It was very cool to come back to Syracuse for the first SQL Saturday. It was neat for me, since I used to live here, Shaw Residence Hall at Syracuse University:
In any case, the slides for my talk are here: Branding Yourself for a Dream Job.pptx
If you have questions, please reach out to me or leave a comment below.
On my new laptop, I only use containers as database servers. I made the decision not to install SQL Server or PostgreSQL and instead work on containers only. I’ve written lightly about this, but I set up docker-compose files to load different instances of SQL Server and PostgreSQL (and others) and batch files to start and stop them. I’ve also set dedicated places on my disk where I can drop backup files and access them from the host.
It’s 2024. I moved to containers on my laptop exclusively for databases for the first time this year. This is despite the fact that I like containers, am comfortable with them, and find them handy. Moving from installed database server software to containers took a conscious effort, and it took time to configure everything. Really, it took me a bit of time to think about how I’d want to configure my system so that my work in SSMS went smoothly.
I saw an blog recently from Microsoft on some of the devcontainer work they’ve done. I talked with a few people, who showed me how easy this was to do in ADS or VS Code and ensure your database was included as a part of your project. On one hand I was impressed. On the other, I don’t see many people with projects in ADS/VS Code and the need to spin up/down containers and connect through that tool. Plus, how easy is it to get connected with SSMS or another tool to the container?
If there is any friction in using a new technology, most of us won’t adopt it. Even if we’re forced, we’ll be upset (and less productive) for quite some time if using something is a hassle. I believe in containers, but spinning one up from go-sqlcmd is far different from easily being able to grab a backup file from a friend and get it restored.
While I see lots of companies where developers are excited to use containers, I see relatively few where containerized is the default, or even common, method of working with something. I see even fewer where containers are used for database work. Certainly some people use them, but not most.
Local installs, dev servers, and VMs seem to still be very common. They’re tried, true, and familiar, Most of us like things that are familiar and we fall back to them quickly.
Do you use containers for anything? Testing out software? Actual work? Are you even allowed to use Docker or something similar to run containers? Maybe less likely, but I’m curious, how many of you actually deploy containers in production and with what tech installed in the containers?
Let us know today. I think containers have lots of possibilities, but they haven’t caught on as quickly or widely as I would have thought. Primarily because of friction.
Steve Jones
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incidental contact high – n. an innocuous touch by someone just doing their job – a barber, yoga instructor, or friendly waitress – that you find more meaningful than you’d like to admit; a feeling of connection so stupefying simple it makes you wonder if aspiring novelists would be better off just offering people a hug.
This sounds like a word Snoop Dogg would come up with.
The power of human touch is amazing. As a younger man, I would sometimes embrace touch, or shy away, thinking that touch implied romance or sexual interest. I’ve grown past that.
I am a hugger, and I like to give long hugs. Those close to me know that sometimes I’ll hold on for 10 seconds, which is supposed to have health benefits. I agree, as I can often feel a sense of relaxation if I hold on for at least 5-6 seconds. Then it feels good.
One place this has really been noticeable for me is at yoga. Often class ends with a quiet time, all the students lying in shavasana, or corpse pose. Just laying on our backs, eyes closed, lights mostly out. A few of the teachers will bring a cold, damp washcloth around for each student. Most set this next to your head on one side.
One teacher specifically puts this on your forehead, laying it gently across your eyes and forehead. She also includes a touch. A firm press down for a second or two.
I’m amazed at how that touch is so meaningful, and when I don’t get it, how I miss it. It’s definitely an Incidental Contact High.
From the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows
The survey is out now and you can share your experiences for a chance at $250 in Amazon vouchers. No matter whether you think your org is great or not at managing databases, take the survey. Share some data.
Last year, we had nearly 4000 responses and all the information is available here: https://www.red-gate.com/solutions/entrypage/state-of-database-landscape-2024/
There were some interesting data points that came out of the survey. A few noticeable ones for me:
I’m looking forward to seeing the data from this year and if anything has changed.
Take the survey today and good luck winning $250.
Voice of the DBA 