Learning SQL

[TarsierSpectral]

I need to create a database in SQL. I do not know SQL at all. I have experience programming in C++ and other languages but I haven't programmed in a while.
Can you guys give me a recommendation where to start. Should I take a class, go to training? I have no idea where to start. Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[SQLDenis]

Here are some good resources for SQL Server beginners and new DBA(s)

http://www.sql-tutorial.net/

http://www.firstsql.com/tutor.htm

http://www.w3schools.com/sql/default.asp

http://www.academictutorials.com/sql/

http://www.developer.com/db/article.php/718491

SQL Server Administration and best practice

http://vyaskn.tripod.com/sql_server_administration_best_practices.htm

http://vyaskn.tripod.com/sql_server_2000_fast_answers.htm

http://vyaskn.tripod.com/sql_enterprise_manager_or_t-sql.htm

http://www.sql-server-performance.com/self_taught_dba.asp

Also suggest to keep on reading and posting in technical websites/ web forums like

http://www.sql-server-performance.com/community/forum

http://forum.sqlknowledge.com/

http://www.sqlserver-qa.net/community/forum/

http://forums.microsoft.com/

http://www.experts-exchange.com/

http://www.sqljunkies.com/

Denis The SQL Menace
--------------------
SQL Server Code,Tips and Tricks, Performance Tuning
SQLBlog.com, Google Interview Questions

 

[TarsierSpectral]

I found a course in a local Community College but it is MySQL, how different is SQL from MySQL?

 

[r937]

> how different is SQL from MySQL?

not enough to make a difference

r937.com | rudy.ca

 

[TarsierSpectral]

so you think I should go for MySQL class?

 

[r937]

yes -- everything about SQL that you learn in a MySQL class will be applicable to the SQL used by SQL Server

well, except for a couple of really neat functions like GROUP_CONCAT

;-)

r937.com | rudy.ca

 

[TarsierSpectral]

I am having a hard time finding SQL classes so maybe I'll just do MySQL

 

[nice95gle]

I not sure where you are located, but I will be taking a course in SQL Server from

http://www.learningtree.com

in NYC from Aug 28th - 31th. Maybe you can find something in your area from them.

Good Luck


Well Done is better than well said
- Ben Franklin

 

[bjb123]

Some fantastic reference material in this thread.

I really like the Murach series of books for beginners.

SQL 2005-

http://www.murach.com/books/sql5/index.htm

SQL 2000-

http://www.murach.com/books/sqls/index.htm

(probably only need one version)

SQLDenis said: I agree with harebrain on Henderson's books. These books are the best SQL server books.

Yeah, big thumbs up on the Henderson books.


As if you don't have enough places to check out, I like this site for data models:

http://www.databaseanswers.org/index.htm

 

[Ach005ki]

Guys, this seems such a popular thread that I wonder if you would consider creating the thread as a proper "Learning SQL" FAQ in the SQL Server Resources section.

I think the sage advice from George (gmmastros), Rudy (r397), Denis (SQLDenis) and the useful links from others would be a very helpful addition to the FAQ.



Mark, somewhere near Blackburn Lancs!