SQLServerCentral.com 2014 Users Survey

We want to make sure we're covering the things that are relevant to you, so we're asking for some feedback on what you use on SSC, where we need to improve, and what you'd like to see.

It should only take a few minutes, and three randomly-selected people will win a $50 Amazon gift card for their efforts.

Granular or Cell Level Encryption in SQL Server

Arshad Ali demonstrates granular level encryption in detail and explains how it differs from Transparent Data Encryption (TDE).

Dynamic Management Views: Changes in SQL Server 2012

There were many new DMVs added in SQL Server 2012, and some that have changed since SQL Server 2008 R2. This is a brief overview of the biggest changes and what they mean to you!

SQL Bits - Telford, UK

SQL Bits is only two weeks away! Join us for the free community day on July 19th, there is also a paid-for pre-conference day on July 17, as well as a paid-for special training day on July 18. There are a whole host of great speakers, including Grant Fritchey, Steve Jones, and David Atkinson (and Brent Ozar, and Benjamin Nevarez, and Karen Lopez...you get the idea). Register while space is available.

SQL Server Tables - 11 Questions You Were Too Shy to Ask

There are some aspects of tables in SQL Server that a lot of people get wrong, purely because they seem so obvious that one feels embarrassed about asking questions. Robert Sheldon reckons that no questions about SQL Tables are off-limits, and deserve frank answers.

The myth of the ‘shared development model’

Phil Factor fluffs the feathers of the shared sandbox model of development.

Database Branching and Merging Strategies

Source control will allow you to maintain branches in the development of your database, but the subsequent merge isn't pain-free. How can the database developer support the rapid development and delivery of features in an application? Versioning, branching and merging is part of the solution, but what about the rest of the solution?

Database Permissions

Here is a short How To article on querying for permissions in a SQL Server database

Kill SPID (SQL Spackle)

How to find and kill a runaway or blocking session.

Finding SQL Server objects that reference invalid objects

Since many environments haven't committed to using a source control system, identifying mismatched objects can offer a challenge. Tim Smith offers a solution.