Introducing SQL Server

Introducing SQL Server is a fast and easy introduction to SQL Server and the world of relational databases. You’ll learn how databases work and how to use the T-SQL language by practicing on one of the most widely-used and powerful database engines in the corporate world: Microsoft SQL Server.

Do you quake at the sight of a SELECT statement? Start to shiver when people start talking about tables and rows? Fear not, Introducing SQL Server is here to rescue you. The book focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to begin your journey toward becoming a solid and competent SQL Server professional and database programmer. You’ll learn the core concepts of SQL Server, from installing the software to executing and profiling queries.

Introducing SQL Server is aimed at SQL Server newcomers as well as at those wanting to improve their database skills. You’ll put a comprehensive database together as you work through the book. You will create tables and learn to use constraints; create reusable functions and stored procedures; and even learn how indexes work and what they bring in terms of increased performance. Introducing SQL Server shows you that databases don’t need to be difficult.

• Teaches you how to build a SQL Server database from scratch
• Takes a tutorial-based approach, with each chapter building on the last
• Covers what you need to know for common SQL Server development tasks

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: What Is SQL Server?
Chapter 2: Obtaining and Installing SQL Server
Chapter 3: Database Basics
Chapter 4: Tables
Chapter 5: Putting Good Tables Together
Chapter 6: Automating Deployment with SQLCMD
Chapter 7: NULLs and Table Constraints
Chapter 8: DML (or Inserts, Updates, and Deletes)
Chapter 9: Bulk Inserting Data
Chapter 10: Creating Data Import Scripts
Chapter 11: The SELECT Statement
Chapter 12: Joining Tables
Chapter 13: Views
Chapter 14: Indexes
Chapter 15: Transactions
Chapter 16: Functions
Chapter 17: Table-Valued Functions
Chapter 18: Stored Procedures—Part 1
Chapter 19: Stored Procedures—Part 2
Chapter 20: Bits and Pieces
Appendix A: SQL Data Types
Appendix B: Glossary
Appendix C: Common SQL Server System Objects
Appendix D: Exercises