to-day reference, letting you revisit the bits of SQL Server
about which you need to jog your memory, and showing you new SQL Server concepts, technologies, and
best practices. |
