Get a performance-oriented introduction to the T-SQL language underlying
the Microsoft SQL Server and Azure SQL database engines. This fourth
edition is updated to include SQL Notebooks as well as up-to-date syntax
and features for T-SQL on-premises and in the Azure cloud. Exercises and
examples now include the WideWorldImporters database, the newest sample
database from Microsoft for SQL Server. Also new in this edition is
coverage of JSON from T-SQL, news about performance enhancements called
Intelligent Query Processing, and an appendix on running SQL Server in a
container on macOS or Linux.
Beginning T-SQL starts you on the path to mastering T-SQL with an
emphasis on best practices. Using the sound coding techniques taught in
this book will lead to excellent performance in the queries that you
write in your daily work. Important techniques such as windowing
functions are covered to help you write fast-executing queries that
solve real business problems.The book begins with an introduction to
databases, normalization, and to setting up your learning environment.
You will learn about the tools you need to use such as SQL Server
Management Studio, Azure Data Studio, and SQL Notebooks. Each subsequent
chapter teaches an aspect of T-SQL, building on the skills learned in
previous chapters. Exercises in most chapters provide an opportunity for
the hands-on practice that leads to true learning and distinguishes the
competent professional.
A stand-out feature in this book is that most chapters end with a
Thinking About Performance section. These sections cover aspects of
query performance relative to the content just presented, including the
new Intelligent Query Processing features that make queries faster
without changing code. They will help you avoid beginner mistakes by
knowing about and thinking about performance from day 1.
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What You Will Learn
- Install a sandboxed SQL Server instance for learning
- Understand how relational databases are designed
- Create objects such as tables and stored procedures
- Query a SQL Server table
- Filter and order the results of a query
- Query and work with specialized data types such as XML and JSON
- Apply modern features such as window functions
- Choose correct techniques so that your queries perform well
**
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Who This Book Is For
Anyone who wants to learn T-SQL from the beginning or improve their
T-SQL skills; those who need T-SQL as an additional skill; and those who
write queries such as application developers, database administrators,
business intelligence developers, and data scientists. The book is also
helpful for anyone who must retrieve data from a SQL Server database.
