As DBAs, I think we need to learn to program better for the future. It doesn't matter whether you are looking to manage clusters with Powershell or add your own SQL CLR routines to an instance, it pays to learn a bit about programming. At some point. Every DBA will be exposed to some type of code that isn't written in T-SQL at some point in their career. Whether they'll be able to do anything with the code, or understand it, is entirely up to the individual.
As the SQL Server platform has expanded, there have been enhancements and additions to the product. In addition to the core T-SQL, there is now VB.NET and C# in Integration Services, Reporting Services uses RDL and various programming expressions. Analysis Services has XMLA, MDX, maybe more. Powerpivot introduces DAX, and the .NET language runs through all of these subsystems. PowerShell is being pushed as the future administrative language for all Microsoft technologies.
With so much of the data professional's job starting to require programming skills, how does one get started? We are working on some stairways to help in some areas, but this Friday I wanted to ask this question:
For the DBA or system administrator that wants to learn programming, what do you recommend?
I'm looking for some links or tutorials, similar to this list for a Python programmer. Do you have a list of programming resources that might help someone learn basic concepts, get started with a particular language, or improve their skills? I'm looking for links that you've used, or a friend has used. I'll look to compile these into a few lists that people can reference to get started on learning more about programming.
Steve Jones
The Voice of the DBA Podcasts
We publish three versions of the podcast each day for you to enjoy.
- Watch the Windows Media Podcast - 22.9MB WMV
- Watch the iPod Video Podcast - 17.9MB MP4
- Watch the MP3 Audio Podcast - 3.7MB MP3
The podcast feeds are available at sqlservercentral.mevio.com. You can also follow Steve Jones on Twitter:
Today's podcast features music by Everyday Jones. No relation, but I stumbled on to them and really like the music. Support this great duo at www.everydayjones.com. They have a great version of Message in a Bottle if you want to check it out.
I really appreciate and value feedback on the podcasts. Let us know what you like, don't like, or even send in ideas for the show. If you'd like to comment, post something here. The boss will be sure to read it.