Course Outline

Lesson 1: Introduction to Microsoft SQL Server

• This module introduces the SQL Server platform and major tools. It discusses editions, versions, tools used to query, documentation sources, and the logical structure of databases.

 

Lessons:

The Basic Architecture of SQL Server

SQL Server Editions and Versions

Getting Started with SQL Server Management Studio

 

Lab : Working with SQL Server 2014 Tools

Working with SQL Server Management Studio

Creating and Organising T-SQL scripts

Using Books Online

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Describe the architecture and editions of SQL Server 2012.

Work with SQL Server Management Studio.

 

Lesson 2: Introduction to T-SQL Querying

• This module introduces Transact SQL as the primary querying language of SQL Server. It discusses the basic structure of T-SQL queries, the logical flow of a SELECT statement, and introduces concepts such as predicates and set-based operations.

 

Lessons:

Introducing T-SQL

Understanding Sets

Understanding Predicate Logic

Understanding the Logical Order of Operations in SELECT statements

 

Lab : Introduction to Transact-SQL Querying

Executing Basic SELECT Statements

Executing queries which filter data using predicates

Executing queries which sort data using ORDER BY

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Describe the elements of T-SQL and their role in writing queries

Describe the use of sets in SQL Server

Describe the use of predicate logic in SQL Server

Describe the logical order of operations in SELECT statements

 

Lesson 3: Writing SELECT Queries

• This module introduces the fundamentals of the SELECT statement, focusing on queries against a single table.

 

Lessons:

Writing Simple SELECT Statements

Eliminating Duplicates with DISTINCT

Using Column and Table Aliases

Writing Simple CASE Expressions

 

Lab : Writing Basic SELECT Statements

Write simple SELECT Statements

Eliminate Duplicates Using Distinct

Use Table and Column Aliases

Use a Simple CASE Expression

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Write simple SELECT statements.

Eliminate duplicates using the DISTINCT clause.

Use column and table aliases.

Write simple CASE expressions.

 

Lesson 4: Querying Multiple Tables

• This module explains how to write queries which combine data from multiple sources in SQL Server. The module introduces the use of JOINs in T-SQL queries as a mechanism for retrieving data from multiple tables.

 

Lessons:

Understanding Joins

Querying with Inner Joins

Querying with Outer Joins

Querying with Cross Joins and Self Joins

 

Lab : Querying Multiple Tables

Writing Queries That Use Inner Joins

Writing Queries That Use Multiple-Table Inner Join

Writing Queries That Use Self Joins

Writing Queries That Use Outer Joins

Writing Queries That Use Cross Joins

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Describe how multiple tables may be queried in a SELECT statement using joins.

Write queries that use inner joins.

Write queries that use outer joins.

Write queries that use self-joins and cross joins.

 

Lesson 5: Sorting and Filtering Data

• This module explains how to enhance queries to limit the rows they return, and to control the order in which the rows are displayed. The module also discusses how to resolve missing and unknown results.

 

Lessons:

Sorting Data

Filtering Data with a WHERE Clause

Filtering with the TOP and OFFSET-FETCH Options

Working with Unknown and Missing Values

 

Lab : Sorting and Filtering Data

Writing Queries That Filter Data Using a WHERE Clause

Writing Queries That Filter Data Using an ORDER BY Clause

Writing Queries That Filter Data Using the TOP Option

Writing Queries That Filter Data Using the OFFSET-FETCH Clause

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Filter data with predicates in the WHERE clause.

Sort data using ORDER BY.

Filter data in the SELECT clause with TOP.

Filter data with OFFSET and FETCH.

 

Lesson 6: Working with SQL Server 2014 Data Types

• This module explains the data types SQL Server uses to store data. It introduces the many types of numeric and special-use data types. It also explains conversions between data types, and the importance of type precedence.

 

Lessons:

Introducing SQL Server 2014 Data Types

Working with Character Data

Working with Date and Time Data

 

Lab : Working with SQL Server 2014 Data Types

Writing Queries That Return Date and Time Data

Writing Queries That Use Date and Time Functions

Writing Queries That Return Character Data

Writing Queries That Use Character Functions

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Describe numeric data types, type precedence and type conversions.

Write queries using character data types.

Write queries using date and time data types.

 

Lesson 7: Using DML to Modify Dataa

• This module describes the use of Transact-SQL Data Manipulation Language to perform inserts, updates, and deletes to your data.

