22-25 April 2026 
SQLBits 2024
Let me show you why data types still matter
Selecting the right data types is still important. Let's see some examples of why!
When building a SQL Server database, the selection of the data types is, sometimes, neglected. Usually, until you get lots of data and/or more concurrency you may not notice any problems. This means that NVARCHAR(MAX) is okay, right?
We also have examples where while doing some math operations or even concatenating columns/variables you won't get the result you expect! You may think that SQL Server is buggy but actually, it's just doing its thing, in the way it works.
In 20 minutes we will go through some examples that hopefully will make you think twice next time you are deciding your data types.
We also have examples where while doing some math operations or even concatenating columns/variables you won't get the result you expect! You may think that SQL Server is buggy but actually, it's just doing its thing, in the way it works.
In 20 minutes we will go through some examples that hopefully will make you think twice next time you are deciding your data types.
Speakers
Cláudio Silva's other proposed sessions for 2026
Accelerating Query Store data analysis with sp_QuickieStore - 2026
dbatools - Wheel of Fortune - 2026
Performance of a T-SQL query - The mystery, the investigation and the root cause! - 2026
Cláudio Silva's previous sessions
Let me show you why data types still matter
Selecting the right data types is still important. Let's see some examples of why!
Writing T-SQL code for the engine, not for you "more demos" by popular demand
Often because of how quickly we want to write a T-SQL query we create more extra work for the engine.
People underestimate the power of rewriting a T-SQL query, but in the right cases, it will provide better performance.
Let's look at some scenarios where this is true!
Hear me out - Don't go offline because of your index deployment strategy
Want to avoid downtimes or big blocking operations when managing indexes on busy systems?
In this session, we will talk about some common problems that can lead to unexpected downtimes and how we could avoid them.
Lift and Shift with dbatools - Azure SQL Managed Instance edition
Migrating from On-Prem SQL Server to Azure SQL Managed Instance requires a set of pre-requirements that can become much easier if we can validate and repeat the steps needed.
No matter if it's an Offline or Online migration, dbatools can make your life easier.
Administrating SSRS without boring web based clicks
Automate SSRS management using Microsoft's PowerShell module