Why Learn SQL Server?

SQL Server is a software application that manages databases by retrieving and storing data other applications request. Have you ever explored all of the things SQL Server can do? This versatile relational database management system controls processing, data storage, and security. It’s used by professionals such as Database Administrators, BI Developers, Data Analysts, and ETL Developers for tasks like data mining, database administration, and database security. Here, you’ll learn more about the careers that benefit from SQL Server and how it can enhance your professional life. Regardless of your overall goals, learning SQL Server is a valuable and impressive skill to add to your resume. 

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.

Common Professional Uses for SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server is used across a range of industries and professions. Currently, it is used by over 400,000 companies. SQL Server is used by organizations such as Amtrak, Cigna, PNC, Humana, John Deere, Garmin International, Morgan Stanley, and Bank of America. The following are just some of the careers in which SQL Server skills are valuable, as well as how these skills are used:

• Database Administrators are in charge of creating, administering, and maintaining a SQL Server database. 

• ETL Developers often work with SQL Server Integration Services for the ETL process of extracting, transforming, and loading data.

• Database Developers design and implement databases for various applications. This often requires a sound knowledge of ETL solutions and T-SQL. 

• BI Developers are often involved with data transformations, warehousing, and reporting tasks. They sometimes use SSAS, SSIS, and SSRS when working with SQL Server.

• Developers who write code in Java or another programming language often need to connect to SQL Server to complete projects. The more familiar you are with the database, the easier it will be to complete work. In addition, some tasks are more efficient using T-SQL rather than UI. 

• Data Analysts gather and analyze data to find actionable insights that can help their organization make more informed business decisions. Data Analysts sometimes use Microsoft Power BI for these tasks, which can require understanding technologies such as multidimensional Tabular models or SSAS data mining.

• BI Administrators perform tasks such as creating backups, running ETL processes, and processing cubes. These professionals often have SQL Server skills, such as a background working with SSAS, which can help them monitor the environment’s security.

Why use SQL Server?

The following are just several reasons why SQL Server can help you more efficiently complete professional projects:

Ease of Installation

The setup wizard makes installing SQL Server an easy, one-click process. Whereas other database servers need detailed command-line configurations, SQL Server provides a user-friendly installation interface. In addition, a readable GUI is included as well, which contains detailed instructions. The installation wizard automatically downloads all required updates, which cuts down on manual workloads. 

Once SQL Server is installed, Noble Desktop’s in-person and live online SQL Server Bootcamp provides several hours of hands-on training about how to use SQL Server to extract information from databases, aggregate data, and write SQL queries.

Data Recovery and Restoration Capabilities

SQL Server provides users with a range of cutting-edge features that recover and restore data that’s been damaged or lost; they can even recover a complete dataset. SQL Server’s Database Engine oversees data storage and aids with executing user queries and demands, such as files, transactions, or indexes.

Improved Performance

SQL Server is equipped with built-in, transparent data encryption and compression features, which improve its performance. If you want to encrypt and secure data, modifying programs is unnecessary. Instead, SQL Server includes an efficient permission management tool with access controls to secure sensitive business content.

Security

SQL Server’s database incorporates advanced encryption algorithms, making breaking security layers nearly impossible. This makes it a highly secure environment. In addition, SQL Server provides users with additional security features designed to reduce the possibility of attacks.

How to Start Learning SQL Server

If you are interested in studying SQL Server, a variety of excellent learning options are available in person and online. Choosing which one is best for you will likely depend on certain variables, such as your ability to commute to class and the demands of your current schedule.

For those who thrive in the traditional classroom environment, in-person SQL Server classes are a great option. Participants in this engaging learning format have access to a computer lab, which has computers loaded with the most up-to-date software and applications. In addition, courses are led by an expert instructor with industry experience working with SQL Server. You can ask questions as they arise and receive guidance along the way. The small class setting is also an excellent opportunity to connect with other learners, which can facilitate networking. Although in-person study does require attending regularly scheduled meetings, which may require taking off work, this engaging learning format is ideal for extroverted learners who cherish the opportunity to receive feedback and help with complicated database questions.

In addition to in-person study, live online SQL Server courses are also available. Like in-person classes, students receive instruction from an expert instructor in real time. This provides a platform where students can ask questions as they arise and receive immediate feedback. One of the main benefits of live online coursework is that you can complete it remotely from the comfort of your home or office. While this study option requires attending courses that meet regularly, which may require taking off work to attend, you won’t have to drive across town at rush hour or search for parking to study SQL Server.

Another online learning format for SQL Server study is self-paced SQL Server coursework. Whereas live online classes require meeting at a recurring, regularly scheduled time, asynchronous study occurs entirely on your own. Video content and tutorials are typically pre-recorded. This means that they can be watched as often as necessary, as well as paused and rewound to facilitate note taking. The flexibility of this learning option makes it a good option for those who have to balance their SQL Server study with travel, work, and family commitments. While self-paced SQL Server study is a good starting point for those new to this field, since no instructor is available to answer questions, it can be challenging to learn complicated database skills in this format. This is why on-demand study is a good starting point, but to master more advanced concepts, it’s crucial to have access to an instructor.

If you want to learn about SQL, you can visit Noble Desktop’s free Learn SQL Hub. Content is available on various SQL topics, such as using SQL for business analytics, working with SQL queries, and installing SQL Server Express. Noble also has an Intro to SQL free seminar, a great starting point for your SQL studies. Noble’s Python, Data Science, & SQL YouTube playlist is also a rich resource for content on SQL and related topics. 

You can also browse SQL Server classes close to home if you’re interested in finding local learning options.

Read the full guide on how to learn SQL Server. 

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 was created in 1989 and is widely used to manage relational databases.
• SQL Server is used in various professions, from data analytics to business intelligence to database administration.
• There are many benefits to working with SQL Server. This software application is secure, offers improved performance and data recovery capabilities, and is easy to install.
• You can receive comprehensive SQL Server training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.