 

Lessons:

Inserting Data

Modifying and Deleting Data

 

Lab : Using DML to Modify Data

Inserting Data

Updating and Deleting Data

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Insert new data into your tables.

Update and delete existing records in your tables.

 

Lesson 8: Using Built-In Functions

• This module introduces the use of functions that are built in to SQL Server Denali, and will discuss some common usages including data type conversion, testing for logical results and nullability.

 

Lessons:

Writing Queries with Built-In Functions

Using Conversion Functions

Using Logical Functions

Using Functions to Work with NULL

 

Lab : Using Built-In Functions

Write queries which use conversion functions

Write queries which use logical functions

Write queries which test for nullability

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Write queries with built-in scalar functions.

Use conversion functions.

Use logical functions.

Use functions that work with NULL.

 

Lesson 9: Grouping and Aggregating Data

• This module introduces methods for grouping data within a query, aggregating the grouped data and filtering groups with HAVING. The module is designed to help the student grasp why a SELECT clause has restrictions placed upon column naming in the GROUP BY clause as well as which columns may be listed in the SELECT clause.

 

Lessons:

Using Aggregate Functions

Using the GROUP BY Clause

Filtering Groups with HAVING

 

Lab : Grouping and Aggregating Data

Write queries which use the GROUP BY clause

Write queries which use aggregate functions

Write queries which use distinct aggregate functions

Write queries which filter groups with the HAVING clause

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Write queries which summarise data using built-in aggregate functions.

Use the GROUP BY clause to arrange rows into groups.

Use the HAVING clause to filter out groups based on a search condition.

 

Lesson 10: Using Subqueries

• This module will introduce the use of subqueries in various parts of a SELECT statement. It will include the use of scalar and multi-result subqueries, and the use of the IN and EXISTS operators.

 

Lessons:

Writing Self-Contained Subqueries

Writing Correlated Subqueries

Using the EXISTS Predicate with Subqueries

 

Lab : Using Subqueries

Write queries which use self-contained subqueries

Write queries which use scalar and multi-result subqueries

Write queries which use correlated subqueries and EXISTS predicate

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Describe the uses of queries which are nested within other queries.

Write self-contained subqueries which return scalar or multi-valued results.

Write correlated subqueries which return scalar or multi-valued results.

Use the EXISTS predicate to efficiently check for the

existence of rows in a subquery.

 

Lesson 11: Using Table Expressions

• This module introduces T-SQL expressions which return a valid relational table, typically for further use in the query. The module discusses views, derived tables, common table expressions and inline table-valued functions.

 

Lessons:

Using Derived Tables

Using Common Table Expressions

Using Views

Using Inline Table-Valued Functions

 

Lab : Using Table Expressions

Write Queries Which Use Views

Write Queries Which Use Derived Tables

Write Queries Which Use Common Table Expressions

Write Queries Which Use Inline Table-Valued Functions

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Write queries which use derived tables.

Write queries which use common table expressions.

Create simple views and write queries against them.

Create simple inline table-valued functions and write queries against them.

 

Lesson 12: Using Set Operators

• This module introduces Microsoft SharePoint Server as a platform for BI, and then focuses on building BI dashboards and scorecards with PerformancePoint Services.

 

Lessons:

Writing Queries with the UNION Operator

Using EXCEPT and INTERSECT

Using APPLY

 

Lab : Using Set Operators

Write queries which use UNION set operators and UNION ALL multi-set operators

Write queries which use CROSS APPLY and OUTER APPLY operators

Write queries which use EXCEPT and INTERSECT operators

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Write queries which combine data using the UNION operator

Write queries which compare sets using the INTERSECT and EXCEPT operators

Write queries which manipulate rows in a table by using APPLY with the results of a derived table or function

 

Lesson 13: Using Window Ranking, Offset, and Aggregate Functions

• This module introduces window functions including ranking, aggregate and offset functions. Much of this functionality is new to SQL Server 2012. It will cover the use of T-SQL functions such as ROW_NUMBER, RANK, DENSE_RANK, NTILE, LAG, LEAD, FIRST_VALUE and LAST_VALUE to perform calculations against a set, or window, of rows.

 

Lessons:

Creating Windows with OVER

Exploring Window Functions

 

Lab : Using Window Ranking, Offset, and Aggregate Functions

Write queries which use ranking functions

Write queries which use offset functions

Write queries which use window aggregate functions

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Describe the benefits to using window functions.

Restrict window functions to rows defined in an OVER clause, including partitions and frames.

