SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that was created by Microsoft in 1989. It’s primarily used to store and retrieve any data other applications request. In an RDBMS, information is contained in tables that are similar to a spreadsheet’s columns and rows. SQL Server ensures databases are efficiently stored and the data they contain is easy to search for or retrieve. Microsoft SQL Server does much more than collect data for various clients’ needs; its internal components, like buffer management, are in place so that the data can be accessed in the fastest form possible. Structured query language (SQL) typically refers to the common language that’s used for interacting with an RDBMS.

Learning to work with SQL Server is an in-demand skill. SQL and SQL Server knowledge is important in various professions, such as programming, in which Programmers must regularly interact with databases. Because many organizations use SQL Server for data storage and retrieval, learning to communicate with SQL Server can lead to many high-paying career opportunities. Currently, in the US, the average pay for an SQL Server Developer is over $100,000. A great way to learn SQL Server is to enroll in a bootcamp. This intensive learning format not only can prepare you with the skills you need to work with SQL Server but also help you develop professionally. Bootcamp programs are available from many top educational providers in the in-person and live online format. They can be completed part-time or full-time and are an excellent way to acquire knowledge of this tool in a relatively short amount of time.

What is SQL Server?

SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) created by Microsoft. The data it contains is stored in tables similar to the columns and rows in a spreadsheet. Like other RDBMS software, SQL server is built on top of structured query language (SQL), the programming language most commonly used to communicate with relational databases. This database server’s primary function is storing and retrieving data that other software applications request. This data may run on the same computer or be stored on a computer across a network.

Read more about what SQL Server is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do With SQL Server?

SQL Server supports core analytics, transaction process, and business intelligence operations. It is especially useful in the business sector for efficiently and safely managing a variety of business information. SQL Server can also improve the speed at which data is processed, making it easier to execute large operations. 

Another benefit to working with SQL Server is that it provides advanced performance features for encryption and transparent data compression. Users don’t need to modify programs to secure and encrypt their data. SQL Server also includes efficient management tools for permission and access controls that can secure sensitive business data.

Why Learn SQL Server in a Bootcamp or Class?

Bootcamp study is one of the most effective and engaging ways to learn SQL Server. Bootcamps in SQL Server provide small class instruction on a range of relevant RDBMS concepts, such as how to write SQL queries that can be used for data retrieval and analysis. Participants learn through hands-on exercises and real-world examples. Those who enroll in this accelerated learning format can generally complete coursework in about 20 hours. Bootcamps are geared toward those whose current job will benefit from SQL Server training or who hope to pursue new professional options this training can afford. 

Bootcamp study options are available in two primary formats: in-person and live online. In-person SQL Server training is taught by a live instructor in the classroom setting at a designated training facility. Live online classes are completed remotely using a real-time teleconferencing platform like Teams. Participants can ask questions as needed and receive immediate clarification on complicated RDBMS concepts through either training format. This engaging, interactive structure is an excellent way for students to learn actively in a supportive and structured environment.

Bootcamp price varies depending on the provider and course duration. Several SQL Server bootcamps are currently available for less than $1,000. In addition to small class size, participants also receive a range of other learning benefits, such as supplemental training materials that can be kept after the class is complete, access to videos and other online tutorials, and the option of a free course retake for up to one year. Although the specific program content varies from one bootcamp to another, some also provide students with professional development like career counseling or one-on-one mentoring. 

Bootcamps Compared to College

If you’d like to study SQL Server, you may wonder if learning this skill is more effective through bootcamp study or in a college setting. Both study formats have their own benefits, and the decision ultimately will depend on how much time and money you wish to commit to training.

College or university study usually takes four or more years to complete. Undergraduates receive instruction on many subjects during their college years. Because most schools require that students complete general education requirements to graduate, college students take coursework in subjects like philosophy, history, or English, in addition to SQL Server-related classes. Additionally, because SQL or SQL Server isn’t offered as a college major, those interested in learning this tool at a university must choose a related field. An estimated one-third of aspiring SQL Developers major in computer science. Others choose electrical engineering, information technology, or computer engineering. This means that even within a related major like computer science, only a fraction of your coursework will deal with SQL Server. 

On the other hand, bootcamps offer a much more focused and shorter learning experience than college. Participants can focus their studies entirely on SQL Server training and complete coursework in 20 or so hours. Some programs allow students to enroll full-time or part-time, depending on their scheduling needs. This means that in just a few days or weeks, bootcamp participants can graduate and apply their SQL Server skills to their current job or use them to pursue a new career. Some bootcamps also provide career counseling or other professional development incentives for those enrolled. Bootcamp study is offered in the live format remotely for those who aren’t able to attend in-person classes or live too far from a training facility. 

Cost is another important consideration when deciding how to study SQL Server. College tuition is at an all-time high. The average cost in the US to study at a four-year college is $35,000. This means it can cost $140,000 (or more than $220,000 for private school) tuition and expenses over a four-year period. This huge sum leaves many learners in debt for years as they repay student loans. Bootcamp study is a much more affordable option. Some programs are available for under $1,000, whereas others cost several thousand. Learners receive hands-on SQL Server training through bootcamp study for a fraction of the cost of college and are able to immediately reap the benefits of their training rather than having to wait to begin the job search for four or more years.

