Module 1: Introduction to Database Development
Before beginning to work with Microsoft SQL Server in either a development or an administration role, it is important to understand the scope of the SQL Server platform. In particular, it is useful to understand that SQL Server is not just a database engine—it is a complete platform for managing enterprise data. SQL Server provides a strong data platform for all sizes of organizations, in addition to a comprehensive set of tools to make development easier, and more robust.
Lessons
Introduction to the SQL Server Platform
SQL Server Database Development Tasks
After completing this module, you will be able to:
Describe the SQL Server platform.
Use SQL Server administration tools.
Module 2: Designing and Implementing Tables
In a relational database management system (RDBMS), user and system data is stored in tables. Each table consists of a set of rows that describe entities and a set of columns that hold the attributes of an entity. For example, a Customer table might have columns such as CustomerName and CreditLimit, and a row for each customer. In Microsoft SQL Server data management software tables are contained within schemas that are very similar in concept to folders that contain files in the operating system. Designing tables is one of the most important tasks that a database developer undertakes, because incorrect table design leads to the inability to query the data efficiently. After an appropriate design has been created, it is important to know how to correctly implement the design.
Lessons
Designing Tables
Data Types
Working with Schemas
Creating and Altering Tables
Lab : Designing and Implementing Tables
Designing Tables
Creating Schemas
Creating Tables
After completing this module, you will be able to:
Design tables using normalization, primary and foreign keys.
Work with identity columns.
Understand built-in and user data types.
Use schemas in your database designs to organize data, and manage object security.
Work with computed columns and temporary tables.
Module 3: Advanced Table Designs
The physical design of a database can have a significant impact on the ability of the database to meet the storage and performance requirements set out by the stakeholders. Designing a physical database implementation includes planning the filegroups, how to use partitioning to manage large tables, and using compression to improve storage and performance. Temporal tables are a new feature in SQL Server and offer a straightforward solution to collecting changes to your data.
Lessons
Partitioning Data
Compressing Data
Temporal Tables
Lab : Using Advanced Table Designs
Partitioning Data
Compressing Data
After completing this module, you will be able to:
Describe the considerations for using partitioned tables in a SQL Server database.
Plan for using data compression in a SQL Server database.
Use temporal tables to store and query changes to your data.
Module 4: Ensuring Data Integrity through Constraints
The quality of data in your database largely determines the usefulness and effectiveness of applications that rely on it—the success or failure of an organization or a business venture could depend on it. Ensuring data integrity is a critical step in maintaining high-quality data. You should enforce data integrity at all levels of an application from first entry or collection through storage. Microsoft SQL Server data management software provides a range of features to simplify the job.
Lessons
Enforcing Data Integrity
Implementing Data Domain Integrity
Implementing Entity and Referential Integrity
Lab : Using Data Integrity Through Constraints
Add Constraints
Test the Constraints
After completing this module, you will be able to:
Describe the options for enforcing data integrity, and the levels at which they should be applied.
Implement domain integrity through options such as check, unique, and default constraints.
Implement referential integrity through primary and foreign key constraints.
Module 5: Introduc
