Dynamic SQL Templates

I am sure that you have heard about SQL Templates by now, after all they have been around for a while. However, the scripting tasks have become a little more challenging with all the lovely new features of the latest version of SQL SERVER (2005). Therefore, the availability of the templates, and their effective exploitation, is even more important.

I sometimes give my students tasks to automate and allow them to use any features that exist on the server to aid them. Then I make sure they have the scripts to achieve the tasks by the end of the course, or soon after if it has been a particularly challenging class ;-)

I have found that taking the existing scripts and showing the students how you can make them dynamic adds a lot of value for a lot of the students. It also gives them lots of ideas of things they can do to help others back at work.

I will be including examples of some of these dynamic templates in future blogs as well. This is why:-

Firstly, as a value added element for the students that would have liked to have completed the extra exercises but didn't have time.

Secondly, to suggest further ways for the scripts to be extended, for the students that managed to complete the tasks during the course.

Lastingly, to ensure that both sets continue their learning process back at work and to feed the enthusiasm they often demonstrate back into their work environment.