I have been using StackOverflow to figure out my out coding issues for the last couple of years. But it wasn't until I was doing a powershell script that I learned about the other sites that stackoverflow has its hands on.  Check out the other sites for some awesome information.

Your probably already familiar with Stack Overflow if your a developer.  This site is one of the best sites out there for finding a solution to a problem that you have been struggling over.  I've used it to look up a simple css question or to find out how to get a powershell script working. 

Stack Overflow doesn't stop there.  They have a lot of sister sites out there.  Something to take a look at:

• Stack Apps
• Server Fault
• Super User
  
• Area 51
  
• Meta Stack OverFlow

While I usually use Uncle Google to get a lot of my answers.  Stack Overflow always finds a way into my ToolBox.  Let me know your thoughts, leave a comment.

Working on a current solution to an SSIS issue, I came across this solution on Stack Overflow.  It wasn't the exact solution I was looking for but pointed me in the right direction. 

Watch this Video from Expert Exchange where Tim Chapman speaks about writing faster SQL Queries.

Some of the things convered in this Video:

• Look at how to write efficient queries and how not to write effecient queries.
• Learn how to handle dates in the where clause to get more efficient queries.
• Take a look at parameter sniffing.
• Learn to use the executionplan to see how your sql queries are performing.  Then learn ways to improve areas that can speed up the performance of your queries.

Jakob Nielsen created the Ten Usability Hueristics.  Watch this video to gain a quick understanding of what these ten steps are and how you can begin using them in your daily tasks as a developer.

1. Visibility of System Status
2. Match Between System and The Real World
3. User Control and Freedom
4. Consistency and Standards
5. Error Prevention
6. Recognition or Recall
7. Flexibility and Efficency of Use
8. Aesthetic and Minimalist Design
9. Help Users Recognize, Diagnose and Recover from Errors.
10. Help and Documentation

Are you using sp_who or sp_who2?  Learn what your SQL Server is doing performance wise using an alterntaive to sp_who or sp_who2.  Who Is Active is a free tool that can help manage your server. 

Get WhoIsActive and try it out today.

I've recently benn introduced to SSIS and have had to quickly get up to speed to solve a problem with an SSIS package.

Check out this Video.  It is a great introduction to see what you need to develop SSIS and also explain what SSIS is and examples that you can use in your projects.

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