This instructor led course provides students with the technical skills required to write basic Transact-SQL queries for Microsoft SQL Server 2012. This course is the foundation for all SQL Server-related disciplines; namely, Database Administration, Database Development, and Business Intelligence. This course helps people prepare for exam 70-461. All the labs for this course can be performed using the provided virtual machines. However, if you have a Microsoft Windows Azure account and the classroom virtual machines connect to the internet you may be able to connect to your Windows Azure server and database from the classroom. Many of the labs in this course are enabled for you to perform the lab while connected to your own Windows Azure database in the cloud. Your instructor will provide a current list of Windows Azure enabled labs. To acquire a trial Windows Azure account click here.

Course Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to:

Write SELECT queries
Query multiple tables
Use built-in functions
Use subqueries
Execute stored procedures
Use set operators
Implement error handling
Implement transactions
Use table expressions
Sort and filter data
Use window ranking, offset and aggregate functions
Query SQL Server metadata
Program with T-SQL
Improve query performance

Prerequisites

Before attending this course, students must have:

Working knowledge of relational databases.
Basic knowledge of the Microsoft Windows operating system and its core functionality.Before attending this course, students should have:
Basic understanding of virtualization technology (Classroom labs utilize virtual machines)

Course Track

Module 1: Introduction to Microsoft SQL Server 2012

Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2012
Getting Started with SQL Server Management Studio

Module 2: Getting Started with SQL Azure

Overview of SQL Azure
Working with SQL Azure

Module 3: Introduction to T-SQL Querying

Introducing T-SQL
Understanding Sets
Understanding Predicate Logic
Understanding the Logical Order of Operations in SELECT statements

Module 4: Writing SELECT Queries

Writing Simple SELECT Statements
Eliminating Duplicates with DISTINCT
Using Column and Table Aliases
Writing Simple CASE Expressions

Module 5: Querying Multiple Tables

Understanding Joins
Querying with Inner Joins
Querying with Outer Joins
Querying with Cross Joins and Self Joins

Module 6: Sorting and Filtering Data

Sorting Data
Filtering Data with a WHERE Clause
Filtering with the TOP and OFFSET-FETCH Options
Working with Unknown and Missing Values

Module 7: Working with SQL Server 2012 Data Types

Introducing SQL Server 2012 Data Types
Working with Character Data
Working with Date and Time Data

Module 8: Using Built-In Functions

Writing Queries with Built-In Functions
Using Conversion Functions
Using Logical Functions
Using Functions to Work with NULL

Module 9: Grouping and Aggregating Data

Using Aggregate Functions
Using the GROUP BY Clause
Filtering Groups with HAVING

Module 10: Using Subqueries

Writing Self-Contained Subqueries
Writing Correlated Subqueries
Using the EXISTS Predicate with Subqueries

Module 11: Using Table Expressions

Using Derived Tables
Using Common Table Expressions
Using Views
Using Inline Table-Valued Functions

Module 12: Using Set Operators

Writing Queries with the UNION Operator
Using EXCEPT and INTERSECT
Using APPLY

Module 13: Using Window Ranking, Offset and Aggregate Functions

Course Benefits

This course prepares students to pass the Microsoft exam 70-641 which is a credit towards the MCSE – Data Platform certification. This course is intended for Database Administrators, Database Developers, and Business Intelligence professionals. The course will very likely be well attended by SQL power users who aren’t necessarily database-focused or plan on taking the exam; namely, report writers, business analysts, and client application developers.

Course Duration

This course is taught in 40 hours of hands-on instructor-led training sessions.