Developer - Database

Schooner Releases Active Cluster for MySQL

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100

New clustering system promises fully synchronous replication for MySQL databases.

Xeround Brings MySQL to Heroku

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The MySQL in the cloud vendor extends its platform for Ruby developers.

MySQL Data Fragmentation - What, When and How

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Fragmentation can leave large holes in your table, blocks which must be read when scanning the table. Optimizing your table can make full table scans and range scans more efficient.

Converting between MySQL Date and Time Formats

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0100

MySQL's thorough and flexible date handling allows you to switch between internal and external date/time formats with relative ease.

MySQL InnoDB File Formats

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Versions of MySQL now come equipped with the powerful and stable InnoDB plugin. We will cover file formats in this article, a very important part of the InnoDB plugin feature set.

Using MySQL's Analysis Tools to Improve Query Performance

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

One nice feature added to the EXPLAIN statement in MySQL 4.1 is the EXTENDED keyword which provides you with some helpful additional information on query optimization.

Five Considerations for MySQL Security and Compliance in the Cloud

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Security and compliance are big worries in the cloud. We give you some strategies for coping.

Comparing MySQL Statement-Based and Row-Based Replication

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

There are many ways you can replicate MySQL data, whether it be a simple two-node cluster, chain or master/master. This article explains the two types of data replication (Statement-Based Replication and Row-Based Replication) available in MySQL.

Identify Slow Queries using MySQL’s Analysis Tools

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Using MySQL analysis tools, you can identify and optimize slow queries in order to eliminate the bottlenecks that they cause. Rob Gravelle examines the Slow Query Log and Explain command, which can both help identify slow queries.

Top 5 Considerations for MySQL Administration in the Cloud

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Cloud deployments of internet sites are becoming much more prevalent every day. Let's take a look at what type of special considerations we'll need to make for hosting MySQL successfully in the cloud.

Top 10 MySQL Best Practices

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Rob Gravelle lists his top 10 MySQL best practices for database administrators, architects, developers, and security personnel.

MySQL Workbench - Top 13 things you should know

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

MySQL Workbench has come a long way and keeps getting better! I honestly don't think that millage may vary on this one as it is one of the best no-cost GUI tools created for MySQL.

Writing Reusable Queries in MySQL

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

While stored procedures are an integral part of writing reusable code, they are only one ingredient in a bigger pie. Other key players include views and native as well as user-defined functions. This article explains how all of these elements fit together so that your SELECT statements can be applied to a greater variety of queries.

Limiting the Number of Rows in MySQL Result Sets

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

In the Web 2.0 world where smart phone and Web applications are competing to access terabytes of data, there is a new imperative for speeding up retrieval times as much as the technology permits. Rob Gravelle lists a few coding techniques that we as database administrators and developers can use to whittle down unwieldy results sets into manageable chunks.

Troubleshooting MySQL Slow Queries with Tcpdumps

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

MySQL has a wonderful facility for capturing slow queries called the slow query log. However if yours is not enabled when trouble occurs, and restarting the database is not an option, you'll need another solution. This is where a tcpdump can come in handy.

Optimizing MySQL Query Retrieval Speed Through Table Joins

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

A poorly optimized query can become the bottleneck in an otherwise highly optimized process. In many cases, the source of the slow performance is improper table joining in the WHERE clause. With that in mind, this article looks at ways to optimize table joins for speedy data retrieval.

MySQL Point in Time Backups

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Point in time backup and recovery is a crucial component of any part of any MySQL environment. This article describes how to implement the basic point in time recovery and describes a few mechanisms to accomplish this goal.

Use Derived Tables in Your MySQL Queries to Improve Database Performance

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

There has been much debate as to whether derived tables, views, or temporary tables are actually faster in terms of database performance. The fact is that there is no simple answer, as different queries require different optimizations. Rob Gravelle presents and evaluates some uses for derived tables that highlight their value in many applications.

MySQL Hotbackups with XtraBackup

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Hotbackups are a staple of many different database platforms, but they remain sadly absent from the core MySQL distribution. Not to worry, the open-source utility has just arrived to rescue you.

Eliminating Duplicate Rows from MySQL Result Sets

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0100

The go to solution for removing duplicate rows from your result sets is to include the distinct keyword in your select statement. It tells the query engine to remove duplicates to produce a result set in which every row is unique. The group by clause can also be used to remove duplicates.

Simple Automation - Examining your MySQL Index Usage

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 04:00:00 +0100

In the majority of MySQL systems, the schema is always updated and changed based on the needs and focus of the application, making it somewhat difficult to keep up with all of the changes that come down the pipe. Chris Schneider shows you how to gauge the index usage in a system, using grep, awk and sed.

Clearing a Path through the 3NF Join Jungle

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Rob Gravelle explores the pros and cons of normalization with a particular focus on the ramifications of third normal form normalization on data extraction by SELECT query.

