SQL Server Prerequisites

SQL Server is a relational database management system created by Microsoft in 1989. This software product has a range of applications for retrieving or sorting data that other software applications request, which runs on the same computer or a different computer across a network. You might worry that SQL Server will be too hard to learn. This guide will help you understand the best methods for learning SQL Server and what you should study first to make the learning process easier. This way, you’ll be successful however you choose to apply your new skills. 

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.

Is SQL Server Easy to Learn?

Learning SQL Server can be challenging for some individuals, especially those who don’t have extensive training working with relational databases. Your professional goals are an essential consideration when learning SQL Server. Suppose you are learning this system for basic tasks, such as monitoring a server, performing backups, reviewing file size, and ensuring that all users have appropriate access. In that case, you may only need to learn basic SQL Server skills. However, learning more advanced RDBMS skills may take much longer to acquire. Since SQL Server is very involved, it can take weeks or months to become familiar with this system once it’s up and running.

Formed by SQL Server subject-matter experts worldwide, the SQL Server Community is an excellent resource that can help you learn to work with this RDBMS. This independent organization offers a central platform with which SQL Server professionals can connect, share information, and learn as part of a community. Saleem Hakani founded SQL Server Community in 2006. More than 250,000 users are currently registered from over 90 countries.

Another great resource for learning SQL Server is Noble Desktop’s SQL Server Bootcamp. Available in person and live online, this course teaches participants how to transform the information in databases into valuable insights.

What to Know Before Learning SQL Server

Learning to work with SQL Server can be challenging if you are new to working with data or databases. For those who wish to expedite this learning process, you may consider learning a few data-related skills beforehand:

Data Analytics

Because relational databases store large volumes of data, the more familiar you are with data, as well as the process of data analytics, the easier it will be to learn to use SQL Server. Data analytics is extracting and analyzing various kinds of data, such as qualitative, structured, unstructured, historical, or real-time, so patterns and trends can be spotted. The insights gathered from studying data are often presented in a visualization, which depicts data findings in an engaging and accessible manner. These visualizations and accompanying reports can then be reported to various decision-makers within an organization so that they can make more informed, data-driven decisions.

Noble Desktop’s Data Analytics Certificate is a great learning option if you want to study data analytics in an intensive, hands-on learning environment. Participants learn core data analytics skills, such as creating data visualizations and working with databases. All students receive one-on-one mentoring and have the option of a free course retake for up to one year.

Relational Databases

If you want to learn to work with SQL Server, a background working with databases, particularly relational databases, can help. A database management system controls how data is stored, retrieved, deleted, and kept secure within a database. A relational database stores this information in the form of tables. These tables are organized into columns, where each column contains one data type. The data for each “instance” of a table is contained in a row. Tables often have keys, which are one or multiple columns that are used to uniquely identify a row inside a table. Because SQL Server is a relational database management system, the more familiar you are with RDBMS, the easier it will be to learn to work with this system.

Programming Languages such as SQL

SQL, short for structured query language, is a common language used for communicating with a database. The American National Standards Institute considers SQL the standard language for RDBSMs. SQL statements perform various tasks, such as retrieving or updating data on a database. Several popular RDBMSs, such as Oracle, Access, Ingres, and Microsoft SQL Server, use SQL. Even though most database systems use SQL, many have their unique additional proprietary extensions, which are only used on their system. However, common SQL commands like insert, delete, update, and select can accomplish most database tasks.

If you want to learn more about SQL, Noble Desktop offers in-person and live online SQL courses, such as SQL Bootcamp and SQL Server Bootcamp. 

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

• SQL Server is an RDBMS used to sort and retrieve any data that other software applications may need.
• Learning SQL Server can be a challenging process for those who are new to working with RDBMSs. Although performing basic database tasks like performing backups can be learned relatively easily, it may take weeks or months of study to acquire more advanced SQL Server skills.
• The speed at which you learn SQL Server will depend on several variables, such as your prior experience working with data and data analytics, your knowledge of relational databases, and your familiarity with programming languages like SQL.
• Enrolling in one of Noble Desktop's in-person or live online SQL Server courses is a great way to learn more about how to work with relational database management systems such as SQL Server.