Write queries which use window functions to operate on a window of rows and return ranking, aggregation and offset comparison results.

 

Lesson 14: Pivoting and Grouping Sets

• This module discusses techniques for pivoting data in T-SQL as well to introduce the fundamentals of the GROUPING SETS clause. It will also cover the use of GROUP BY ROLLUP and GROUP BY CUBE syntax in SQL Server.

 

Lessons:

Writing Queries with PIVOT and UNPIVOT

Working with Grouping Sets

 

Lab : Pivoting and Grouping Sets

Write queries which use the PIVOT operator

Write queries which use the UNPIVOT operator

Write queries which use the GROUPING SETS subclause

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Write queries which pivot and unpivot result sets.

Write queries which specify multiple groupings with grouping sets.

 

Lesson 15: Executing Stored Procedures

• This module introduces the use of existing stored procedures in a T-SQL querying environment. It discusses the use of EXECUTE, how to pass input and output parameters to a procedure, and how to invoke system stored procedures.

 

Lessons:

Querying Data with Stored Procedures

Passing Parameters to Stored Procedures

Creating Simple Stored Procedures

Working with Dynamic SQL

 

Lab : Executing Stored Procedures

Use the EXECUTE statement to invoke stored procedures

Pass parameters to stored procedures

Execute system stored procedures

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Return results by executing stored procedures.

Pass parameters to procedures.

Create simple stored procedures which encapsulate a SELECT statement.

Construct and execute dynamic SQL with EXEC and sp_executesql.

 

Lesson 16: Programming with T-SQL

• This module provides a basic introduction to T-SQL programming concepts and objects. It discusses batches, variables, control of flow elements such as loops and conditionals, how to create and execute dynamic SQL statements, and how to use synonyms

 

Lessons:

T-SQL Programming Elements

Controlling Program Flow

 

Lab : Programming with T-SQL

Declaring Variables and Delimiting Batches

Using Control-of-Flow Elements

Generating Dynamic SQL

Using Synonyms

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Describe the language elements of T-SQL used for simple programming tasks.

Describe batches and how they are handled by SQL Server.

Declare and assign variables and synonyms./li>

Use IF and WHILE blocks to control program flow.

 

Lesson 17: Implementing Error Handling

• This module introduces the use of error handlers in T-SQL code. It will introduce the difference between compile errors and run-time errors, and will cover how errors affect batches. The module will also cover how to control error handling using TRY/CATCH blocks, the use of the ERROR class of functions, and the use of the new THROW statement.

 

Lessons:

Using TRY / CATCH Blocks

Working with Error Information

 

Lab : Implementing Error Handling

Redirecting Errors with TRY / CATCH

Using THROW to Pass an Error Message Back to a Client

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Implement structured exception handling in T-SQL.

Return information about errors from system objects.

Raise user-defined errors and pass system errors in T-SQL code.

 

Lesson 18: Implementing Transactions

• This module introduces the concepts of transaction management in SQL Server. It will provide a high-level overview of transaction properties, cover the basics of marking transactions with BEGIN, COMMIT and ROLLBACK.

 

Lessons:

Transactions and the Database Engine

Controlling Transactions

Isolation Levels

 

Lab : Implementing Error Handling

Controlling transactions with BEGIN, COMMIT, and ROLLBACK

Adding error handling to a CATCH block

 

After completing this module, you will be able to:

Describe transactions and the differences between batches and transactions.

Describe batches and how they are handled by SQL Server.

Create and manage transactions with transaction control language statements.

Use SET XACT_ABORT to define SQL Server's handling of transactions outside TRY / CATCH blocks.

Describe the effects of isolation levels on transactions

 

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Introducing to SQL Server 2012 and its Toolset

• This module introduces the entire SQL Server platform and its major tools. It covers editions, versions, basics of network listeners, and concepts of services and service accounts.

 

Lessons:

Introduction to the SQL Server Platform

Working with SQL Server Tools

Configuring SQL Server Services

 

Lesson 2: Preparing Systems for SQL Server 2012

• This module covers planning for an installation related to SQL Server I/O requirements, 32 bit vs 64 bit, memory configuration options and I/O subsystem pre-installation checks using SQLIOSim and SQLIO.

 

Lessons:

Overview of SQL Server Architecture

Planning Server Resource Requirements

Pre-installation Testing for SQL Server

 

Lesson 3: Installing and Configuring SQL Server 2012

• This module details installing and configuring SQL Server.

