May 31, 2012 at 1:32 pm
Good afternoon All,
I am just starting to learn about SQL server and wanted to know where to begin. I would like to start with how to manipulate the data and work my way up to the server admin side. Any input is greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
KJ
May 31, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Hi and welcome to SSC and SQL in general. You have stumbled upon arguably the best resource for learning this topic you can find anywhere. Download a copy of sql express and get the northwind database. Both are free from MS. There are lots of tutorials around the northwind database.
Hang around these forums, read lots of the articles, answer the Question of the day (QOTD). And always remember that you will never be an expert at every aspect of sql, it is just entirely too big a topic for one person. Keep and open mind, be inquisitive. Keep learning!!!
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Cross Tabs and Pivots, Part 1 – Converting Rows to Columns - http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/T-SQL/63681/
Cross Tabs and Pivots, Part 2 - Dynamic Cross Tabs - http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Crosstab/65048/
Understanding and Using APPLY (Part 1) - http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/APPLY/69953/
Understanding and Using APPLY (Part 2) - http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/APPLY/69954/
May 31, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Also, become very familiar with the online documentation. It contains the answers to nearly everything you need to know, or maybe didn't know you need to know.
Here is a link to the update statement to help you on your way to "manipulating the data".
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms177523.aspx
_______________________________________________________________
Need help? Help us help you.
Read the article at http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Best+Practices/61537/ for best practices on asking questions.
Need to split a string? Try Jeff Modens splitter http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Tally+Table/72993/.
Cross Tabs and Pivots, Part 1 – Converting Rows to Columns - http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/T-SQL/63681/
Cross Tabs and Pivots, Part 2 - Dynamic Cross Tabs - http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Crosstab/65048/
Understanding and Using APPLY (Part 1) - http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/APPLY/69953/
Understanding and Using APPLY (Part 2) - http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/APPLY/69954/
May 31, 2012 at 1:50 pm
And if you really want to learn, cough up the $50 or so and buy the Developers Edition. That will give you everything and you'll just be scratching the surface when SQL Server 2015 is released.
May 31, 2012 at 3:48 pm
In addition to Sean and Lynn's advice, buy a book. Work through it page by page. You'll learn a lot.
May 31, 2012 at 4:06 pm
When asked this question I always try and point someone to the practical application of the knowledge. Here are the practical steps I've always suggested, you can google/read a book/check BoL to figure out to do them:
1. Install SQL Server
2. Create a database
3. Create a job to backup the database
4. Design the tables in the database and insert some data
5. Query the data
For steps 2, 4 and 5 you'll need to pick something you're familiar with. I always suggest building a database to store information regarding your DVD collection. That way you can create queries that mean something to you, e.g. "How many action movies do I own?" or "What movies do I own with Harrison Ford as the lead actor?".
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May 31, 2012 at 4:08 pm
Steve Jones - SSC Editor (5/31/2012)
In addition to Sean and Lynn's advice, buy a book. Work through it page by page. You'll learn a lot.
Building on this, go to a book store and actually look through the different books. Read some of it, figure out which works best for you and your learning. Everyone has preferences when it comes to this books, and much of it is based on ones own knowledge and experience.
Once you have identified two or three books, before you actually buy them, come back here and ask for some opinions on the books that you felt comfortable with. I am sure you will get some feedback, some good and some not so good, but need information before you pay good money for a technical book.
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