Database fundamentals and SQL Server architecture
- Relational database concepts and normalisation basics.
- SQL Server instances, databases and files.
- Data types, nullability and constraints.
- SQL Server Management Studio navigation.
Microsoft SQL Server training
Build database skills you can apply from day one
Learn SQL Server from database fundamentals and T-SQL through stored procedures, transactions, indexing, query tuning, backup and recovery, with hands-on labs and troubleshooting practice.
Course overview
From SELECT statements to dependable database operations
Microsoft SQL Server is widely used for business applications, reporting and data integration. This program builds a practical progression from database fundamentals to writing maintainable T-SQL and supporting a SQL Server environment.
Learners start with database design and data types, then move through querying, joins, subqueries and common table expressions. The course continues into programmable objects, transactions, indexing and performance, before covering backup, recovery and administration fundamentals.
How the course is delivered
- Short concept explanations followed by hands-on query practice.
- Realistic sample data for reporting and troubleshooting exercises.
- Assignments that require both writing and reviewing SQL.
- Performance exercises using execution plans and indexing decisions.
Environment: Practical work uses a suitable Microsoft SQL Server and SQL Server Management Studio environment. Version and access details are confirmed before the batch.
Curriculum
Microsoft SQL Server training modules
The final depth can be adjusted for beginners, developers or administration-focused groups.
Database creation and management
- Creating databases, schemas and tables.
- Primary keys, foreign keys and check constraints.
- Identity columns, defaults and computed columns.
- Data definition and data manipulation statements.
SQL queries, joins, subqueries and CTEs
- SELECT, filtering, sorting and grouping.
- Inner, left, right and full joins.
- Subqueries and correlated subqueries.
- Common table expressions and recursive CTEs.
Functions, views, stored procedures and triggers
- Scalar and table-valued functions.
- Views and indexed views.
- Stored procedures, parameters and output values.
- DML triggers and practical use cases.
Transactions and error handling
- ACID concepts and transaction boundaries.
- BEGIN TRAN, COMMIT and ROLLBACK.
- TRY...CATCH and error information.
- Isolation levels and concurrency concepts.
Indexes and query optimisation
- Clustered and non-clustered indexes.
- Covering indexes and key column choices.
- Execution plans and common performance issues.
- Statistics, SARGability and query rewriting.
Database backup and recovery
- Recovery models and backup types.
- Full, differential and transaction log backups.
- Restore scenarios and point-in-time concepts.
- Backup validation and retention basics.
SQL Server administration fundamentals
- Logins, users, roles and permissions.
- Jobs, maintenance and monitoring basics.
- Database mail and alerting concepts.
- Common administrative checks.
Reporting and business data analysis
- Aggregations, pivoting and window functions.
- Reporting queries for business metrics.
- Working with dates and time periods.
- Data validation and reconciliation queries.
Practical assignments and troubleshooting
- Query-writing assignments with review.
- Debugging slow or incorrect queries.
- Designing a small database for a business case.
- Documenting assumptions and solutions.
Learning outcomes
What you should be able to do
Design tables
Create databases and tables with suitable keys, constraints and relationships.
Write reliable queries
Use joins, subqueries, CTEs and window functions to answer business questions.
Build programmable objects
Create views, stored procedures, functions and triggers with appropriate error handling.
Improve performance
Read execution plans, choose indexes and rewrite inefficient queries.
Protect data
Apply backup and restore concepts and understand recovery models.
Troubleshoot
Investigate incorrect results, blocking, slow queries and common administration issues.
Practical work
Hands-on labs and assignments
- Create a small sales and inventory database with relationships.
- Write reporting queries using joins, aggregates and CTEs.
- Build a stored procedure with parameters and error handling.
- Compare query plans before and after adding an index.
- Perform a backup and restore exercise.
- Investigate a deliberately slow query and document the fix.
Certification preparation: Relevant Microsoft certification topics can be included in the learning plan where applicable. We are not an official certification body, and official exams are booked separately with Microsoft.
Enrolment questions
MS SQL Server training FAQ
Do I need prior SQL knowledge?
No. The program starts with relational database fundamentals. If you already write SQL, we can adjust the pace and focus more on procedures, performance and administration.
Is this course useful for developers or administrators?
It covers both development and administration fundamentals. Developers benefit from the query, procedure and tuning modules; administrators benefit from backup, recovery, security and monitoring topics. Corporate programs can be weighted toward either role.
Which SQL Server versions are used?
The batch uses a suitable supported SQL Server version. The exact version is confirmed before the program. Concepts are explained so they remain applicable across common versions.
Does this cover MySQL or Oracle?
No. This program is focused on Microsoft SQL Server and T-SQL. SQL concepts are transferable, but syntax and administration features are SQL Server-specific.
Does this include certification?
The program includes preparation support for relevant certification topics where applicable. We are not an official certification body, and official exams are booked separately with Microsoft.
Can this be delivered for a corporate team?
Yes. Corporate programs can focus on application development, reporting, database administration or a combination, and can use your own schema and scenarios where appropriate.
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MS SQL Server
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