Querying SQL Databases using T-SQL

There are no technical pre-requisites for this course and it assumes no prior knowledge of SQL Server.

Where possible, our experienced trainers will take the time to discuss the how and where to use each aspect of TSQL covered in the course.

• Accessing the TSQL language using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
• Getting to use SSMS to write TSQL to write queries using a single table
• Using more than one table using joins such as inner, outer and cross
• Applying filters to the output to reduce the number of rows returned
• Analysing data to return aggregated results using group by and a few functions
• Using functions to convert and cast the data between data types.

Module 1: Introduction to T-SQL

This module provides essential background information on Relational Database Management Systems and Microsoft SQL Server and introduces the main tool that will be used throughout the course - SQL Server Management Studio.

Lab :

• Familiarize yourself with SSMS
• Introduction to the Query Editor

Module 2: Retrieving Data

This module describes the fundamental part of a T-SQL query: the SELECT statement.

Lab :

• Basic Select statements
• Using expressions in Select lists

Module 3: Filtering Rows

This module describes how you can filter unwanted data out of your results using the WHERE clause.

Lab :

• Basic equality filters
• Basic comparisons
• Logical comparisons
• String comparisons
• NULL comparisons

Module 4: Sorting returned rows

This module describes how to use the ORDER BY clause of a query to manage the order in which rows are returned.

Lab :

• Basic sorting
• Sorting on expressions
• Unique rows
• Limiting results

Module 5: Grouping and Aggregating data

This module describes how to use the aggregate functions of SQL to calculate results for a number of records at a time and how to group results into a series of values. Finally, it describes how to filter the grouped values.

Lab :

• Single aggregates
• GROUP BY
• HAVING

Module 6: Using multiple tables

This module describes how to use JOIN clauses to retrieve data from multiple tables. It also covers the UNION, INTERSECT and EXCEPT keywords

Lab :

• Inner joins
• Outer joins
• Unions

Module 7: Using Views and Stored Procedures

This module provides an introduction to the benefits of using pre-written queries which have been stored in the database.

Lab :

• Using views
• Using stored procedures

Module 8: Common Functions

This module introduces you to some of the basic text, date and null-value manipulation functions that are built in to SQL Server.

Lab :

• Text functions
• Date functions
• NULL functions
• Formatting dates

Appendix : Modifying Data

If time allows and if enough delegates express an interest in the topic, this module gives a brief introduction to INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE statements.