Using the INCLUDE Option on an Index in SQL Server

The INCLUDE option in SQL Server allows us to include non-key columns in a nonclustered index. These columns are not part of the index key (which SQL Server uses to order and search the index), but they are stored with the index pages.

The INCLUDE option can significantly improve query performance when additional columns are needed by a query but are not part of the index key.

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Prepared Statements in MySQL: A Complete Guide with Examples

In MySQL, prepared statements are a feature that allows us to execute the same SQL query multiple times with different parameters. They can improve performance, make our code cleaner, and help defend against SQL injection attacks.

In this article, we’ll explore prepared statements in MySQL, with examples and practical tips on how to use them effectively. We’ll also cover the importance of deallocating statements to free up resources.

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How to Use the HANDLER Statement in MySQL for Faster Data Access

The HANDLER statement in MySQL provides a low-level mechanism to directly access storage engine-level functionality, bypassing some of the overhead associated with regular SQL queries. It can be especially useful for traversing a database in high-performance scenarios.

HANDLER is available for MyISAM and InnoDB tables, and can be used as a faster alternative to the SELECT statement.

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SQL Server MERGE Statement: Beginner’s Guide with Examples

The MERGE statement in SQL Server allows us to perform INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE operations in a single query. This makes it an efficient way to synchronize two tables, typically between a source and a target, based on a defined condition. Rather than running separate queries to handle insertions, updates, and deletions, we can combine all of these operations into one statement; the MERGE statement.

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SQL Joins with the USING Clause: How It Compares to the ON Clause

Perhaps one of the lesser-known clauses when it comes to SQL joins is the USING clause. While the more widely-used ON clause allows us to explicitly specify join conditions, the USING clause simplifies the syntax when the join is based on columns with the same name in both tables.

In this article, we’ll dive into the USING clause, compare it to the ON clause, and look at examples that illustrate the difference.

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A Deep Dive into PostgreSQL’s TRUNCATE Statement

Most relational database management systems support the TRUNCATE statement, and PostgreSQL is no exception.

That said, PostgreSQL has a few differences in the way its TRUNCATE statement works when compared to many other RDBMSs.

In this article, we’ll explore the various features of PostgreSQL’s implementation of the TRUNCATE statement, along with examples to demonstrate.

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What Does “Schema-Bound” Mean in SQL Server?

In SQL Server, “schema-bound” refers to a specific feature that ensures a SQL object, such as a view or function, is tightly linked to the schema of the underlying tables or other database objects it references. When a view or function is schema-bound, the underlying tables or objects cannot be altered in a way that would break the view or function’s dependencies.

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How to Log Data Changes with the SQL Server OUTPUT Clause

SQL Server has an OUTPUT clause that we can use any time we do an INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, or MERGE operation. It allows us to retrieve information from modified rows during such operations. This can be especially useful for auditing, logging, or understanding the impact of database changes without needing an additional query.

Let’s look at how the OUTPUT clause can help us log the data changes in our database.

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Understanding Common Table Expressions (CTEs): A Beginner’s Guide

Common table expressions (CTEs) are a feature that we can use in SQL to help simplify complex queries and enhance readability. They can help with things like code readability, performance, recursive queries, and more.

This article explores what CTEs are, their syntax, types, use cases, and best practices, along with examples to help illustrate their usage.

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