Yes yes, I know it was a while ago now, but here are five things I picked up from the various sessions at SQLBits last month, and talking to the speakers afterwards.
If you’re using MS SQL 2005, upgrade to 2008
The default settings in MS SQL 2005 are a bit rubbish, to say the least. So if you can, upgrade to 2008. If you can’t, make sure to disable the admin user. There are also other settings and services that should be disabled if you aren’t using them.
Log all login attempts: even successful ones
You never know when you’ll get a disgruntled admin or user. I’ve even gone as far as logging whenever something has been removed from the database (such as a product) at the application level, although this isn’t as necessary.
Use the correct data type
By selecting the wrong datatype you could be wasting more space than you realise. Small things such as using an integer instead of a bit to store a flag can make all the difference
Use specific data for testing
Never use empty data: run your test with specific data and then roll back.
Pester your DBA
If you notice a lag in your application, then pester your DBA and ask him to run a trace. He’ll love you for it, and it will help you improve your SQL where there are problems
Thankyou
A big thankyou to the organisers, speakers, and volunteers at SQLbits who made it a great conference