 

Lessons:

Preparing to Install SQL Server

Installing SQL Server

Upgrading and Automating Installation

 

Lesson 4: Working with Databases

• This module describes how data is stored in databases, how to create databases, and how to move databases either within a server or between servers.

 

Lessons:

Overview of SQL Server Databases

Working with Files and Filegroups

Moving Database Files

 

Lesson 5: Understanding SQL Server 2012 Recovery Models

• This module describes the concept of the transaction log and SQL Server recovery models. It introduces the different backup strategies available with SQL Server.

 

Lessons:

Backup Strategies

Understanding SQL Server Transaction Logging

Planning a SQL Server Backup Strategy

 

Lesson 6: Backup of SQL Server 2012 Databases

• This module describes SQL Server Backup and the backup types.

 

Lessons:

Backing up Databases and Transaction Logs

Managing Database Backups

Working with Backup Options

 

Lesson 7: Restoring SQL Server 2012 Databases

• This module describes the restoration of databases.

 

Lessons:

Understanding the Restore Process

Restoring Databases

Working with Point-in-time recovery

Restoring System Databases and Individual Files

 

Lesson 8: Importing and Exporting Data

• This module covers the use of the import/export wizards and explains how they relate to SSIS. Also introduces BCP.

 

Lessons:

Transferring Data To/From SQL Server

Importing & Exporting Table Data

Inserting Data in Bulk

 

Lesson 9: Authenticating and Authorising Users

• This module covers SQL Server security models, logins and users.

 

Lessons:

Authenticating Connections to SQL Server

Authorising Logins to Access Databases

Authorisation Across Servers

 

Lesson 10: Assigning Server and Database Roles

• This module covers fixed server roles, user-defined server roles, fixed database roles and user-defined database roles.

 

Lessons:

Working with Server Roles

Working with Fixed Database Roles

Creating User-defined Database Roles

 

Lesson 11: Authorising Users to Access Resources

• This module covers permissions and the assignment of permissions.

 

Lessons:

Authorising User Access to Objects

Authorising Users to Execute Code

Configuring Permissions at the Schema Level

 

Lesson 12: Auditing SQL Server Environments

• This module covers SQL Server Audit.

 

Lessons:

Options for Auditing Data Access in SQL

Implementing SQL Server Audit

Managing SQL Server Audit

 

Lesson 13: Automating SQL Server 2012 Management

• This module covers SQL Server Agent, jobs and job history.

 

Lessons:

Automating SQL Server Management

Working with SQL Server Agent

Managing SQL Server Agent Jobs

 

Lesson 14: Configuring Security for SQL Server Agent

• This module covers SQL Server agent security, proxy accounts and credentials.

 

Lessons:

Understanding SQL Server Agent Security

Configuring Credentials

Configuring Proxy Accounts

 

Lesson 15: Monitoring SQL Server 2012 with Alerts and Notifications

• This module covers the configuration of database mail, alerts and notifications.

 

Lessons:

Configuration of Database Mail

Monitoring SQL Server Errors

Configuring Operators, Alerts and Notifications

 

Lesson 16: Performing Ongoing Database Maintenance

• This module covers database maintenance plans.

 

Lessons:

Ensuring Database Integrity

Maintaining Indexes

Automating Routine Database Maintenance

 

Lesson 17: Tracing Access to SQL Server 2012

• This module covers SQL Profiler and SQL Trace stored procedures.

 

Lessons:

Capturing Activity using SQL Server Profiler

Improving Performance with the Database Engine Tuning Advisor

Working with Tracing Options

 

Lesson 18: Monitoring SQL Server 2012

• This module introduces DMVs and the configuration of data collection.

 

Lessons:

Monitoring Activity

Capturing and Managing Performance Data

Analysing Collected Performance Data

 

Lesson 19: Managing Multiple Servers

• This module covers Central Management Servers and Multi-Server queries, Virtualisation of SQL Server and Data-Tier Applications.

 

Lessons:

Working with Multiple Servers

Virtualising SQL Server

Deploying and Upgrading Data-Tier Applications

 

Lesson 20: Troubleshooting Common SQL Server 2012 Administrative Issues

• This module covers common issues that require troubleshooting and gives guidance on where to start looking for solutions.

 

Lessons:

SQL Server Troubleshooting Methodology

Resolving Service-related Issues

Resolving Concurrency Issues

Resolving Login and Connectivity Issues