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Joey Blue

You learned a little SQL, but you are ready to take the next step and really understand how databases work. Or maybe you are a complete beginner. Here’s a little secret. It’s not that complicated. That’s right. Databases are actually a very simple concept that starts with a simple Table just like a spreadsheet in Excel. Everything else in the database is built around this little concept of a table.

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You learned a little SQL, but you are ready to take the next step and really understand how databases work. Or maybe you are a complete beginner. Here’s a little secret. It’s not that complicated. That’s right. Databases are actually a very simple concept that starts with a simple Table just like a spreadsheet in Excel. Everything else in the database is built around this little concept of a table.

With a little SQL Server knowledge, you can retrieve data yourself. You can automate your reporting. You can help management find information and troubleshoot problems. You can even transfer this knowledge to Oracle and MySQL.

In this course, veteran consultant, Joey Blue, takes you through the essentials of SQL Server right through advanced topics such as backups, security, and indexes. This course is recommended for all business and IT professionals that want to advance their careers by understanding their corporate database.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • By the end of the course, you will have a foundation in sql server and the vocabulary and understanding to talk about and use sql server with confidence.
  • You will know how to navigate sql server management studio (ssms) to find database objects and business data.
  • You will understand how to take advantage of management studio to make you work faster and more efficient.
  • You will understand the different pieces in sql server. including, tables, views, stored procedures, security, backups, indexes and schemas to help you talk to dba's, programmers, it and to sound smart when you are speaking about databases.
  • You will know how to write sql statements to create, retrieve, update, and delete data.
  • You will be able to create basic views and stored procedures.
  • You will be able to filter, join, sort, and group data.
  • You will be able to create basic views, stored procedures, and functions.
  • You will have foundational knowledge in security, backups, and indexes
  • You will understand how all of these pieces work together in a database.

Syllabus

Foundation
Welcome to the SQL Training Academy's SQL Server Essentials Training Program.  This video is an overview of what you will be learning in your training.
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SQL Server Developer Edition is the free edition of SQL Server that you will use for this training.  I show you how to install SQL Server in this video.

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is the tool used to connect to a SQL Server database.  In this lecture I show you how to install SQL Server Management Studio.

The SqlTrainingOnlineSimpleDB is a small practice database that you will use throughout your training.  It is designed to make your learning easier by using small tables.  In this video, I demonstrate how to install this database in step-by-step instructions.

AdventureWorks is a practice database that Microsoft supports for training and demonstrations of their products.  It is hosted on GitHub, https://github.com/Microsoft/sql-server-samples/tree/master/samples/databases/adventure-works.  I use this database for demonstration purposes in a couple of videos, so it is optional for most of the training and you can skip this lecture and come back later if needed.

In this video, I walk you through the process of installing/restoring this database from a backup.  The backup files are located on GitHub, https://github.com/Microsoft/sql-server-samples/releases/tag/adventureworks.  You will use the backup with the same year as the SQL Server version you are using for this training.

In this lesson, we will looking into the Group By Clause that allows you to order your result set.  This is used for many purposes, but I often use it when I'm analyzing a dataset.

rd party systems I have worked with they do just that. In this lesson, I will give you an example of a lookup using a Function and we will also explore how you can call a user created function. Even if you never write a Function in a production system, understanding their structure will help you understand and decipher the data you are working with.
With all of the credit card and identity theft you hear about in the news, it is even more important than ever to understand the security mechanisms that are available. I draw diagrams of 6 levels of security that you can use to keep the information in your database secure.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Suited for those who already have an understanding of SQL and want to learn more about SQL databases. Also appropriate for absolute beginners
Provides a solid foundation to help students understand the vocabulary and concepts important to SQL
Walks through SQL Server essentials up to advanced topics like backups, security, and indexes
Recommended for those in business and IT who want to enhance their careers

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Reviews summary

Essential sql server skills from scratch

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in SQL Server, taking students from absolute beginners through essential and even some advanced concepts. Many highlight the instructor's clear teaching style and the practical, hands-on approach, particularly the use of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) demos. Students appreciate the course's structure, finding it easy to follow and effective for building confidence. While some feel certain advanced topics could benefit from more depth or practice exercises, the course is widely praised for equipping learners with the skills needed for professional environments and further study.
Equips students with skills for IT/business roles.
"Helped me gain skills relevant for my IT career."
"Provides the knowledge needed to work with corporate databases."
"I feel more confident discussing databases with DBAs and programmers."
Well-structured course with a good pace for learning.
"The course is well-organized and the pace is just right."
"Easy to follow along with the structured modules."
"I appreciated how the course built upon previous lessons."
Covers all the key essential SQL Server topics.
"Covers all the essential topics you need to get started with SQL Server."
"Provides a solid foundation in CRUD, Joins, and basic objects."
"A thorough introduction to the core concepts of SQL Server."
Strong focus on practical skills using SSMS.
"The hands-on examples using SSMS were incredibly helpful."
"Loved the practical examples and demos that I could follow along with."
"Learned practical skills I can use immediately in my job."
Excellent course for those new to SQL Server or databases.
"This course is great for absolute beginners."
"I started with very little SQL knowledge, and this course built my understanding from scratch."
"Perfect for beginners looking to learn SQL Server essentials."
Instructor explains concepts clearly and effectively.
"The instructor explains concepts very clearly and is easy to understand."
"Joey is a great instructor. He explains concepts really well, and provides clear instructions."
"The instruction is clear and easy to follow. I appreciate the way the instructor explains complex topics."
Advanced concepts could use more detail or exercises.
"Some advanced topics like security or indexing felt a bit rushed."
"Could use more complex examples or practice for views and stored procedures."
"Wish there were more challenging exercises in the later modules."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in SQL Server Essentials, from Scratch with these activities:
Review SQL Syntax
Review the basic syntax of SQL commands to refresh your knowledge before starting the course.
Show steps
  • Go through your notes or textbook to review the different SQL commands.
  • Practice writing SQL queries using an online SQL editor or a local database.
Create a Visual Guide to SQL Concepts
Create a visual guide, such as a flowchart or diagram, to help you understand and remember key SQL concepts.
Show steps
  • Identify the key SQL concepts you want to cover.
  • Brainstorm different ways to represent these concepts visually.
  • Create your visual guide using a drawing tool or software.
Solve SQL Practice Problems
Solve practice problems to reinforce your understanding of SQL concepts.
Show steps
  • Find a collection of SQL practice problems online or in a textbook.
  • Solve the problems on your own, referring to your notes or textbooks for help when needed.
  • Check your answers against the provided solutions.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Follow Tutorials on Advanced SQL Techniques
Expand your knowledge of SQL by following tutorials on advanced techniques such as joins, subqueries, and stored procedures.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on specific SQL techniques you want to learn.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, practicing the techniques as you go.
  • Experiment with the techniques on your own to gain a deeper understanding.

