About Michael Ritacco

Author Archive | Michael Ritacco

Using SQL Sprocket to generate TSQL Stored Procedures

By on June 30, 2012 in Database Development, SQL Server

SQL Sprocket is an open source template-based code generating tool designed specifically for SQL Server Database Developers. I have been using this tool for years to enforce standards, reduce errors, and quickly generate any stored procedures required by my development projects.

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Generate dynamic columns using a single variable for PIVOT

By on June 25, 2012 in Database Development, SQL Server

I came across this very handy way of dynamically formatting and converting tables rows into columns for a PIVOT statement. No CURSOR or CTE is required, just a single variable. Run the example against a SQL 2012 instance and you will get the idea.

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Master Advanced PL/SQL concepts with “Oracle Advanced PL/SQL Developer Professional Guide”

By on April 3, 2012 in Announcements & News, Database Development

The Oracle Advanced PL/SQL Developer Professional Guide helps you to master the advanced PL/SQL concepts in Oracle 11g. The book aims to be a sure selection for the Associate level Oracle professionals aspiring for Professional level. The topics covered and demonstrated are in line with the Oracle University prescription for Oracle Professional certification, which justify the [...]

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What is a Database?

By on January 1, 2012 in Database Administration, Database Development, Oracle Database, SQL Server

For the technical purpose of database developers and administrators, a database is simply a collection of operating system files. Database files are normally stored in a proprietary binary format that can only be mounted by an instance of the relational database software that created them. The purpose of the database instance is to manage and deliver [...]

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Looking forward to SQL Server 2012

By on January 1, 2012 in SQL Server

I finally got around to installing SQL Server 2012 RC 0 on VMware Fusion 4 yesterday. Like a kid on Christmas, I started looking for the enhancements that do not get much marketing attention, but will improve my development workflow or put an end to some administration pains. This is what I found so far: [...]

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Introduction to Oracle Exadata V2

By on October 1, 2011 in Database Administration, General, Oracle Database

This post came out of the difficulty to find the information needed to prepare myself for a week long Exadata proof of concept I have scheduled next month at the Oracle Technology Center  in Menlo Park. The topics listed below should confirm your suspicion that there is significant learning and study required to understand Exadata. [...]

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Google Malware Warning

By on September 4, 2011 in Announcements & News

The dbanotes.com site was a recent victim of a published security vulnerability found in the framework our WordPress theme leverages, and as a result, may have been advertising malware to visitors. While we applied the security patch as quickly as possible, we were unfortunately attacked prior to the security patch being published. However, we take [...]

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Oracle 11g Pivot Functions

By on September 4, 2011 in Database Development, Oracle Database

Data mining, processing and its presentation are the key activities in a production environment. The views and analytic integrals of the information through multiple spectacles can help in better business forecasting and strategic implementations. This innovative exercise of creating varying views might involve aggregation, data transposing, or cross tabulation reporting. Data Pivoting, one of the [...]

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Oracle Server Process

By on December 4, 2010 in Oracle Database

Server Process A server process handles the connection to the database on behalf of the client program and performs one or more of the following: Parse and run SQL statements and PL/SQL issued through the application/client. Read necessary data blocks from datafiles on disk into the shared database buffers of the SGA. Return results in such [...]

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Oracle Software Code Area

By on December 4, 2010 in Oracle Database

Software Code Areas Oracle code is stored in a software area that is typically at a different location from users’ programs. Software areas are read only, usually static in size,  and can be installed shared or nonshared. When possible, Oracle code is shared so that all Oracle users can access it without having multiple copies [...]

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