January 27, 2008 at 8:56 pm
I'm looking for recommendations on courses or study guides for someone who wants to learn SQL. I have some very very basic skills that I've taught myself (like backing up, restoring, etc.). I also have some basic query skills that I've again taught myself.
My main goal is to be able to administer a database and perform reporting on the database. I would also eventually like to be able to design web pages using a database behind it.
I know this is sort of a vague question but any guidance would be appreciated.
January 28, 2008 at 4:26 am
There are all sorts of books and training materials out there. Some of the stuff for certification exams can also be useful for learning the basics of SQL Server.
First thing, if I were you, is to get a Developer copy of SQL Server (if you don't already have access to SS 2k5). Provantage has a good deal right now on this software and on some of the books: http://www.provantage.com/scripts/search.dll?QUERY=SQL+Server+2005
Secondly, download the AdventureWorks sample database from Microsoft. You can run through the tutorials in Books Online with this database. Google "Download AdventureWorks" for the links.
Thirdly, if you still want books or training materials, here are a couple of recommendations. Pro SQL Server 2005 by Apress, The Sybex Press certification books for 70-443 & 70-444 (Sybex is good beginner stuff), SQL Server 2005 Administrator's Pocket Consultant.
New Horizons is a national training organization that holds classes for SQL Server. There might be others in your area. Look in the yellow pages for "Training" or "Computer Training". Microsoft offers online training courses also.
Other people will post their favorite picks for books & training resources. Before you buy, look at the book to make sure it's written in a style you can understand and you think you'll learn from. This is important. If you don't think you'll be able to get through the book, you're wasting your money on it, so pick a book you like.
Hope this helps.
January 28, 2008 at 5:45 am
Designing web pages & managing databases are two different beasties. But since you ask, I have all of the Inside SQL Server 2005 series sitting on my desk, well thumbed with little post-it flags sticking out all over the place. These are incredibly handy references. Sometimes they'll be over your head, but hit the books online (SQL Server documentation) to get information on the concepts that are beyond you. Understanding the first two chapters of Itzik Ben-Gan's Inside TSQL Querying will serve you extremely well in writing queries.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood"
- Theodore Roosevelt
Author of:
SQL Server Execution Plans
SQL Server Query Performance Tuning
January 28, 2008 at 6:57 am
As Grant stated, programming web pages is an entirely different subject. But here is a good resource that I have used
http://asp.net/learn/data-access/%5B/url%5D
If you make your way through that set of tutorials, you'll be in pretty good shape.
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