Microsoft SQL Server® Introduction

In this intro to SQL Server course, you gain the introductory skills to maximise SQL Server's benefits. Learn how to use the various administrative and development tools within SQL Server, including the Microsoft BI stack of Integration Services, Analysis Services, and Reporting Services.

SQL Server offers a platform for enterprise data management, robust development, and implementation of modern Business Intelligence solutions. Attend this hands-on course and learn to leverage these features.

Microsoft SQL Server® Introduction Delivery Methods

• In-Person

• Online

Microsoft SQL Server® Introduction Course Information

• In this Microsoft SQL Server® Introduction course, you will learn how to:

  • Create and administer SQL Server databases.
  • Write Transact-SQL queries to retrieve and manipulate data.
  • Secure, back up, and monitor databases with Management Studio.
  • Integrate SQL Server with Microsoft Office.
  • Transform data into strategic information using Business Intelligence (BI) components.

• Microsoft SQL Server® Introduction Prerequisites

  This is a SQL Server training for beginners, so no prior experience is needed to take this course. You will learn the basics of SQL Server and gain the introductory skills needed to maximise SQL Server’s benefits.

Microsoft SQL Server® Introduction Course Outline

Module 1: Introducing SQL Server

Overview of the SQL Server suite of products

• Fundamentals of the relational database engine
• Benefits of the Business Intelligence stack

SQL Server components and tools

• SQL Server Agent and Management Studio
• Integration Services
• Analysis Services
• Reporting Services
• Data Quality Services
• Master Data Services

Module 2: Building the Database

Constructing a relational database

• Choosing optimal file size and growth parameters
• Working with database schemas

Defining tables

• Specifying appropriate data types
• Indexing tables with Management Studio
• Adding, modifying or removing columns

Safeguarding data with constraints

• Enforcing uniqueness through primary key constraints
• Validating conditions with check constraints
• Protecting relationships with foreign keys

Module 3: Leveraging Server Programmability

Retrieving data with Transact-SQL

• Employing Query Designer to construct select statements
• Retrieving subsets of data from multiple tables using joins and the where clause criteria
• Analysing data for aggregate functions

Modifying data with SQL commands

• Inserting new rows into tables
• Updating targeted data
• Deleting specific rows

Introduction of developing programming constructs

• Creating stored procedures for productivity
• Writing user-defined functions to simplify queries
• Deploying triggers to capture change events

Module 4: Administering SQL Server Databases

Executing the Maintenance Plan Wizard

• Defragmenting data and checking database integrity
• Improving performance by rebuilding indexes

Automating administrative tasks

• Scheduling repeating jobs
• Implementing a backup strategy

Monitoring SQL Server resources

• Displaying current activity and expensive queries
• Running reports with Management Studio

Securing the database infrastructure

• Authenticating SQL Server and Windows logins
• Assigning users to database and server roles
• Granting or revoking permissions

Module 5: Integrating External Applications

Connecting to Microsoft Office

• Pulling data from SQL Server into Excel
• Creating a front-end interface with Access

Transferring business information

• Importing and exporting data from text files
• Migrating an Access database to SQL Server

Module 6: Implementing Business Intelligence Solutions

Extracting data with Integration Services

• Transforming and cleaning data
• Loading data into a data warehouse

Information delivery with Reporting Services

• Designing reports quickly with the Report Builder
• Deploying reports for centralised access

Aggregating data with Analysis Services

• Building multidimensional cubes
• Predicting trends with data mining

Developing a Business Intelligence strategy

• Leveraging Excel and Power Pivot
• Transferring data into knowledge with BI functionality