Category: T-SQL & Internals

  • SQL Server Error Severities Explained

    When SQL Server raises an error, it includes more than just a message. Every Database Engine error contains the following: Out of all of these, severity is the fastest way to understand how serious the issue is and who is likely responsible for fixing it. Severity levels range from 0 to 24 and indicate whether…

  • RAND() vs NEWID() in SQL Server

    Most people searching for “random numbers in SQL Server” want one of two things: SQL Server gives you two common tools for this: RAND() and NEWID(). They solve different problems, and confusion usually starts when they are treated as interchangeable. This post shows how to use both, starting with simple examples, and explains why they…

  • Understanding WHERE 1=1 and WHERE 1=2 in SQL Queries

    In SQL, you will often see queries written using WHERE 1=1 or WHERE 1=2. At first glance, both look pointless. One is always true, the other always false. In practice, both are deliberate patterns used for query construction and control, not filtering logic. They exist to make SQL safer, easier to manipulate, and more predictable…