IT and DEV

A little gem: SQL Server gives name-resolution preference to the master database for procedures that have the sp_ prefix. SQL Server looks for a compiled plan for the procedure associated with the master database and doesn't find it because, in this case, the sp_Select1 procedure exists in tempdb. SQL Server assumes the procedure isn't in cache (and thus must be recompiled) and acquires an exclusive compile lock on the stored procedure for a short time. However, the short time that the lock exists is enough to cause performance problems...

Should I Use the sp_ Prefix for Procedure Names?

Using a prefix like usp_ should circumvent this quite nicely. Apart from that, having a naming convention (or nomenclature) in place is a great big ol' must have!

Labels: coding, sql server

# posted by Martijn Plijnaer : 16:25  0 Comments Links to this post

Yesterday morning I took exam 70-431, SQL Server 2005 Technical Specialist, which I passed with flying colors: 940 out of 1000 points.

This was also my first encounter with real simulation-based questions! I have to say, it felt a bit uneasy at first and I backtracked a couple of times to make sure I answered my questions just right. It is soo easy to make additional unintended changes.

But in conclusion, I have to say that I like those questions. They test your knowledge of the technology in a much more real-world like fashion. And about those gradual changes like these in exam setups? Well, suffice to say that there is much more in store where that came from...

On a side note: the next exam will be a milestone! That will take me to 25 Microsoft Exams taken so far. I just have to choose a nice one. And I don't mean milestone. I'm open for suggestions.

By the way, if you take a look at the numbers of Microsoft Certified Professionals worldwide, you'll find that there is a great difference in numbers. A short list of some of the certifications I currently hold:

And for the bright ones among us: there is something odd about that page... can you spot it? The first one who tells me about it will get a candy bar if you're in the neighborhood.

Labels: exam, personal, sql server

# posted by Martijn Plijnaer : 12:52  4 Comments Links to this post

Wow. I heard about the new initiative of Microsoft Hosted Services, but even Hosted SQL Data Services?

Take a look and sign up for the free Beta: SQL Server Data Services

Labels: sql server

# posted by Martijn Plijnaer : 00:02  1 Comments Links to this post