Career center

Learners who complete SQL Server Essentials, from Scratch will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator keeps an organization's databases up and running. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to succeed in this role, such as how to create, maintain, and secure databases, and how to recover data in the event of a disaster.
Data Engineer
A Data Engineer builds and maintains the infrastructure that allows data to be stored, processed, and analyzed. This course will help you understand the fundamentals of databases, data storage, and data processing, which are essential for a career in Data Engineering.
Business Intelligence Analyst
A Business Intelligence Analyst uses data to help businesses make better decisions. This course will provide you with the skills you need to extract, analyze, and interpret data, which are essential for a career in Business Intelligence.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist uses data to build models that can predict future events. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to succeed in this role, such as how to clean and prepare data, and how to build and evaluate models.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst helps manage, track, and analyze corporate data for the purpose of improving efficiency and advising management on data-driven decisions. This course will help build a foundation in databases and management of database-related infrastructure. Through this course, you'll learn essential SQL concepts, which will help you prepare for a career in Data Analysis.
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst protects an organization's computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. This course will help build a foundation in database security, which is essential for protecting databases from unauthorized access and data breaches.
Statistician
A Statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help organizations make informed decisions. This course will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to succeed in this role, such as how to design and conduct statistical studies, and how to analyze and interpret data.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. This course will provide you with a foundation in database concepts and SQL, which are essential for building and maintaining software systems that interact with databases.
Market Researcher
A Market Researcher conducts research to help businesses understand their customers and markets. This course will provide you with the skills you need to collect and analyze data, which are essential for a career in Market Research.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data to help businesses make investment decisions. This course may be useful for building a foundation in data analysis and data management, which are essential for a career in Financial Analysis.
Actuary
An Actuary uses mathematics and statistics to assess risk and uncertainty. This course may be useful for building a foundation in data analysis and data management, which are essential for a career in Actuarial Science.
Operations Research Analyst
An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical models to help businesses improve their operations. This course may be useful for building a foundation in data analysis and data management, which are essential for a career in Operations Research.
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant helps businesses improve their performance. This course may be useful for building a foundation in data analysis and data management, which are essential for a career in Management Consulting.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst helps businesses analyze their operations and make improvements. This course may be useful for building a foundation in data analysis and data management, which are essential for a career in Business Analysis.
Data Visualization Specialist
A Data Visualization Specialist creates visual representations of data to help businesses understand their data. This course may be useful for building a foundation in data analysis and data management, which are essential for a career in Data Visualization.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in SQL Server Essentials, from Scratch.
This collection of essays by SQL Server experts provides practical insights and best practices for various aspects of database management and administration. It offers a diverse range of perspectives and approaches, making it a valuable resource for seasoned professionals seeking to expand their knowledge.
Offers a deep dive into Transact-SQL, the programming language used in SQL Server. It covers advanced concepts and techniques for data manipulation, stored procedures, and database administration, providing valuable insights for those seeking to master the language.
Focuses on performance optimization and query tuning in SQL Server. It provides techniques and strategies for identifying and resolving performance issues, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to improve the efficiency of their database queries.
Explores the business intelligence capabilities of SQL Server. It covers topics such as data integration, reporting, and analysis, providing valuable insights for those seeking to leverage data for informed decision-making.
Provides a comprehensive overview of database design principles and techniques. It covers topics such as data modeling, normalization, and performance optimization, providing a solid foundation for those seeking to create and manage efficient and effective databases.
Introduces data mining techniques and their application in SQL Server. It covers topics such as data preparation, model building, and evaluation, providing valuable insights for those seeking to leverage data mining for business intelligence and analytics.
This introductory guide provides a clear and concise introduction to SQL Server administration. It covers fundamental concepts and essential tasks, making it a suitable resource for those starting their journey in database management.
This introductory guide provides a clear and concise overview of SQL Server for beginners. It covers essential concepts and fundamental tasks, making it a suitable resource for those starting their journey in database management.

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