Category: Databases

On request, I’m reposting this series of articles on SQL Server. I have reviewed them for any obvious issues but please remember that these were written in 2014 and may not always reflect the current technology. See the official Microsoft page for more information on the latest version.

In the last part of this series I wrote about SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), the interface that enables you to work with SQL Server objects such as databases and tables. The program enables you to do quite a bit with a SQL Server installation. You can create entire databases and manipulate all the objects within them just through context menus.

Having a graphical interface is nice but the real work of SQL Server is done through commands issued to the service which the menu options in a program like SSMS often do for you. If you really want to be knowledgeable about SQL Server, it’s important to learn the syntax of these commands and how to write and issue them on your own.

Read More “SQL Server for Beginners: Part IV – The AdventureWorks Database” »

On request, I’m reposting this series of articles on SQL Server. I have reviewed them for any obvious issues but please remember that these were written in 2014 and may not always reflect the current technology. See the official Microsoft page for more information on the latest version.

Just like with any software, SQL Server uses a standard installation program to install its components on your system. Depending on the edition that you’re using, you will be installing it from media that you purchased or from the free install packages that you can download from Microsoft’s website. Unlike other installs, the SQL Server installation can be a long process as there are a number of components, requirements and options to consider, many of which I’ll be detailing in this article.

Read More “SQL Server for Beginners: Part II – Installing SQL Server Express” »

On request, I’m reposting this series of articles on SQL Server. I have reviewed them for any obvious issues but please remember that these were written in 2014 and may not always reflect the current technology. See the official Microsoft page for more information on the latest version.

In an earlier series of articles, I wrote about getting started with Microsoft Access, which is one of the foremost desktop database packages available and an excellent tool for small to mid-size database projects. While it was not the first database software that I used, it was the one that took me from novice to professional status. Once I reached that level, however, I had to start learning more advanced tools in order to advance in my career and take on new projects. One important set of tools was Microsoft SQL Server which remains one of the most popular network database systems on the market.

Read More “SQL Server for Beginners: Part I – From Desktop to Network” »