Introduction to Transact-SQL

In this course, you’ll master the skills needed to write Transact-SQL SELECT statements accessing one or more tables. You’ll also learn the various techniques for combining data, filtering the results and how to control and format the statement output.

You’ll gain a foundation understanding of a SQL Server database and use the tools available to discover the database definition, submit queries and view results.

We teach students how to write a query the same way that SQL Server processes a SQL statement – following a step-by-step process for creating SQL queries from business requirements. This approach uses the natural way of breaking down a problem into logical steps. Each step can be validated before moving to the next step. This differs from most courses, which present SQL as a set of features.

Class lectures highlight and explain Transact-SQL concepts which are reinforced with extensive follow-along demonstrations and hands-on labs.

1. Discovering the Database

• Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
• Identifying table relationships
• SSMS Diagram Support
• Preparing to Write a SQL SELECT

2. Accessing Tables

• The Basic SELECT
• Combining Two Tables with a Join
• Inner Join
• Outer Join
• Combining Multiple Tables with a Join

3. Filtering the Data

• Basic Filtering with WHERE clause
• Equality expressions
• Wildcard filtering
• Complex Filtering
• Range and List-based Filtering
• Using Built-in Functions

4. Displaying Data

• Defining the Result Set
• Manipulating Numbers and Data Types
• Using Conditional Column Output
• NULL Functions
• CASE Expressions
• Controlling Output Rows
• TOP operator

5. Aggregating Data

• Grouping and Summarizing Data
• Filtering Aggregate

• Ability to work with the Windows operating system
• Windows login, startup of applications and programs, menu and toolbar manipulation skills
• Basic knowledge of the purpose of a database

This course is intended for Business Analysts, System Administrators, Database Administrators and other professionals with no programming or SQL experience. This course is valuable for anyone who needs to learn how to write a SELECT statement to access SQL Server databases.