How Difficult is it to Learn SQL Server?

Are you curious about learning SQL Server but worried it might be too hard? Of course, the difficulty that comes with learning a new skill is somewhat subjective. The challenges of learning SQL Server depend on factors like your knowledge of programming languages, your experience working with data and data analytics, and your knowledge of relational databases. No matter your current schedule or comfort level with SQL Server, plenty of tools are available to help make learning more manageable than you might think.

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.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning SQL Server?

Learning SQL Server can present challenges, especially trying to master its more advanced capabilities and functions. One such feature is SQL Server Service Broker. This message delivery framework helps users create native service-oriented applications from within the database. Whereas classic query processing functionalities read data from tables and then process them throughout the query lifecycle, service-oriented applications work with database services that exchange messages. Each service is assigned a queue in which the messages are stored until they can be processed. 

SQL Server Service Broker offers native support for tasks like queuing and messaging in the Azure SQL Managed Instance and SQL Server Database Engine. Developers can design cutting-edge apps that rely on the Database Engine to communicate between disparate databases and create distributed applications without having to program detailed messaging internals. Service Broker is helpful because it cuts down on test work since it handles conversational communication paths. It also can improve performance by ensuring each task is handled in the context of transactions and therefore is technically consistent and reliable.

Microsoft provides a great SQL Server Service Broker tutorial to help you learn how to work with this feature.

How Does Learning SQL Server Compare to Other Services?

Those working with SQL Server may also learn another database management system, such as Oracle. Oracle is a product of Oracle Corporation. This relational database management system (RDBMS) is popular among companies due to its unique capabilities like support for distributed and parallel databases, improved indexing capacity, and powerful software. Oracle is a cross-platform service, which means it can run on different operating systems. It was the first RDBMS created for businesses to manipulate database records.

There are many differences between SQL Server and Oracle. In Oracle, jobs are scheduled using the Oracle scheduler, which incorporates the star optimization technique to improve query performance. SQL Server schedules jobs using the SQL Server Agent, which doesn’t use query optimization techniques. Another important distinction between the two systems is that the major SQL statements, such as INSERT or DELETE, are executed in parallel in Oracle; they are executed serially in SQL Server. In addition, transactions in the Oracle environment can be rolled back, whereas those in SQL Server cannot be.

Concerning support and troubleshooting, those who work with Oracle may find it easier to receive support and answers to questions. Customer care, support, and troubleshooting are available from Oracle 24-7. Queries are answered quickly, and individuals are billed for their support call depending on the support case. Also, error handling is efficient because Oracle views every new database transaction as a new connection. Those who work with SQL Server can access bug descriptions, technical notes, updates, and patches at no additional charge. However, SQL Server’s error-handling capabilities are much more basic than Oracle's. Moreover, since SQL Server carries out each command separately, fixing errors in the process can be challenging.

One of the main differences between Oracle and SQL Server is the ease of use. Oracle is considered complicated to use because its syntax is more complicated than SQL. On the other hand, because SQL Server uses a syntax similar to SQL, it’s an easier system to use. 

If you want to learn more about how to work with SQL, a range of free SQL learning resources is available from Noble Desktop. 

Main Components/Services of SQL Server

The following are some of SQL Server’s main components and services:

• The database engine handles storage, securing data, and processing rapid transactions.
• SQL Server is a service that starts, stops, or pauses an instance.

• SQL Server Full-Text Search allows users to run full-text queries against the character data in SQL tables.

• SQL Server Browser reviews incoming requests and connects to the specified SQL Server instance.

• SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) offers load capabilities, as well as extract-transform for various data types from one source to another source. SSIS is used to convert raw information into valuable insights.

• SQL Server Agent schedules tasks and can be triggered on-demand or by a specific event.

• SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) offer machine learning, data mining, and data analysis capabilities. 

• SQL Server VSS Writer provides a way to back up and restore data files when SQL Server isn’t running.

• SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) include reporting features and decision-making capabilities. SSRS can also integrate with Hadoop.

Why Learn SQL Server?

SQL Server has remained a popular RDBMS since it was created in 1989. In the time since, it has continued to develop and be updated to be a popular solution for organizations around the globe. Because Microsoft is a trusted company with a long track record, many organizations, especially large corporations, rely on it. 

SQL Server has many applications in the business sector. Primarily, it’s used to manage and store information. Organizations that need to store sensitive customer information like credit card numbers or personal details appreciate this service’s additional security features. SQL Server also allows users to share data files with computers in the same network, which can increase reliability. In addition, this system can also speed up data processing, which allows large operations to be executed smoothly. And once the information is stored in the database, businesses can know they have a backup system.

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.