SkySQL Takes Aim at Delivering MySQL

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Former Oracle and Sun execs start up new venture aimed at filling perceived gaps in the open source database support system - but is it an attack on Oracle?

Inside MySQL Character Sets & Settings

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0100

MySQL has sophisticated character set support, and can store, retrieve and collate single byte, and multi-byte character sets alike. Sean Hull explores using non-default character sets and settings, which use the hierarchy to control these settings.

MySQL Server Benchmarking 101

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Benchmarking can be a very revealing process. It can be used to isolate performance problems, and drill down to specific bottlenecks. More importantly, it can be used to compare different servers in your environment, so you have an expectation of performance from those servers, before you put them to work servicing your application.

Extending Applications with Oracle Database Replication

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In an Oracle database, database replication is the process of duplicating objects and moving them out to multiple databases so users have continuous access to shared data even in the event of a disaster.

Oracle Coherence Adds Flash to In-Memory Database

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Oracle's in-memory database update provides new elasticity to help scalability.

Oracle 11gR2 I/O Performance Tuning: Implementing I/O Performance Improvements

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Oracle 11g Release 2 (11gR2) makes it easier than ever to isolate and identify potential root causes of poor I/O performance.

Adding a Node to Oracle RAC 11g Release 2

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Learn how to add a node to Oracle RAC 11g on Oracle Enterprise Linux 5.

Top 10 New Features for Oracle 11g Data Guard - Part One

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Disaster recovery is an ongoing concern for Oracle database administrators. Data Guard is one of your best options for creating a "hot" standby database.

Oracle Database Security and Regulatory Compliance - What's a DBA to Do?

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The best way to meet regulatory and privacy mandates is to emphasize proper configuration and hardening of all your technology components.

Creating Dump Files in Oracle GoldenGate

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In addition to performing replication, Oracle GoldenGate can also be used to dump the contents of a table into a formatted file, according to this DBA Support article.

Oracle Enterprise Manger and Real-Time Database Performance

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Oracle Enterprise Manger (OEM) is a great tool for dealing with database performance issues in real time, according to an article by James Koopmann.

Oracle Debuts Database Firewall

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Oracle pulls the wraps off new technology that secures databases against SQL injection.

Getting Started with Oracle GoldenGate

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Steve Callan looks at the four steps involved in configuring Oracle GoldenGate and talks about what transpires within Oracle GoldenGate in terms of how data gets from the source database to the target database.

Understanding 4KB Sector Support for Oracle Files

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

An important decision that DBAs make when they are first creating a new Oracle database is what the standard database block size should be. Once the database is created, it is virtually impossible to change the standard block size without recreating the entire database. Read on to learn how to create tablespaces with different block sizes.

Configuring Oracle for Automatic Database Monitoring in 3 Easy Steps

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The homegrown automatic monitoring of an Oracle Database can result in lost DBA hours and increased development costs. Oracle's Automatic Database Diagnostic Monitor (ADDM) is a more elegant way to monitor database performance automatically. This article will get you started by showing you how to configure ADDM.

Significant Update to Oracle WebCenter Suite 11g

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Database giant promises a significant new array of collaboration and social applications with release of latest version of Fusion middleware component.

Oracle Database 11g R2 RAC - The top 5 changes

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The introduction of the Oracle Grid Infrastructure product essentially combines Automatic Storage Management (ASM) and Oracle Clusterware into the same oracle home and product. With this new configuration, five main changes have been incorporated into Oracle Database 11g RAC. Read on to learn more.

Oracle Database Replication: Streams vs. GoldenGate

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Steve Callan compares Oracle Streams with GoldenGate, covering their similarities and differences as well as their limitations.

How to Monitor an Oracle Database Automatically

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In the past, automatic monitoring of an Oracle database often resulted in DBAs developing a variety of scripts, scheduled to run against the database. Oracle's Automatic Database Diagnostic Monitor (ADDM) provides a more elegant way to monitor database performance automatically.

Fundamentals of Oracle GoldenGate

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

With all of the companies that Oracle Corp. has acquired of late, it’s getting to be a job to keep up with things. That being said, GoldenGate, is one of the products you’ll definitely want to be familiar with; it's still kind of under the radar, but it’s going to be big. Really big.

Finding performance problems using statistics

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Statistics are at the core of determining whether your tuning efforts are working or if you still have a system that is suffering from performance problems. This article focuses on Oracle's performance method to give us a better understanding of how to tune a database with statistics.

Identifying and Evaluating I/O Bottlenecks in Oracle Database

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Discover the wealth of I/O performance tuning information that Oracle 11gR2’s Automatic Workload Repository (AWR) reports provide, and learn how to use that information to determine if any I/O performance bottlenecks actually exist, and how to form initial hypotheses to resolve those bottlenecks within the database's underlying input/output (I/O) subsystem.

