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Phillip Burton and I Do Data Limited

Previously available as seven separate courses, now presented in one big course.

Reviews

"The instructor explain the things in great details. Very easy to follow." - Linda Shen

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Previously available as seven separate courses, now presented in one big course.

Reviews

"The instructor explain the things in great details. Very easy to follow." - Linda Shen

"Excellent course, valuable lessons, very well taught at a great pace." - Shane Tanberg

"Must get tutorial. Love it" - Hayford I Osumanu

"Perfect step by step guide to learning. Best I've seen." - Charles Schweiger

"This course is very well thought out. Its one of the better 70-461 courses on Udemy." - Isrrael M

This course is the foundation for the Microsoft Certificate 70-461: "Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012" and 70-761 "Querying Data with Transact-SQL".

Please note - these certificates are no longer being offered by Microsoft. However, the exam requirements allow you to have a good understanding of T-SQL.

Session 1

The basics presented are: how to install SQL Server, and how to create and drop tables.

We then try to create a more advanced table, but find that we need to know more about data types - so we go into some detail about data types and data functions, the foundation of T-SQL.

Session 2

We'll create tables which use these, and then INSERT some data into them. Then we'll write queries which will retrieve and summary this data, using

We'll then JOIN these tables together to find where we are missing data and where we have inconsistent data. We'll then UPDATE and DELETE data from the tables.

Session 3

We'll now use that data to create views, which enable us to store these SELECT queries for future use, and triggers, which allow for code to be automatically run when INSERTing, DELETEing or UPDATEing data.

We'll look at the database that we developed in session 2, and see what is wrong with it. We'll add some constraints, such as

Session 4

We will further encapsulate our routines by creating procedures, allowing us to EXECUTE parameterised commands with just one statement, and we'll add some error handling with

We'll also combine datasets together, by looking at UNION and

Session 5

We'll will now be creating aggregate queries. We'll be reviewing the ranking functions ROW_ We'll look at the 8 analytic functions news to SQL Server 2012, such as

We'll look at alternative ways of grouping and adding totals, using We'll also look at the geometry and geography data types, plotting locations on a grid, together with functions and aggregates.

Session 6

We'll will now be creating sub-queries and correlated subqueries, where the results of the subquery depend on the main query. We'll be looking at Common Table Expressions using the WITH statement, and we'll be using what we have learned to solve a common business problem.

We'll be looking at functions, including the three different types of User Defined Functions (UDF): scalar functions, inline table functions, and multi-statement table functions. We'll then look at synonyms and dynamic SQL, and the use of GUIDs. We'll also look at sequences.

We'll have a look at XML and, for SQL Server 2016 and later, we'll examine JSON and Temporal Tables.

Session 7

In this session we'll be looking at transactions, seeing how to explicitly start and end them, and finding out how they can block other users in the database. Then we'll see about how to indexes and their role in optimising queries. 

We'll also see how we can use Dynamic Management Views to see how we can improve our use of indexes. We'll then look at how to write a cursor, and when to use this row-based operation, and the impact of using scalar UDFs.

No prior knowledge is required - I'll even show you how to install SQL Server on your computer for free.

There are regular quizzes to help you remember the information.

Once finished, you will know what how to manipulate numbers, strings and dates, and create database and tables, create tables, insert data and create analyses, and have an appreciation of how they can all be used in T-SQL.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Create tables in a database and alter columns in the table.
  • Know what data type to use in various situations, and use functions to manipulate date, number and string data values.
  • Retrieve data using select, from, where, group by, having and order by.
  • Join two or more tables together, finding missing data.
  • Insert new data, update and delete existing data, and export data into a new table.
  • Create constraints, views and triggers
  • Use union, case, merge, procedures and error checking
  • Apply ranking and analytic functions, grouping, geography and geometry database
  • Create subqueries and ctes, pivots, udfs, applys, synonyms.
  • Manipulate xmls and jsons.
  • Learn about transactions, optimise queries and row-based v set-based operations
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

You will know what the overall curriculum is, and you will have downloaded SQL Server

Hello! In this video, I'll talk in general terms who this course is for, and what you will be learning today.

