Best Free SQL Server Resources & Tutorials

Many professionals are eager to learn SQL Server but hesitate because of the perceived up-front costs. SQL Server 2019 Developer and SQL Server 2019 Express are available for free, and other SQL Server versions are available for purchase. In addition, many free resources are available to help beginners get the hang of working with this service. Read on to learn more about the different types of free resources and tutorials available to help you learn SQL Server. 

What is SQL Server?

SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) created by Microsoft. The data contained within an RDBMS 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 to store and retrieve data that other software applications request. This data may run on the same computer or be stored on a computer across a network.

SQL Server was created to compete with Oracle databases and MySQL. It supports the standard SQL language ANSI SQL. In addition, SQL Server also comes with T-SQL, or Transact-SQL, its unique implementation of SQL. This Microsoft proprietary language offers additional capabilities, such as exception handling, declaring variables, and stored procedures. The main interface tool for SQL Server is SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), which can support either a 32-bit or 64-bit environment. When Software Developers write business apps that store information in databases, they frequently work with SQL Server to look after the databases instead of writing code to perform this task. This helps speed up the process of writing database applications, making them cheaper to build and ensuring that they are more secure, reliable, and scalable.

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

What Can You Do with SQL Server?

SQL Server has many uses for those tasked with managing and storing information in relational databases. It supports core operations in analytics, transaction process, and business intelligence. Any information on the server is stored in the relational database. However, the system comprises more than a database; it also includes a management system. 

Microsoft SQL Server is especially useful in the business sector. The database stores and manages a variety of business information. This system also facilitates data sharing by computers in the same network, which can increase reliability. Not only that, but SQL Server can also improve the speed at which data is processed, which makes it easier to execute large operations. In addition to creating and maintaining databases, SQL Server also analyzes data through SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS). It creates reports using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). It executes ETL operations using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS).

Another benefit to working with SQL Server is that it provides a range of features for advanced performance. This system has encryption features, as well as transparent data compression. In addition, 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.

Free Online SQL Server Resources

One of the main benefits of learning SQL Server online is that many excellent free resources are available to help with your studies. Online tutorials, blog posts, community forums, and YouTube channels are just several of the many types of free online SQL Server content from which you can choose. The following are some of the best free online resources offered in SQL and SQL Server:

• Microsoft’s Educational SQL Resources provides a wealth of information on how to learn SQL and how to work with SQL Server on Linux and Azure.
• SQL Server Community is another great resource for those who want to connect with others who work with SQL Server. This community has more than 25,000 members, nearly 1,000 discussion threads, and over 3,000 blog articles on relevant SQL Server topics. This platform provides a way for those around the world who use SQL Server to post breaking news, offer updates, and share best practices. It’s a great way for learners who may be new to SQL Server to receive support and answers to questions.
• SQLServerCentral is a site devoted to community and SQL Server education. Over 800,000 members are part of this community, which provides a central hub for individuals working with SQL Server to connect with peers and find timely and accurate technical information. This site also provides links to resources and articles, forums devoted to SQL Server issues, book reviews, sample scripts, and a daily newsletter.
• For those new to SQL Server, Pragim Technologies offers a YouTube video, Learn SQL For Beginners, which provides nearly five hours of introductory-level and more advanced instruction on core SQL Server skills like working with joins.
• Noble Desktop’s SQL Blog is also available for those interested in studying SQL. Content is provided on relevant SQL topics, such as Why Learn SQL for Machine Learning, Top 5 SQL Databases for Data Science, and SQL for Web Development & Design.

What’s New in SQL Server 2022?

SQL Server 2022 is Microsoft's latest Azure-enabled data integration and database innovation. Set to release sometime in 2022, this anticipated SQL Server version includes many new features:

• SQL Server 2022 is thought to be the most Azure-enabled SQL Server ever created. This service combines data governance, analytics, and operational database capabilities as part of Microsoft's Intelligence Data Platform.
• This service provides bidirectional, high-availability disaster recovery. 
• SQL Server 2022 provides smooth analytics for on-premises operational data using Azure Synapse Link. Formerly known as “Azure Data Warehouse,” Azure Synapse combines big data analytic functionality with data warehousing capabilities.
• Because SQL Server 2022 is integrated with Azure Purview governance service, it provides improved availability, performance, and security protections. SQL Server Ledger support provides a decentralized blockchain approach, which can help with data integrity.

Currently, Microsoft 2022 is only available in the public preview stage. Microsoft has not yet said when this product will be released for commercial use.

Learn SQL Server with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Those who want to learn how to use SQL Server choose from a variety of excellent in-person and live online study options available through Noble Desktop. If you’re new to SQL Server and want to learn the basics, Noble’s in-person and live online SQL Server Bootcamp is for you. Participants in this program receive expert instruction about using MS SQL Server to locate information in databases using SQL queries. Students also receive instructions on joining tables, aggregating data, and filtering results. This class covers SQL Server and the free SQL Server Management Studio app. All participants have the option of a free course retake for up to a year after completing this bootcamp to revisit the material. 

Noble’s in-person or live online SQL Bootcamp is also available. This program prepares participants to use PostgreSQL. This hands-on class also teaches students to work with the free DBeaver app for exploring the database and executing queries. These concepts can be applied to other SQL flavors, such as MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server, with minor syntax changes.

If you want to browse Noble’s course offerings that provide SQL training, you can search for in-person and live online SQL courses. In addition to SQL Bootcamp and SQL Server Bootcamp, Noble also has courses such as the Data Science Certificate and Data Analytics Certificate, in which PostgreSQL training is provided. The content taught in these lessons can be applied to SQL Server.

Key Insights

• If you want to learn SQL Server online, various free resources, such as YouTube videos, tutorials, community forums, and blogs, are available to help you with your studies. 
• One great way to connect with others who work with SQL Server is to join an online community, such as Microsoft’s SQL Server Community or SQLServerCentral.
• The newest version of SQL Server, SQL Server 2022, is expected to be released sometime in 2022. It includes new features such as improved data warehousing capabilities and security protections.
• Noble Desktop offers in-person and live online SQL Server courses for those who want to learn more about SQL Server.