Oracle DBA: 5 Technologies You Can't do Without

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Become complacent at your job and your job could be at risk. These days, an Oracle DBA needs to be adept in one or more areas of advanced database administration. Steve Callan discusses the top 5 skill areas for the advanced DBA.

Database Performance Tuning: Statistical Gathering

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Regardless of the tuning methodology, performance tuning of a database must be rooted in statistical gathering.

How to Install the Oracle Enterprise Manager Grid Control Component

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Steve Callan shows you how to install the Oracle Enterprise Manager Grid Control component on Windows 2003 Server.

Single Client Access Name (SCAN) for Oracle Database 11g RAC

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

One of the maintenance challenges with RAC is maintaining all of the client connection files (TNSNAMES.ora) every time a change is made to a cluster database configuration. A new feature of Oracle Database 11g RAC databases, and a primary benefit, is the Single Client Access Name (SCAN). Read on to learn more...

14 Useful DBA Tasks for Solving Database Performance Problems

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

A checklist of DBA tasks involved with keeping an Oracle Database running smoothly can be quite handy. This 14 point checklist, while not actual performance tuning activities are tasks that a DBA needs to know and they will often be part of a solution to remedy a database performance problem.

Generate TPC Workloads For Oracle Databases Using Benchmark Factory

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Most Oracle DBAs have found that tuning the I/O performance of an Oracle Database (11gR2) is as much art as science. Jim Czuprynski explains how to use Quest’s Benchmark Factory tool to construct and execute TPC-E and TPC-H workloads against an Oracle Database and how to isolate the sources of I/O performance bottlenecks.

Top 10 SQL Server Counters for Monitoring SQL Server Performance

Tue, 03 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Greg Larsen lists his top 10 SQL Server counters for maintaining database performance.

Obtaining Identity Column Values in SQL Server

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100

When you enter a new record into a table that contains an identity column, the identity value will be set with the next available value. Your database design often requires you to obtain that value, so you need to be able to find it.

Re-generating SQL Server Logins - Part 3

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We wrap up our series by drilling through schema, object and column-level permission.

TOP 10 SQL Server Requests That Should Be Automated

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100

What DBA wouldn't want to make their job a little easier?

SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 Integration Services - Managing Remote Processes Using Script Task

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Marcin Policht discusses ways to launch processes for remote systems using SQL Server 2008 R2 Integration Services.

SQL Server 2008 Service Broker - Conversation Priorities

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SQL Server 2008 Service Broker lets you process higher priority messages and conversations earlier than those with lower priority.

Using SQL Server Templates

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SQL Server Templates are a handy way for creating and using canned SQL Server scripts.

SQL Server Service Broker - External Activation

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SQL Server Service Broker allows for two types of messaging activation, Internal Activation or External Activation. In this article we discuss External Activation.

SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 Integration Services - Managing Local Processes Using Script Task

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SQL Server 2008 R2 Integration Services includes a number of predefined tasks that implement common administrative actions to help with data extraction, transformation and loading (ETL). While in a majority of cases they are sufficient to deliver required functionality, there might be situations where an extra level of flexibility is desired.

Generating Surrogate Keys Using an Identity Column in SQL Server

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Surrogate keys are made up keys and do not appear naturally in the data. In this article Gregory A. Larsen shows you how to generate surrogate keys using an identity column.

Re-generating SQL Server Logins, Part 2

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In the second article on re-generating SQL Server logins, Claire Hsu writes about server-level and database-level role assignments, securables and how to generate logins to include securable granting and denying.

SQL Server Service Broker – Internal Activation

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SQL Server Service Broker (SSBS) is a new architecture that allows you to write asynchronous, decoupled, distributed, persistent, reliable, scalable and secure queuing/message-based applications within the database engine itself.

Using Schemas in SQL Server 2008

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

There are a number of very good reasons to use SQL Server Schemas, particularly for cloud applications.

SQL Server 2008 and 2008 R2 Integration Services - Starting Local Processes

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SQL Server 2008 R2 Integration Services offers a variety of methods that allow you to extend the range of its capabilities beyond those traditionally associated with data management.

Top 10 Transact-SQL Statements a SQL Server DBA Should Know

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Microsoft SQL Server is a feature rich database management system product, with an enormous number of T-SQL commands. With each feature supporting its own list of commands, it can be difficult to remember them all. MAK shares his top 10 T-SQL statements that a DBA should know.

How to Communicate Between SSBS Applications Across Instances

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Arshad Ali demonstrates how to verify the SQL Server Service Broker (SSBS) configuration when both the Initiator and Target are in different SQL Server instances, how to communicate between them and how to monitor the conversation.