Bootcamps Compared to Self-Paced Courses

SQL Server study options are available through self-paced coursework as well as bootcamps. Whereas bootcamps take place in real-time and are led by a live instructor, self-paced material was recorded at an earlier time and uploaded. Those who study through self-paced SQL coursework have the flexibility to select not only where and when they want to study, but also for how long. Students can complete lessons straight through or pause and rewind as often as needed to help reinforce complex material. Those who study through bootcamps attend class in-person or online through a teleconferencing platform like Teams or Zoom. Course length, as well as pace, is determined by the instructor. 

Bootcamp study takes approximately 20 hours to complete, spanning several full days of full-time study or a few weeks of part-time coursework. Self-paced classes are available in a variety of formats. Some educational providers offer long courses that take ten or more hours to complete and provide an overview of SQL Server and its myriad uses. Other asynchronous material is much shorter. Online videos, for example, may take only a few minutes to complete and focus on just one SQL Server aspect, such as joining tables. When enrolling in a bootcamp, participants know that the content they’re studying is up to date. However, when opting for self-paced coursework, it’s essential to research the provider to make sure the lessons they post are current and at the appropriate learning level for your needs.

With respect to cost, self-paced SQL Server content is usually a less-expensive learning option than bootcamp study. Bootcamps can cost a thousand dollars or more, depending on their length. Since they offer live instruction, this learning format allows students to interact with other learners and ask questions as they occur. Because asynchronous material doesn’t offer the same real-time interaction as live instruction, it may cost only a hundred dollars or less. Some educators offer platform-based subscriptions where learners pay a regular fee and can attend as many classes as they wish. Other programs require that students pay per course. Free self-paced coursework is also available from some providers. Since there’s no option to ask questions when studying SQL Server through asynchronous material, this learning format is generally best suited to those interested in acquiring basic SQL Server skills. However, those who need to learn SQL Server for professional reasons will likely need more structured coursework, such as that which is available in the live format, to truly master working with RDBMSs.

Bootcamps Compared to Free Training Options

If you’re still deciding between SQL Server learning options, you may wonder if it’s better to learn through free training material or to enroll in a bootcamp. Bootcamp study provides many benefits, such as an interactive live learning environment where you have the chance to connect in real-time to an instructor, as well as a cohort of students who are all on the same learning journey. Not only can this format help you acquire and retain SQL Server skills, but it also provides a networking opportunity. This supportive, hands-on training will equip you with the SQL Server skills you need for your current job and may also offer additional career-focused training, such as resume support or professional portfolio development. When you graduate from a bootcamp, you will be a well-rounded professional with a range of database and career-focused skills. Free training material focuses exclusively on SQL Server content and provides no career-related support.

Free SQL Server training material is a low-stakes way to learn SQL Server. Because you don’t have to invest any money into coursework, you can start with a beginner-level class to see if this is a subject you wish to continue studying. If it’s not a good match for your learning needs, you can discontinue training at any point without accruing any debt. Bootcamps, on the other hand, often require a partial or full payment upfront. This means that once you commit to studying, you invest upwards of a thousand or more dollars into learning SQL Server in this format. 

Because so much free training material is posted online, you can tailor your studies around your needs. This may involve spending a day watching YouTube videos on aggregating data and writing queries or spending just 30 minutes a week completing a specific lesson. When selecting free content, it’s a good idea to look at student reviews to ensure the educator is reputable and that the material they posted reflects current best practices with SQL Server. When enrolling in a bootcamp, you can be sure the content has been vetted. Free training material is a good place to start for self-motivated learners interested in learning basic SQL Server skills. Since no instructor is available, it is generally more effective to learn advanced database skills through live, instructor-led coursework.

Learn SQL Server Skills with Noble Desktop

If you’re new to SQL Server and want to learn the basics, Noble Desktop’s in-person and live online SQL Server Bootcamp is for you. Participants receive expert instruction about using SQL Server to locate information in databases using SQL queries, as well as joining tables, aggregating data, and filtering results. 

Noble’s in-person or live online SQL Bootcamp prepares participants to work with the free DBeaver app for exploring databases and executing queries. Noble also offers the Data Science Certificate and Data Analytics Certificate, in which PostgreSQL training is provided. The content in this course can be applied to SQL Server.

Key Takeaways

• Bootcamps, as well as college study, are two ways to acquire SQL Server training. Bootcamps are much shorter, more affordable, and require only around 20 hours to complete. They also often include career development with tuition. College study takes four or more years and can cost $140,000 or more.
• Both synchronous and asynchronous SQL Server coursework is available. Synchronous study takes place in real time and connects students with a live instructor. Self-paced content is pre-recorded and is completed at the learner’s own pace and from their own location.
• Free SQL Server coursework is also available online. This provides those who are getting started learning SQL Server with a low-stakes way to acquire basic training before moving on to more structured live learning options.
• Noble Desktop, an educator in New York City, provides comprehensive SQL Server training in the in-person and live online format.