Read more
Welcome to Udemy
The Udemy Interface
Do you want auto-translated subtitles in more languages?
Exam update

What more specifically we will cover in this course, and how this fits into the 70-461 exam.

Do you have Windows 7, 8 or Windows Vista?

Here we will find the relevant SQL Server program, and what to download.

You will need download it to create your own statements and solidify your knowledge of T-SQL.

Step by step how to install the back engine of SQL Server on your computer.

Which version of SSMS should I use?

Step by step how to install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) onto your computer.

You will be able to open SQL Server, know the main components, and create a database
Opening SQL Server

Here we will see the main components of Management Studio, which is where we will do most of our work.

We will create a database, which will be used to hold all of the components of our work.

Our first queries, using mathematical calculations - SELECT and GO.

Now it's your turn. 

This exercise is to practice writing a query, and creating simple mathematical expressions.

Coding Exercises
Writing mathematical queries

This quiz is a brief test on what you have just learned.

Session 1 - Creating tables - First pass

Here we will create a table using the graphical user interface

Here we will create a table using T-SQL using CREATE TABLE, GO

Two quick questions

We will use the Graphical User Interface to add data.

We will enter data in a table using T-SQL. INSERT

Let's test what you've learned.

Entering data using T-SQL

Using the SELECT statement, and whether to use the semicolon.

Let's test what you have learned.

The FROM clause - connecting to one table

We will delete all the data using TRUNCATE, and then the table using DROP TABLE.

Practice Activity Number 2
Session 1 - Number types and functions

We will recreate a table using T-SQL with multiple fields (EmployeeNumber and EmployeeName), and find why we need to expand on the information we learnt in the last section before we can proceed much further.

Session 1 Resources

Using the DECLARE function in an SQL batch to create a temporary variable, setting it to a value, and then querying it.

We will look at the four major integer types: tinyint, smallint, int and bigint [8a and 8b]. We'll also look at the +, -, *, / and ^ signs, and the danger of integer division (e.g. 3/2).

Can you remember which is which? I will give you a few values, and I want you to give me the smallest integer type which will hold ALL these values.

Yes, bigint will hold all of these integers, but I want the SMALLEST type.

Practice Activity Number 3
Practice Activity Number 3 - Solution

Now it's turn for non-integer numbers: float and real, money and smallmoney, decimal and numeric.

Let's test what you have just learned.

SQUARE, POWER and SQRT, FLOOR, CEILING and ROUND, PI and EXP, ABS and SIGN, RAND and trigonometric functions.

Quick questions.

Mathematical functions

How to convert between integers and non-integer numbers - CAST and CONVERT.

Quick question:

Practice Activity Number 4
Practice Activity Number 4 - Solution
We will look at the four major types of string data types, and various string functions, together with NULL

We will look at the four major string types: char, varchar, nchar and nvarchar.

A few questions about what you have learned.

Looking at how to extract strings - LEFT, RIGHT, SUBSTRING, LTRIM, RTRIM, REPLACE, UPPER and LOWER.

TRIM

What is NULL? Is it good, bad, or just plain necessary? Also, we'll look at TRY_CAST and TRY_CONVERT.

Why a + sign doesn't always work, and how CONCAT is better. Also, converting from number data to strings.

Some questions about NULL.

We've seen how to join two strings together. Now, we need to convert a number to a string to join them together.

Let's test your knowledge. You may have to think more carefully about the answers to the questions.

Practice Activity Number 5
Practice Activity Number 5 - The Solution
Want more string functions?
We will look at the date data types, and various data functions, together with offset dates

The various non-offset date data types: datetime, datetime2, smalldatetime, time and date.