Column-Level Encryption in SQL Server

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Beginning with SQL Server 2005, column-level encryption and decryption capabilities were made available within the database, providing a solution for situations where one-off types of data need to be secured beyond your existing authorization, authentication or firewall settings. This article provides an overview and example of securing a column using native SQL Server cryptography functions.

SQL Server: Natural Key Verses Surrogate Key

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

When designing a database to support applications you need to consider how you are going to handle primary keys. This article explores natural and surrogate keys, and discusses the pros and cons of each, allowing you to determine what makes the best sense in your environment when you are designing your databases.

Re-generating SQL Server Logins

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SQL Server stores all login information on security catalog system tables. By querying the system tables, SQL statements can be re-generated to recover logins, including password, default schema/database, server/database role assignments, and object level permissions. A comprehensive permission report can also be produced by combining information from the system metadata.

SSIS Script Task and Microsoft Office Automation

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

While using Microsoft Office Excel to store a variety of semi-structured data tends to be more economical and convenient than SQL Server, it lacks data mining and data warehousing capabilities. This article explores importing spreadsheets onto SQL Server and taking advantage of Office Automation through managed code running inside a Script Task.

Unit Testing SQL Server Objects in Visual Studio 2010

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Money, time and effort can be saved by finding bugs sooner rather than later. Database unit testing has not enjoyed the same level of unit testing that application development has; however, an increase in tools has begun to change that. Deanna Dicken provides a look at database unit testing development within Visual Studio 2010.

Writing SSBS Applications Across Instances - Getting Environments Ready

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SQL Server Service Broker (SSBS) allows you to write asynchronous, decoupled, distributed, persistent, reliable, scalable and secure queuing/message based applications within the database itself. Arshad Ali shows you how to write an SSBS application when the Initiator and Target are in two different databases on two different SQL Server instances.

Data Archiving, Purging and Retrieval Methods for Enterprises

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Enterprise growth leads to information explosion and vice versa. With various types of archiving, purging and retrieval methods available, the question becomes, 'What are the advantages/disadvantages in archiving and purging data.' Read on to learn the pros and cons of the different methods.

Accessing Excel Via ADO.NET Using SSIS Script Task

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

SSIS offers a variety of ways to access Excel-based data. The most popular ones are straightforward to implement, but have limited flexibility. If you find their feature set too restrictive, consider leveraging functionality built into the Microsoft OLE DB provider.

Business Intelligence Terminology 101

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Turning data into information and information into knowledge for the purposes of insight and fact-based decision support is the purpose of business intelligence. When delving into business intelligence for the first time, there are some important terms to understand. Deanna Dicken walks through some of the basic terminology needed to get you started.

Tuning Your ERP System for DB2

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Poor performance or response time could mean that your ERP system needs tuning. Here are some things to look at.

Top 10 DB2 Support Issues

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Here are 10 DB2 disasters - and how to avoid them.

Monitoring an ERP Application in DB2 for z/OS

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Monitoring an ERP application suite involves using several basic measurement techniques - and separating ERP package performance measures from those of other applications.

A Guide to Better Risk Management for DB2 LUW DBAs

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 05:00:00 +0100

IBM DB2 DBAs intuitively deal with risk identification and management every day, yet they may still be impacted by risk management in ways that they may not recognize. Rebecca Bond discusses seven steps to help DB2 LUW DBAs better understand Risk Management.

Data in Memory

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In-memory databases are becoming increasingly popular and an ever-more important factor in performance-critical activities such as stream processing and deep data analytics. Join Julian Stuhler as he delves into the world of in-memory databases: a technology that’s both reassuringly familiar and intriguingly novel at the same time.

DB2 for z/OS Database Recovery - Get it Right

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Database backup copies may not be enough to ensure data recoverability. The DBA must "bake" recoverability into the database design process; additionally, for current systems, the DBA needs to know whether current backup processes support recovery procedures that will meet application recovery objectives.

GRC 101 for DB2 LUW DBAs

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Rebecca Bond attended IOD recently where the "hall conversation" centered on Governance, Risk Management and Compliance (GRC) and the potential impact for DB2 DBAs. Read what she discovered as she researched answers to some basic GRC questions.

PureScale Performance Proven

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

DB2 for z/OS provides mainframe users with unmatched levels of resilience and scalability through technology known as data sharing. IBM announced that similar capabilities would be delivered for DB2 for LUW, in an optional facility dubbed pureScale. Read on to learn whether DB2 pureScale has met or exceeded expectations.

Dynamic SQL Performance Tuning Techniques for IBM DB2 z/OS

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Applications running with dynamic SQL are ever-increasing. Without some methods to contain the onslaught of queries, performance drops and phone calls increase. What can a DBA do to remain sane and avoid a visit from the head of IT?

Understanding IBM DB2 DB2SET

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Despite the fact that db2set has been around for a while, it seems that db2set is not always well understood. According to IBM’s documentation, the IBM DB2 Profile Registry command (db2set) allows for centralized control of environmental variables. Read on to learn more...

