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Cathrine Wilhelmsen

SSMS Results Grid Not Showing Ellipses

Earlier today, I ran into an interesting “feature” in the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) Results Grid.

During development, I found what appeared to be duplicate data. Uh-oh! I spent three hours debugging my query, looking into the underlying ETL, and doing all kinds of tests. I absolutely could not figure out what was wrong!

Then it hit me. Maybe my query was fine? Maybe the problem was how the results were displayed in the SSMS Results Grid? I tried expanding the columns. And sure enough. There it was. All my data, perfectly fine.

Facepalm.

After facepalming, I started laughing. One of my Norwegian phrases is “erre mulig!?” It roughly translates into an exasperated, humorous “how on earth is that possible!?” I kept laughing. And of course, I had to tweet about my fail of the day:

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SQL Data Partners Podcast – Is SSIS Still Relevant?

SQL Data Partners Podcast

In 2015, I was invited to record a SQL Data Partners podcast about Biml. This year, I got to do it all again, yay! :) I joined Jason Horner and our host Carlos L Chacon to discuss several data integration topics. Is SSIS still relevant? What is the difference between ETL and ELT? How is Azure Data Factory and Azure Databricks different from SSIS? How do patterns and frameworks fit into all of this? And much, much more :)

SQL Data Partners Podcast – Part 1

Moving data with SSIS is a forgone conclusion for most of us — it is part of SQL Server, it has a interface we are somewhat familiar with, and connects to lots of common data sources like csv, excel, and of course SQL Server. Are our needs changing as our environments become more hybrid — as we introduce cloud services? Are you still building packages the same way you were 10 years ago? Just as our data sources have grown, the capabilities needed to move data around have increased. This episode, with Jason Horner and Cathrine Wilhelmsen, challenges some of the thoughts around data movement and gives some things to think about as new tools are available to move data around.

Listen to Episode 144: Is SSIS still relevant? Part 1

SQL Data Partners Podcast – Part 2

In this episode we finish up our conversation with Jason and Cathrine and talk about how they keep up with all the changes in data conversions. The advent of Azure services is great, but can be tricky to navigate. We also get to hear Jason’s answers to the SQL Family questions.

Listen to Episode 145: Is SSIS still relevant? Part 2

Speaking at Microsoft Ignite 2018 (Twice!)

I am so happy and honored to have been invited to speak at Microsoft Ignite 2018! This year, I’m presenting two sessions focused on Azure Data Factory (ADF). The first is a 45-minute breakout session that I’m presenting with Jason Horner. The second is a 20-minute theater session that I’m presenting by myself :)

Cathrine Wilhelmsen Speaking At Microsoft Ignite 2018
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Don’t Repeat Your Biml – C# Extension Methods

Don't Repeat Your Biml - C# Extension Methods

In a previous blog post, we looked at how to use C#/VB Code Files in Biml. There are several benefits to moving custom C# code into separate files. It allows you to reuse that code across multiple projects and solutions. You can maintain the code in your editor of choice, taking advantage of intellisense and syntax highlighting. And finally, my personal favorite: you can create custom extension methods.

In this post, we will look at how to simplify our Biml projects by creating and using C# extension methods. We will build on the examples from the previous C#/VB Code Files in Biml blog post.

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Speaking at SQLGLA 2018

Cathrine Wilhelmsen is speaking at SQLGLA 2018

On Friday, September 14th, I will be speaking at SQLGLA 2018! This is the only free Data Platform community event in Scotland. I’m super excited about being part of it this year, and I can’t wait to visit Scotland for the first time :)

I will be presenting my Tools and Tips for Data Warehouse Developers session. This is a fast-paced beginner-level session where I share things I’ve learned over the years. Topics include features in SSMS and SQL Operations Studio, keyboard shortcuts, free tools and scripts, and of course – Biml!

SQLGLA 2018 Schedule

There are a total of 4 tracks and 24 sessions, so there should be something for everyone: PowerShell, Containers, R, Power BI, Azure Data Factory, SSAS… You name it. Just take a look at the full schedule!

(This will be a fun, friendly, and inclusive event, so please also read the Code of Conduct.)

In addition to speaking, I also signed up as a volunteer. I get to room monitor a few of the sessions that I was already planning to attend, yay! This is such an easy way to give back and help the organizers. If you have never volunteered before, I recommend giving it a go. Volunteering helped me get over my shyness, and got me into speaking! A community event like SQLGLA is the perfect place to start :)

Hope to see you at SQLGLA 2018!