Non-English locales, and Books Online

Setting dates using quotation marks and DATEFROMPARTS, DATETIMEFROMPARTS and TIMEFROMPARTS, and YEAR, MONTH, DAY

Let's test your knowledge about date data types.

CURRENT_TIMESTAMP, GETDATE and SYSDATETIME, Plus DATEADD, DATENAME, DATEPART and DATEDIFF.

Let's see what you can remember.

International dates: datetimeoffset, SYSDATETIMEOFFSET, SYSUTCDATETIME, TODATETIMEOFFSET, DATETIMEOFFSETFROMPARTS, SWITCHOFFSET.

A quick question to end this first session...

Want more date functions?
Session 1 - Conclusion
Well done!
I'll talk about what we learnt in Session 1, and what we will learn in Session 2.

I'll talk about what we learnt in Session 1, and what we will learn in this Session 2.

Spreadsheet Data
Session 2 Resources
In this section, we will create an Employee table, and querying the table using a WHERE clause.

We will recreate the Employee table we tried to create earlier, and will consider what the appropriate data types should be used.

We will create a new column in existing tables , and then alter it.

Adding additional columns

We will use the WHERE clause to retrieve only part of a table, and the LIKE clause to use pattern matching.

A few questions, if I may.

SELECTing only part of a table - strings

Still using the WHERE clause, we will use =, <, >, <=, >=, !, NOT, BETWEEN and IN.

Let's see what you remember about using the WHERE with numbers

SELECTing only part of a table - numbers
In this section, we will produce analyses and order the results.

We investigate the WHERE clause for dates, and use a date criteria to summarise data, using the GROUP BY clause, and then order it using the ORDER BY clause.

That's a lot to remember. Let's test yourself, and maybe learn a bit more!

Summarising data
Ordering data

The GROUP BY reduced the number of rows to look at. What if we want to run criteria on this summary? We look at the HAVING clause.

It's important to get the clauses in the right order - let's see if you can remember them.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a foundation in Microsoft SQL Server, valuable for database management and data analysis roles
Covers essential T-SQL concepts and syntax, making it suitable for both beginners and those seeking to enhance their knowledge
Instructors with extensive industry experience provide valuable insights and practical examples
Students will gain proficiency in creating and managing databases, tables, queries, and stored procedures
Includes hands-on exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning and provide immediate feedback
May require some prior familiarity with database concepts for optimal learning

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Reviews summary

Recommended sql server course

Learners say this well-organized SQL Server course is perfect for building your knowledge of SQL Server. They note the engaging assignments and good examples are helpful for learning the material. According to students, instructor Phillip Burton explains the content in an easy-to-understand way.
Good examples are included
"There is a lot of useful examples"
Instructor explains material clearly
"the instructor explains the material in simple words."
Course is well-organized for learning
"This course is more than perfect. It is very well organized which helps you learn and understand things better."

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 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL with these activities:
Review SQL syntax
Refreshing your knowledge of SQL syntax will help you to write more efficient and accurate queries.
Browse courses on SQL Syntax
Show steps
  • Review the SQL syntax documentation.
  • Take a practice quiz on SQL syntax.
Create SQL queries to retrieve data
Creating SQL queries will help you practice the syntax and concepts covered in the course, and it will help you to solidify your understanding of how to retrieve data from a database.
Browse courses on SQL
Show steps
  • Choose a table to query.
  • Write a SQL query to retrieve the data you want.
  • Run your query and review the results.
Participate in a peer discussion on SQL
Participating in a peer discussion on SQL will allow you to share your knowledge with others, ask questions, and learn from the experiences of others.
Browse courses on SQL
Show steps
  • Find a peer discussion on SQL.
  • Participate in the discussion.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Create a data visualization
Creating a data visualization will help you to present your data in a clear and concise way, which will make it easier for others to understand your findings.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Choose a data set to visualize.
  • Choose a type of visualization to create.
  • Create the visualization.
Create a blog post about SQL
Creating a blog post about SQL will help you to organize your thoughts on the topic and share your knowledge with others.
Browse courses on SQL
Show steps
  • Choose a topic for your blog post.
  • Write your blog post.

