Microsoft SQL Server 2012: T-SQL Fundamentals

by Itzik Ben-Gan

Gain a solid understanding of T-SQL—and write better queries

Master the fundamentals of Transact-SQL—and develop your own code for querying and modifying data in Microsoft® SQL Server® 2012. Led by a SQL Server expert, you’ll learn the concepts behind T-SQL querying and programming, and then apply your knowledge with exercises in each chapter. Once you understand the logic behind T-SQL, you’ll quickly learn how to write effective code—whether you’re a programmer or database administrator.

Discover how to:


Work with programming practices unique to T-SQL
Create database tables and define data integrity
Query multiple tables using joins and subqueries
Simplify code and improve maintainability with table expressions
Implement insert, update, delete, and merge data modification strategies
Tackle advanced techniques such as window functions, pivoting and grouping sets
Control data consistency using isolation levels, and mitigate deadlocks and blocking
Take T-SQL to the next level with programmable objects

Genres: Computer Science, Programming, Technical, Technology, Reference

442 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 2012

About the author

Itzik Ben-Gan is a Mentor and Co-Founder of SolidQ. A SQL Server Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) since 1999, Itzik has delivered numerous training events around the world focused on T-SQL Querying, Query Tuning and Programming. Itzik is the author of several books including Microsoft SQL Server 2012 High-Performance T-SQL Using Window Functions and Microsoft SQL Server 2012 T-SQL Fundamentals. He has written articles for SQL Server Pro, SolidQ Journal and MSDN. Itzik's speaking activities include TechEd, SQLPASS, SQLU, SQLTeach and various user groups around the world. Itzik is the author of SolidQ's Advanced T-SQL Querying, Programming and Tuning and T-SQL Fundamentals courses along with being a primary resource within the company for their T-SQL related activities.

Itzik Ben-Gan is a co-founder of Solid Quality Mentors, a technical education company, and is a Microsoft SQL Server MVP.

Reviews

[Vladimir · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the best book about SQL what I read.
A good explanations of difficult material and solid examples are the major plus. The detailed analysis of aggregation functions is what many books lacked. On the whole I was delighted how author describes a quite complicated content. By the way it isn't boring even for developers who already familiar with SQL.
I'm happy that I've found this book. I spent reading time with a huge advantage.

[Troy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally bought this book to study for one of the Microsoft 2012 Certification exams (Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012) because the Microsoft Press Exam book is not out till Nov. 2012. This books provides an excellent introduction to T-SQL for SQL Server 2012. It is well organized and the examples are easy to follow and relevant. If you are new to T-SQL or just want a good review and an update of what's available in 2012 then this book is for you. It focuses on key aspects of T-SQL like understanding the logical processing of a SQL query. This is important because you cannot develop solid code without understanding the internals of SQL Server.

[Vera VB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensible and thorough inside in T-SQL, not only for the novice but also for those experienced in T-SQL to keep up with new stuff in SQL Server 2012.
Good understandable examples and nice exercices. I read it as part of preparation to take a microsoft upgrade exam and also because I'm interested in new code that comes with new versions.
If things get complicated you can stick to the basic, for those who feel comfortable, you can read and exercise it all.

[Biju Jose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well started reading today. Ben has presented the matter simply and very ordered .I liked his way of explaining the topics .It contains the latest functions and useful commands included in SQL SERVER 2012. A must read for a SQL Server DBA.

[Boris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Очень хорошая книга по T-SQL! До этого читал эту же книгу, но под SQL Server 2008. Теперь вот освежил знания, перечитывая под SQL Server 2012. Во многом книги идентичны, но новые функции 2012го таки описаны. Изложение книги последовательное и логичное. Перевод на русский тоже довольно грамотный и ничего не бросается в глаза. Несколько опечаток по книге я замечал, но по мелочи. Проработал все упражнения по книге - вполне себе решабельные и не замороченные спецификой тестовой БД. В скользь проскакивают моменты касательно оптимизаций запросов, что меня сейчас сильно интересует, но их очень мало. Все таки целевая аудитория книги не прожженные в отладке запросов спецы, а изучающие с нуля (или почти с нуля). В общем книгу рекомендую к прочтению всем кто изучает T-SQL, ну или позабыл, но хочет обновить знания.

[Frank Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and very good to read

[Mikalai Smatrytski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely useful in understanding the basics of SQL and T-SQL.

[Mohammad Javad Jafari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really grate.try to use Microsoft virtuall academy courses of Sql for better results...at least i got better results using this method

[Joel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Help! Great SQL book!

I've been professionally using SQL Database since about 2010. Self-taught. Have not read a tech book cover to cover for about 5 years and picked this book up looking for answer to a specific problem. Ended up reading the entire book. Author brilliantly straddles practical technical topics and easy reading. Does not assume much prior knowledge but also doesn't get bogged down explaining the obvious. Even though I write TSQL code daily this book filled a lot of gaps in my basic understanding of TSQL and as already made my job much easier.

[Anna Beatriz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not so "fundamental". I believe this book goes a little beyond fundamentals. Itzik Ben-Gan explains everything in a very comprehensible way. Definitely recommended to beginners seeking a solid foundation in T-SQL and also to more experienced developers looking to enhance their skills.

[Sergey Mamulchenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

TL;DR

[Steen Sørensen]

Nice and fast to read. An essential reference for everyone developing, administrating or just making adhoc reports using querys.

[Lolo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent book for beginners! Must read for anyone starting with T-SQL

[Anebi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful introduction to T-SQL and a guide to writing syntactically correct strings.

[Omda]

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