> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://nolongerset.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Throwback Thursday: September 18, 2025
- URL: https://nolongerset.com/throwback-thursday-2025-09-18/
- Published: 2025-09-19T03:13:49.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-08T12:47:00.000Z
- Description: In this week's edition of Throwback Thursday, we explore the value of Abbreviation columns in lookup tables, how to automate populating them, and why they improve your apps.
- Author: Mike Wolfe
- Tags: Throwback Thursday, #Import 2026-05-20 02:59

*With over a million words scattered across more than 1,500 articles on this blog, you've probably missed a few things here.*

*That’s why each week in "Throwback Thursday," we’ll revisit some standout posts. Expect a blend of my personal favorites, insightful articles from other great minds, and a touch of coding humor to keep things light.*

---

## Highlights from NoLongerSet.com

### The What

[Abbreviations in Lookup TablesOne way to boost the signal-to-noise ratio on your continuous forms is to use abbreviations rather than full descriptions for lookup tables.![](https://nolongerset.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/09/NLS_Icon_square.png)No Longer SetMike Wolfe![](https://nolongerset.com/content/images/2022/05/Lookup-Table-Abbreviations.jpg)](https://nolongerset.com/abbreviations-in-lookup-tables/)

### The How

[SQL Server “Codify” FunctionThis function will jump-start the process of converting long descriptions into meaningful abbreviations. It’s great for creating “Code” columns in lookup tables.![](https://nolongerset.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/09/NLS_Icon_square.png)No Longer SetMike Wolfe![](https://nolongerset.com/content/images/2022/05/Codify-Function.jpg)](https://nolongerset.com/sql-server-codify-function/)

### The Why

[Signal vs. NoiseMy approach to software development in four words: Less noise. More signal.![](https://nolongerset.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/09/NLS_Icon_square.png)No Longer SetMike Wolfe![](https://nolongerset.com/content/images/2020/10/signal-vs-noise-v2-twitter-1.png)](https://nolongerset.com/signal-vs-noise/)

## Developer Humor

> [hotfixSuccessfullyApplied](https://www.reddit.com/r/ProgrammerHumor/comments/1ndsgdd/hotfixsuccessfullyapplied/)  
> by [u/jessie3334](https://www.reddit.com/user/jessie3334/) in [ProgrammerHumor](https://www.reddit.com/r/ProgrammerHumor/) 

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