SQL Pocket Guide by Jonathan Gennick

Jonathan Gennick’s SQL Pocket Guide is a seamless guide any Database Admin or developer, expert or beginner alike, should have in their IT toolbox. I recall when I was in the university; I picked up a “learn SQL in 24 hours” book as a supplementary to our curriculum book. Had I had this pocket guide then, I would have most certainly struggled less. Most recently I been developing .Net applications to a Pervasive SQL Database, and even with years of Microsoft SQL Server experience, this reference book has been on my side.

SQL is a platform independent database language, this guide will provide guidance and examples for Oracle, DB2, SQL Server, MySQL and PostgreSQL. You can also download code sample for all the mentioned platforms. Moreover, the organization of the book will indicate platform specifics, for instance, Data types spans several pages to distinguish between the various database platforms.  The book is structured in alphabetical order by commands, this makes it easier for when you know you want to write a UNION but don’t remember the syntax, you’re sure to find it towards the end of the book. At times it may seem there are superfluous references to databases you don’t work with, nonetheless, it is a Pocket Book primarily for reference and I won’t hesitate in recommending it.

SQL Saturday #66, Colorado Springs

Ted Malone presenting on Application Lifecycle

This weekend was my first time at a SQL Saturday. SQL Saturday is a free, one day - Saturday, training event put together by volunteers and sponsors. The event is for IT professionals that deal with Microsoft SQL Server and want to learn more on the topics presented by speakers. This weekend, the Colorado Springs SQL Server User Group, along with some friends from Denver and sponsors, put on the very unique event.

This event in Colorado was held at an indoor family fun center, fully equipped with an indoor Go Kart race track, mini-golf, laser tag, video games and more. Attendees were provided with game cards at which we used at breaks to, well, compete with each other in these realms. It was a great method to be social with otherwise complete strangers sharing an interest in SQL Server that Saturday. Oh, did I mention the sessions on SQL Server.

The morning began with networking, an interesting meet and greet session to break the ice. Then the sessions began. There were 15 sessions put into three tracks, enough to overwhelm anyone, beginner or experienced alike. I was fortunate to attend sessions by Chris Randall, Meredith Ryan-Smith, Randy Knight and Ted Malone. I was also very happy to meet in person and make some new friends:

PASS Regional Mentor, TJay Belt

Bill Fellows | @billinkc
Chris Randall | @cfrandall
Meredith Ryan-Smith | @coffegrl
Randy Knight | @randy_knight
TJ Belt | @tjaybelt
Bill Pearson | @Bill_Pearson
Steve Jones | @way0utwest
Doug Lane | @douglane4
Kelly Martinez | @greeleygeek

Aside from this being my first SQL Saturday as an attendee, this was my first as a speaker as well. I took the liberty to present on the subject of SQL Server Security. I await to receive constructive criticism so I can improve as a speaker, and be able to present more on the subject. I also posted my slide deck on a previous post if interested. I can not compare to other SQL Saturdays as an attendee or speaker, but I will not forget the atmosphere, hockey theme, laser tag battles, mini-golf, new acquaintances and overall, fun.

Thank you to all the hard working organizers, volunteers and sponsors for putting on a great event.

Securing your SQL Server

Become aware of some commonly overlooked practices in securing you SQL Server databases. Learn about physical security, passwords, privileges and roles, restricting or disabling system stored procedures and preventative best practices. And most importantly, discuss the most commonly used security threat: SQL injection and learn how to prevent them.

Securing you SQL Server

View more presentations from Gabriel Villa.