Let's Do the Time Warp: Temporal Data Comes To IBM DB2

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0100

A couple of months ago, I included DB2's new temporal data capabilities as one of my "Top 10 IBM Data Management Trends for 2010". As DB2 10 for z/OS is now Generally Available, we're going to dig into this popular new feature in a little more detail in this month's column.

Performance Tune IBM DB2 z/OS Applications using Resource Constraint Analysis

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0100

For the DB2 for z/OS professional the two most common systems tuning scenarios are tuning a DB2 data sharing group or tuning a series of application SQL statements. The data sharing group environment can involve multiple hardware installations and many other cross-system features and functions such as coupling facilities and management policies. Resource constraint analysis is a useful tool in both situations.

Top 10 IBM Information on Demand Inspirations

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Rebecca Bond returns from IBM's Information on Demand (IOD) Conference with a Top 10 list from the DB2 LUW sessions and some other interesting insights on the conference.

IBM Shakes Up Data Warehousing Market

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0100

IBM has been on the acquisition trail again, and this time it was Netezza's turn to take the call. In this month's column, we'll take a look at some of the possible implications of the purchase, as well as rounding up a couple other significant announcements around pureScale and DB2 for z/OS.

Logical and Physical Locking in IBM DB2 for z/OS

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Many DBAs and analysts are confused by the variety of serialization mechanisms used by IBM DB2 for z/OS to ensure data consistency and maintain concurrency control. Understanding logical and physical locking can help you better understand and improve application and system performance.

IBM DB2 LUW Database Hardening with Data Classification and LBAC

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0100

IBM DB2 LUW Label Based Access Control (LBAC) provides a robust security protection that is too seldom used. Join Rebecca Bond as she provides some tips you can use to harden your databases with LBAC and Data Classification.

Top 5 New DB2 10 for z/OS Features Aimed at SAP Applications

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 04:00:00 +0100

As IBM draws ever nearer to announcing an availability date for DB2 10 for z/OS, the list of new features has solidified. This months article examines the top five features aimed specifically at SAP applications running under DB2 for z/OS.

How an IBM DB2 LUW DBA Prepared for the OCA Exam

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Can an IBM DB2 DBA learn Oracle? Follow one DB2 DBA as she prepares to take the Oracle Certified Associate Examination.

The Effect of Function Invocation on SQL Query Performance in IBM DB2

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Function use is common in IBM DB2 SQL. However, use and misuse of functions can affect query access paths and performance. Here are a few tips to help you tune IBM DB2 queries and avoid using functions that consume precious CPU resources.

IBM DB2 LUW Security Helps DBAs Beat the Odds

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:00:00 +0100

IBM DB2 DBAs fight many security battles, but they don't have to fight them alone. Rebecca Bond, the IBM DB2 Locksmith, shares five tips to help DB2 LUW DBAs beat the database security odds.

IBM DB2 for z/OS V8: The End Is Nigh

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Despite the traditional news dead zone as many people take a well-earned summer holiday, this month has seen a couple of interesting announcements from IBM which will impact many of us over the next year or two.

Tuning an IBM DB2 for z/OS Application: CPU Constraints

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0100

When involved in application performance tuning, the database administrator usually concentrates on reducing elapsed times or I/O waits. Too often, the CPU is forgotten, perhaps because of recent advances in CPU speeds, parallelism, and specialty processors.

With IBM DB2 9.7, Change is Easy

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0100

IBM DB2 database administrators can now rename a column without the need to unload, drop, rebuild, reload and re-grant on the table. Rebecca Bond introduces AUTO_REVAL, a recent addition to IBM DB2 configuration options.

IBM DB2 pureScale: The Next Big Thing or a Solution Looking for a Problem?

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0100

In October 2009, IBM announced that some rather neat technology known as data sharing would be delivered for the IBM DB2 for Linux, Unix and Windows product, in an optional facility dubbed pureScale. Julian Stuhler takes a closer look at this technology and the possible implications for the entire IBM DB2 world.

How DBAs Can Tune Distributed IBM DB2 Applications

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Many critical business applications now execute in an environment separate from that of the enterprise database server. The database administrator often finds monitoring and performance tuning of these "distributed" applications to be especially difficult. This article looks at common performance issues of distributed applications and presents advice to assist the IBM DB2 database administrator in mitigating performance problems.

Make Your Site's RSS Feed Shine

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0100

RSS is a way of life these days, but there's no reason your site's RSS feed needs to look like it was written by a computer. Sure, in order for an RSS feed to be read by most RSS readers it needs to be valid XML, but who says you have to stop there?

