SQL Server is a widely used relational database management system. It was created by Microsoft to manage and store data.Once you’ve decided to learn SQL Server, the next important question is how it is you plan to learn these skills. Most students find that they retain information better when they receive guided training, and there is no shortage of available options for students to receive guidance in their SQL Server training. Read on to learn more about the different SQL Server training options and what advantages and disadvantages they carry with them.

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 Skills?

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 Training Format Matters

When studying SQL Server, one of the most important considerations is selecting a training format most suited to your learning style, availability, and professional goals. Students who have busy schedules or don’t live near major cities may be unable to attend in-person and would find it much easier to learn in the live online or self-paced format. Those seeking SQL Server training for their career may need intensive instruction beyond introductory-level coursework or free tutorials. Cost, too, is an important consideration for many learners who wish to learn SQL Server but may not want to spend tens of thousands of dollars on their training. Fortunately, a range of training formats is available in SQL Server, each of which with its own strengths.

Types of Training Formats

If you’re ready to learn SQL Server, you may not be certain which training format is best for you. The following sections will briefly explore classes that take place in the live format, such as in-person and live online study, as well as self-paced learning options, such as on-demand SQL coursework and free classes. 

Live In-Person Classes

The most interactive, engaging way to learn SQL Server is in the in-person training format. In-person learning takes place in a computer lab that provides students with the most up-to-date software and programs needed to work with large volumes of data. Participants in live, in-person courses receive real-time instruction from experts who have real-world training working with relational database management systems. In-person coursework also provides those enrolled with a way to network with others, which is an excellent way to foster professional development. Since lessons are taught in real time, students can freely ask questions and receive individual guidance and support on the SQL Server learning journey.

One important consideration of in-person SQL Server coursework is that it requires participants to attend classes that meet regularly. Some students may need to take off work and budget time and money for commuting to and from class for each meeting.

Live Online Classes

If you’re interested in studying SQL Server in the live environment but can’t attend in-person class meetings, live online coursework is a great alternative. Those who study SQL Server in the live online format have access to an instructor in real-time. Although they are teaching the class from a remote location, students can still ask any questions they may have and receive support and guidance on challenging concepts. Instead of having to battle rush-hour traffic or waste time searching for a parking spot, live online coursework can all be completed remotely. This means that you can learn SQL Server from anywhere with an internet connection, such as from the comfort of your home or office. 

Live online training still requires that participants attend courses that meet at regularly scheduled times. This may make learning in this format prohibitive for individuals who travel regularly for work or for those who have to balance their studies around family commitments. 

On-Demand Classes

The most flexible training format for SQL Server is on-demand coursework. Unlike in-person and live online training, which meets in real-time at regularly scheduled intervals, self-paced classes are asynchronous; they can be completed at any time, from any location, and at your own pace. Course content is pre-recorded, which allows those who have busy work schedules or who have to fit their SQL Server classes in around travel and family commitments, can still learn how to work with this system. 

When selecting which self-paced course is best for you, choosing up-to-date content is important. Because so many self-paced SQL Server classes are available, you also should select one from a reputable provider. Many top educational providers, such as Udemy and Coursera, provide on-demand SQL Server classes. Because you won’t have access to an instructor to answer questions in this learning format, self-paced SQL Server classes are generally a good starting point for learning basic concepts. However, if you need to learn SQL Server for your career, a more guided learning environment may be more beneficial.

Free Courses

If you’re just getting started working with SQL Server, you may not want to invest a lot of money into your training. Free courses are a great place to start. Pre-loaded material, such as tutorials and YouTube videos, can provide an overview of SQL Server, and even prepare you to perform basic database tasks. Since no financial commitment is required, free courses offer a low-stakes way to begin studying this topic. Because of the variety of free training material available, you can select from long and short courses, depending on your needs. You can also complete multiple free courses to provide you with a solid foundation in working with relational database management systems and other data-related skills. Once you’ve completed a free SQL Server class, you may wish to then enroll in a more structured form of study, such as live online coursework, to take your skills to the next level.

Depth of Training Formats

In addition to considering whether to learn SQL Server in-person or online, and whether to learn this skill in real time or in the self-paced environment, training format depth is another variable. SQL Server instruction is available through certificate programs, training bootcamps, and introductory-level coursework, each of which provides its own unique learning benefits.

Certificate Programs

For those who wish to study SQL Server in a rigorous learning environment, certificates are available. Certificates are extended programs that span several weeks or months and are designed to prepare you for a career working with data. An expert instructor leads these courses and provides hands-on training in the in-person or live online format. This makes them an excellent option for professionals like Database Administrators, Data Analysts, or Data Scientists who wish to acquire pragmatic training in SQL Server for professional development. 

Certificate programs are generally the most expensive option available, save for four-year college or university study. Some certificates cost several thousand dollars are more. When selecting a certificate program, it’s important to consider the scope of the material taught. Some certificates focus entirely on SQL Server, whereas others provide instruction on various data science, data analytics, or database skills. Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate, for example, teaches machine learning, Python programming, data visualization, and SQL querying skills In addition, certain certificate programs offer students additional incentives, such as professional development, one-on-one mentoring, and free course retakes. This makes them an excellent investment for professionals interested in mastering SQL Server.

Training Bootcamps

If you’d like to focus your study on acquiring SQL Server skills alone, a training bootcamp is a good option. Unlike certificates, that sometimes provide a broader form of training in data science or data analytics, SQL Server bootcamps ensure that you can devote your time and energy to learning just one skill. This makes bootcamps a good option for professionals who need to learn SQL Server for a work project or professional development. Training bootcamps are generally available in the in-person as well as online format.

Bootcamps are generally shorter in duration than certificates; some can be completed in just a few days. Another benefit of enrolling in an SQL Server bootcamp is cost. Participants receive expert SQL Server instruction and pay much less for it than they would during a certificate program. Some bootcamps are available for just a few hundred dollars.

If you’d like to enroll in a bootcamp, Noble Desktop’s SQL Server Bootcamp provides instruction on a range of fundamental skills, such as how to extract actionable insights from datasets, as well as how to write SQL queries.

Introductory Courses

Those new to SQL Server may not be ready to pursue a rigorous certificate program or bootcamp. Introductory courses are a good starting point. They typically are a much shorter learning option than bootcamps or certificates. Some intro classes can be completed in just a day or a week. These classes give learners an overview of SQL Server and teach them how to perform basic RDBMS tasks. They also can help participants decide whether they wish to explore SQL Server further and enroll in more rigorous training, such as that offered by a bootcamp.

Introductory courses in SQL Server are available from many top educators. Some course content is pre-loaded and can be completed asynchronously, whereas other courses take place in real-time. Intro classes are a cost-effective way to study SQL Server. These classes typically cost much less than certificates or bootcamps; some educators even offer free coursework in the self-paced format.

Noble Desktop’s free Intro to SQL course offers an overview of core SQL skills and concepts, such as what databases are and how to use them, as well as how to code SQL queries.

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 Insights

• SQL Server is a popular relational database management system that was designed by Microsoft for data management and storage.
• If you’re looking to learn SQL Server, you can select from in-person options, as well as online coursework in the live or asynchronous format.
• An important consideration when selecting a training format for SQL Server is the depth of training. Certificate programs provide rigorous instruction over the course of weeks or months, whereas bootcamps are typically shorter and more focused and span just days or weeks. Introductory-level courses are also offered, which are the shortest and most affordable option.
• Whether you prefer studying in the in-person or online format, Noble Desktop can help you learn SQL Server in its hands-on courses.