Career center

Learners who complete 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases, ensuring their performance, security, and availability. The 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course can be useful as it provides a comprehensive understanding of SQL, the primary language for managing and querying databases.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst gathers, interprets, and presents data to help organizations make informed decisions. The 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course can be useful as it provides a solid foundation in querying and manipulating data using SQL, a skill essential for Data Analysts.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst bridges the gap between business and technology, translating business requirements into technical specifications. The 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course can be useful as it provides a foundation in data analysis and manipulation, skills that are valuable for Business Analysts.
Data Engineer
A Data Engineer designs, builds, and maintains data pipelines to ensure the availability, reliability, and quality of data. The 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course can be useful as it covers the fundamentals of data manipulation and querying, skills that are crucial for Data Engineers.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist uses scientific methods and algorithms to extract knowledge and insights from data. The 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course may be useful as it covers data manipulation and querying, foundational skills for Data Scientists.
Quantitative Analyst
A Quantitative Analyst uses mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data and make investment recommendations. The 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course may be useful as it provides a foundation in data analysis and manipulation, skills that are valuable for Quantitative Analysts.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. The 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course may be useful as it provides a foundation in data manipulation and querying, skills that can be applied in software development.
Statistician
A Statistician collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data to help organizations make informed decisions. The 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course may be useful as it provides a foundation in data manipulation and querying, skills that are valuable for Statisticians.
Computer Systems Analyst
A Computer Systems Analyst studies an organization's current computer systems and procedures, and designs and implements new or improved systems. The 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course may be useful as it provides a foundation in data analysis and manipulation, skills that are valuable for Computer Systems Analysts.
Operations Research Analyst
An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical and analytical techniques to solve complex business problems. The 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course may be useful as it provides a foundation in data analysis and manipulation, skills that are valuable for Operations Research Analysts.
Web Developer
A Web Developer designs and develops websites and web applications. The 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course may be useful as it provides a foundation in data manipulation and querying, skills that can be applied in web development.
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst protects an organization's computer systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course may be useful as it provides a foundation in data security and access control, skills that are valuable for Information Security Analysts.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst evaluates and interprets financial data to make recommendations on investments and financial strategies. The 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course may be useful as it provides a foundation in data analysis and manipulation, skills that are valuable for Financial Analysts.
Actuary
An Actuary evaluates financial risks and develops strategies to manage them. The 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course may be useful as it provides a foundation in data analysis and manipulation, skills that are valuable for Actuaries.
Market Researcher
A Market Researcher conducts research to gather information about target markets, competitors, and industry trends. The 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course may be useful as it provides a foundation in data analysis and manipulation, skills that are valuable for Market Researchers.

Reading list

We've selected six 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 70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL.
A thorough review of T-SQL and related SQL standards, this book provides a refresher on T-SQL syntax, practical examples for common programming tasks, and a series of exercises to test understanding. is particularly good for those who need a more detailed review of T-SQL syntax.
Provides a comprehensive overview of SQL Server performance tuning. The book covers a wide range of topics, including performance monitoring, query tuning, and index optimization. This book good reference for those who want to learn more about SQL Server performance tuning.
Focuses on the performance tuning of SQL queries. Though the book uses examples from SQL Server 2012, most of the methods will work on later versions of SQL Server as well, and the information in the book is still relevant despite its age.
Though this book is somewhat dated, it provides a good introduction to business intelligence concepts using Microsoft SQL Server. The book is helpful for understanding how to use SQL Server to perform data analysis and reporting.
Provides a step-by-step guide to using Microsoft SQL Azure. The book covers a wide range of topics, including creating databases, tables, and queries. This book good starting point for those who are new to SQL Azure.
This good beginner's guide to T-SQL. The book is aimed at programmers who are new to SQL and provides helpful tips for writing efficient queries.

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