An Introduction to XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language)

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0100

XBRL (short for eXtensible Business Reporting Language) is an XML-based standard for handling corporate financial information. This article explains what XBRL is, provides an introduction to some of it's uses, and provides links to a number of XBRL related resources for you to continue learning about XBRL.

Converting Data to XML with LINQ to XML

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Sometimes when you have all kinds of data what you really need is XML. LINQ to XML let's you employ functional construction to convert your data into XML.

Exploring HTML 5 Forms

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0100

One of the major initial goals of the HTML 5 effort was to update the core HTML form elements to reflect more contemporary thinking. Find out how well the HTML 5 specification has fulfilled that goal so far.

Build an AJAX Content Management System with Visual WebGUI: Adding Menu Components

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Menus are basic components of any application. A well-designed menuing framework should be flexible, customizable for both look-and-feel and functionality, and easy to integrate into applications.

Introducing PowerBuilder 12 .NET

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0100

A dormant giant gets a new lease on life as a .NET-compatible development environment.

Quick C# Project Documentation in Visual Studio

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Here's a quick way to document your .NET projects.

Using RDFa with DITA and DocBook

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Learn how to add RDFa metadata to DITA and DocBook documents, how to keep those documents valid, and what advantages this technique can bring to a DITA- or DocBook-based publishing system.

WPF Wonders: Transformations (and Robots!)

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 04:00:00 +0100

WPF's transformations make it easy to move, scale, or rotate objects, and simplify building complex moveable 3D shapes.

WPF Wonders: 3D Drawing with Textures, Transformations, and Realism

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:00:00 +0100

To build realism into 3D scenes, you need to draw with the appropriate materials—and transformations help make the drawing process much simpler.

WPF Wonders: 3D Drawing

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:00:00 +0100

WPF makes drawing three-dimensional scenes quick and easy.

Building Declarative WCF Services in .NET 4.0

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Building WCF services declaratively in XAML lets you integrate services with workflows and provides flexibility that identical services implemented in code cannot.

XML and .NET Namespaces Collide in XAML

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Namespace can get a little confusing these days, thankfully Bill Hatfield is here to help clear things up.

Use Cases Dictate How You Adopt the Semantic Web

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Designing Semantic Web applications involves a much more sophisticated and forward-thinking set of use cases than traditional web applications do. Find out why.

Android XML Parser Performance

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Shane Conder will show us how different XML parsers affect performance with Android and the answers might surprise you. The article provides developers with data for choosing a particular XML parser and Android code that demonstrates all three parsers.

Web ServicesNot Always the Best Solution

Thu, 28 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Did XML, SOAP, and web services really save the world?

Going Beyond XML Manipulation with Apache AXIOM

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Explore how to process Axiom and how to serialize Axiom into an output stream. Also learn to use the Axiom APIs for processing SOAP.

XML Manipulation with Apache AXIOM

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Apache AXIOM (AXis2 Object Model) is a pull-based, XML Infoset-compliant object model that supports on-demand building of the object tree. Learn the basis of Axiom and how to use it.

Take the Pain out of Creating Word Documents by Using C# and XML

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Learn how to create Word documents in your application without using Office Interop or third-party libraries.

LINQ to XML

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Gain an understanding of LINQ (Language Integrated Query) to XML and see why you'll never want to use the DOM again.

XSL Transformations in .NET 2.0

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Having realized the need for efficient built-in support for XSLT processing, Microsoft has included in the .NET Framework 2.0 a set of classes that are highly optimized, robust, and scalable. This article will explore the rich XSLT support provided by the .NET Framework 2.0 by providing examples on how to use the XSLT related classes to create rich ASP.NET Web applications.

Internet Happenings -- December 4th, 2001

Tue, 04 Dec 2001 05:00:00 +0100

Check out what is happening: SQL Server hit with a virus, Terahertz CPUs, a new version of Opera, Exchange Server is being replaced, and more. Find out who took the number one super-computer spot away from IBM! Start December off with Jon Yiesla and information about happenings on the Web that may impact developers.

Book Review: JScript.NET Programming

Wed, 28 Nov 2001 05:00:00 +0100

Is this book for you? Check out Jim Maioriello's review of this new book by Essam Ahmed on JScript.NET.

Views from Abroad: XML Pipelines and Delta XML

Mon, 26 Nov 2001 05:00:00 +0100

A U.K.-based company uses XML to replicate the advantages of a pipeline in handling complex datasets. It is a simple tool, useful for such tasks as Java regression testing and version control, but the few tricks it does, it does well, according to our columnist.

UDDI Project Launches Next Version of UDDI Business Registry

Mon, 26 Nov 2001 05:00:00 +0100

Enhanced features for building public and private Web services registries now available.

Iron Speed Designer: Web App Development Made Easy

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Database Journal columnist Danny Lesandrini calls Iron Speed Designer 'without a doubt, the most ingenious product I've ever reviewed.'

Use the Cloud to Manage License Key Authentication

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 05:00:00 +0100

As Access developers begin thinking in terms of "the Cloud", all sorts of possibilities open up. Things that used to be hard, like managing licenses for your home grown software apps, are simplified by employing online database services.

Exploring the Access 2010 Interface

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

This excerpt, extracted from Microsoft Access 2010 Inside Out packs hundreds of time-saving solutions, troubleshooting tips, and workarounds, all in concise, fast-answer format.

Book Review: Access Solutions Tips, Tricks and Secrets

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Microsoft Access 2010 is a significant release. It's the version that developers will start to use in earnest and they're going to benefit from a little guidance. Access Solutions Tips, Tricks and Secrets from Microsoft Access MVPs will help you get the most out of Microsoft Access 2010.

Microsoft Access Code Snippets and Other Useful Bits

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Over the course of some years, a programmer collects useful code snippets into a library for reuse. Danny Lesandrini shares a few of his indispensable Microsoft Access code snippets, a few interesting ones and one dangerous one.

Leveraging Data Macro in Microsoft Access 2010

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Finally, Microsoft Access developers have a version of table triggers at their disposal. Follow along as Danny Lesandrini walks through an example of implementing a Data Macro in Access 2010.

9 New Features in Access 2010

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Read along as we count down the newest and hottest features in Microsoft Access 2010 and take a look at how they work.

Book Review: Access 2010 Programmer's Reference

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Back in June we evaluated four great Access 2010 books that had just been released. There's now another volume available written especially for programmers. Danny Lesandrini peeks inside to see if this book lives up to its name.

Top 10 Productivity Tips for Microsoft Access 2010

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Are you just getting used to working in Microsoft Access 2010? Danny Lesandrini shares some tips on how to work around the annoyance factor of the new format and increase your productivity.

Exploring Relational Database Theory and Practice

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Microsoft Access 2010 has a collection of wizards to lead you step-by-step through each process involved in developing and using a production-grade database application. ' Exploring Relational Database Theory and Practice ' is extracted from ' Microsoft Access 2010 In Depth', published by Que.

Migrating your Access/SQL Server App to the Cloud

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Have you ever wanted to share your Microsoft Access application to users outside of your LAN? Typically, this means either rewriting it as a Web application or implementing replication but the Cloud changes all that. The following article will show you simple steps to moving your Microsoft Access database to the Cloud.

A Microsoft Access Developer's Path to Dot Net

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0100

One Microsoft Access developer's search for an exit path from Access into .Net development led him to Microsoft Silverlight and MVC2. If you're serious about adding technologies to your toolkit, are looking for a web solution or just something new, Silverlight or MVC2 might be it.

Getting Up To Speed With Microsoft Access 2010

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Danny Lesandrini scopes out a bundle of newly released books geared towards getting you up to speed quickly with Microsoft Access 2010.

Book Review: The Excel Analyst's Guide to Access

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0100

The 'Excel Analyst's Guide to Access' is especially good for Excel users who need an introductory but aggressive tutorial into the world of Microsoft Access. Read on to find out why Danny Lesandrini decided to keep this particular book in his own personal library.

Microsoft Access File Backup and Maintenance Options

Mon, 03 May 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Backup and recovery solutions for Microsoft Access abound. Danny Lesandrini shares some of the utilities he has collected over the years and what he finds practical to use on a daily basis.

Microsoft Access Small Business Solutions

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Microsoft Access Small Business Solutions, published by Wiley, proves that Microsoft Access can be used to create valuable business solutions in theory and in practice by providing both the reasoning for the database design and the databases themselves in the CD that accompanies the book.

Microsoft Access: Business Intelligence on a Shoestring

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Learn how to deliver dynamic content by building a meaningful Business Intelligence Application, utilizing only what is available on the client's desktop, when a Data Warehouse BI Application, SQL Server and SSIS/SSRS aren't an option.

SQL Server 2008 : Accessing Audit Details

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Learn how to use the SQL Server 2008 catalog view and dynamic management view to access the audit details of existing server and database level audits.

T-SQL Equivalents for Microsoft Access VBA Functions

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

If you need to migrate your Access application to SQL Server, don't count on The SQL Server Upsize Wizard in Microsoft Access to automatically convert your VBA functions. If you want to push the complex query processing done by your Access queries to the back end, you'll have to rewrite them in T-SQL.

Top 10 Reasons Why Access Still Rocks for Developers

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Microsoft Access is fun, but it is also powerful and more importantly, it has a place in the development community and in the real world of production applications. What follows are the top 10 reasons why Danny Lesandrini believes this is still true.

Working with external text files in MS Access

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0100

It's possible to treat a text file as a data table, and use the standard approaches to dealing with tables, which is a major advantage in that you can use SQL to filter the text in the file. Doug Steele shows you how.

Extending the InputBox function for MS Access Forms

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100

While it's not possible to change the behavior of the InputBox function, this article illustrates how to create your own Access form that includes a text box with its InputMask property set to Password, and then use that form instead of the one generated by the VBA InputBox function.

Reporting what's not there

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0100

It's easy to write queries that will show data in the database that matches a criteria. However, if no data in the database matches the criteria, it becomes more difficult. This article examines two different scenarios where it's necessary to create data in order to be able to report zero values in queries.

Bulk-Batch Email From Microsoft Access

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0100

If your users collect email addresses in a database, odds are before long, someone's going to get it into their head to send out an email "blast" or batch. There are several approaches, but what you really need is an engine to send individualized emails, one at a time...

Uses for Cartesian Products in MS Access

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Less well known than inner and outer joins is the Cartesian product, which produces every possible combination of records between the two tables. Doug Steele offers four examples to demonstrate some legitimate uses for Cartesian products.

AWS Launches Cloud-Based NoSQL Database

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

DynamoDB offers developers easy access to a fast, reliable, scalable NoSQL option.

Math Gets Sexy

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Enterprises need a lot more developers who understand applied mathematics.

How to Create a WCF Service Running on Windows Azure

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Windows Azure offers a plethora of programming modes to harness the power of cloud computing. In this article, we explore how to create a WCF service running on Windows Azure.

MySQL Database Creation with CASE Tools

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Find out why using CASE tools to create MySQL databases can increase your development speed and productivity.

Exploring the Windows Azure Toolkit for Android

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Microsoft is working hard to improve adoption of its cloud computing platform. To tap into non-Windows markets, it has released toolkits for both iOS and Android. In this article, we explore the offerings of the Windows Azure Toolkit for Android.

Heroku Launches Database as a Service

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Salesforce.com has added a PostgreSQL-based database to its cloud development offerings.

VMware Previews Cloud Data Migration Tool

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Caldecott makes it easier to move application data between Cloud Foundry clouds.

Hadoop for Data Analytics: Implementing a Weblog Parser

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

How does Hadoop handle big data? Really well, actually. Find out exactly how by implementing a Hadoop-based log parser.

Oracle Debuts NoSQL Database

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Developers can now download Oracle's first NoSQL offering.

Apache Releases Cassandra 1.0

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The popular NoSQL database is ready for enterprise use.

Google Adds a Relational Database to App Engine

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Google Cloud SQL will make it easier to deploy SQL-based applications in the cloud.

Oracle Launches Public Cloud

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CEO Larry Ellison takes a swipe at Salesforce.com.

LexisNexis Releases Code for Its Hadoop-Killer

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

You can now download the High Performance Computing Cluster (HPCC) code from Github.

VMware Announces New Database as a Service Offering

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

VMware's vFabric Data Director aims to make it easier to control "database sprawl."

NoSQL Databases Reinvent the Data Store

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Today's new applications require faster, highly scalable databases.

Getting Started with Google Analytics on Android

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The Google Analytics SDK for Android allows you to track user activity and generate useful statistics about your Android apps. Learn how to set up and use this SDK.

HP Opens Up Vertica Database with New SDK

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Developers can now write their own methods to call data directly from the database.

NewSQL: The Relational Model Meets Distributed Architectures

Tue, 10 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Research firm The 451 Group coins "NewSQL" to categorize a new breed of database designed for distributed environments -- like the cloud.

QMetry Leverages BI-based Reporting to Improve SDLC

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100

QA and the SDLC require superb reporting. To meet that need, test case management vendor QMetry has embedded Jaspersoft's JasperReports into its reporting and business intelligence (BI) engine.

Exploring the Windows Azure Marketplace

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Cloud developers are excited about the business opportunities the Microsoft Windows Azure platform presents. This article discusses the business opportunities Windows Azure offers to developers in the form of the Windows Azure Marketplace.

How to Read Environment Variables in SQL Server Using T-SQL

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The xp_cmdshell extended stored procedure in SQL Server enables you to read environment variables in T-SQL.

Non-Oracle MySQL Fork Deemed Ready for Prime Time

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Drizzle debuts its first general availability (GA) release.

How to Debug Microsoft Windows Azure Applications

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100

It is imperative that cloud developers using Windows Azure familiarize themselves with the practice of debugging applications which are not hosted in-premise. Learn about the debugging methodologies that can be used for cloud application debugging.

Microsoft Windows Azure Development Primer: Getting the Tools Ready

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Azure, the cloud computing platform from Microsoft, is garnering a lot of developer interest. To start developing Microsoft Windows Azure applications, you need to have a toolset ready. This article describes how to get the development tools you'll need to get started.

Oracle Releases Java Mobile Development Framework

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The Oracle Application Development Framework (ADF) Mobile Client aims to ease the creation of apps for industrial devices.