How to Write Better Queries and Code with T-SQL: Microsoft SQL Server 2012 T-SQL Fundamentals, 2nd Edition PDF Book Download
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 TSQL Fundamentals Developer Reference Books Pdf File
If you are a developer, a database administrator, or a data analyst who wants to learn how to query and manipulate data in Microsoft SQL Server 2012, you need to master Transact-SQL (T-SQL), the language of SQL Server. In this article, you will learn what T-SQL is, why it is important, and how you can get started with it. You will also discover one of the best books on T-SQL fundamentals, and how you can download it as a pdf file for free. Finally, you will find some other useful resources for learning T-SQL, such as online courses and tutorials.
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 TSQL Fundamentals Developer Reference Books Pdf File
Introduction
What is T-SQL?
T-SQL is a dialect of SQL (Structured Query Language), the standard language for querying and manipulating relational databases. T-SQL stands for Transact-SQL, and it is the core language of Microsoft SQL Server and Azure SQL Database. T-SQL extends the ANSI SQL standard with additional features, such as procedural programming elements, window functions, error handling, and more.
Why learn T-SQL?
Learning T-SQL can help you in many ways. Here are some of the benefits of knowing T-SQL:
You can write efficient and powerful queries to retrieve and modify data from SQL Server databases.
You can create and maintain database objects, such as tables, views, indexes, triggers, stored procedures, and functions.
You can implement business logic and data validation in your database applications.
You can perform data analysis and reporting using advanced features, such as window functions, pivoting, grouping sets, and more.
You can troubleshoot and optimize the performance of your queries and database applications.
You can prepare for certification exams on SQL Server development and administration.
How to get started with T-SQL?
To get started with T-SQL, you need two things: a SQL Server instance and a tool to write and execute T-SQL code. You can install SQL Server on your own computer or use a cloud-based service, such as Azure SQL Database. You can also use a free edition of SQL Server, such as SQL Server Express or Developer Edition. For more information on how to install SQL Server, see Install SQL Server.
As for the tool to write and execute T-SQL code, you have several options. One of the most popular tools is SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), which is a graphical user interface that allows you to connect to SQL Server instances, manage database objects, write and run queries, debug code, and more. You can download SSMS for free from Download SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
Another option is Azure Data Studio, which is a cross-platform tool that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Azure Data Studio is similar to SSMS, but it also supports notebooks, extensions, and integration with other services, such as GitHub and Azure. You can download Azure Data Studio for free from Download and install Azure Data Studio.
A third option is Visual Studio Code, which is a lightweight and versatile code editor that supports many languages, including T-SQL. You can download Visual Studio Code for free from Download Visual Studio Code. To use Visual Studio Code for T-SQL development, you need to install the mssql extension, which adds features such as syntax highlighting, IntelliSense, code formatting, and more.
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 T-SQL Fundamentals, 2nd Edition
Overview of the book
One of the best books on T-SQL fundamentals is Microsoft SQL Server 2012 T-SQL Fundamentals, 2nd Edition, written by Itzik Ben-Gan, a renowned SQL Server expert and trainer. This book is part of the Developer Reference series from Microsoft Press, and it covers the core concepts and techniques of T-SQL querying and programming for SQL Server 2012.
The book is divided into 11 chapters, each focusing on a specific topic, such as data types, predicates and operators, subqueries, table expressions, data modification, error handling, programmable objects, and more. Each chapter contains clear explanations, examples, exercises, and solutions to help you master the fundamentals of T-SQL. The book also includes appendices that cover the answers to the exercises, a summary of T-SQL enhancements in SQL Server 2012, and a glossary of terms.
Key features of the book
Here are some of the key features of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 T-SQL Fundamentals, 2nd Edition:
It provides a solid foundation of T-SQL concepts and skills for beginners and intermediate users.
It covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of T-SQL querying and programming.
It explains the logic and reasoning behind T-SQL code, not just the syntax and rules.
It follows the best practices and standards for writing clear and efficient T-SQL code.
It includes many examples, exercises, and solutions to reinforce your learning.
It prepares you for more advanced topics and certification exams on SQL Server.
How to download the book as a pdf file
If you want to download Microsoft SQL Server 2012 T-SQL Fundamentals, 2nd Edition as a pdf file for free, you can do so from Microsoft Press Store. Here are the steps to follow:
Go to Microsoft Press Store.
Click on the Add to cart button under the eBook option.
Click on the Checkout button at the top right corner of the page.
If you have an account with Microsoft Press Store, sign in with your email and password. If you don't have an account, click on the Create an account link and fill in your details.
Review your order details and click on the Place order button.
You will receive an email confirmation with a link to access your eBook.
Click on the link in the email and sign in to your account.
You will see a list of your eBooks. Click on the Download PDF button next to Microsoft SQL Server 2012 T-SQL Fundamentals, 2nd Edition.
You will be prompted to save the pdf file to your computer or device.
Other resources for learning T-SQL
Transact-SQL reference (Database Engine) - SQL Server Microsoft Learn
If you want to learn more about the syntax and usage of T-SQL statements, functions, operators, and data types, you can refer to the official Transact-SQL reference from Microsoft. This reference provides detailed information and examples for every T-SQL element, as well as links to related topics and resources. You can access the Transact-SQL reference from Transact-SQL reference (Database Engine) - SQL Server Microsoft Learn.
Online courses and tutorials
Another way to learn T-SQL is to take online courses and tutorials that teach you the basics and advanced topics of T-SQL querying and programming. There are many online platforms that offer such courses and tutorials, such as Pluralsight, Udemy, Coursera, edX, and more. Some of the courses and tutorials are free, while others require a subscription or a fee. Here are some examples of online courses and tutorials on T-SQL:
T-SQL Fundamentals by Itzik Ben-Gan on Pluralsight. This course covers the same topics as the book Microsoft SQL Server 2012 T-SQL Fundamentals, 2nd Edition, but in a video format.
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Certification Training Exam 70-461 by Infinite Skills on Udemy. This course prepares you for the exam 70-461: Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014, which tests your skills in writing T-SQL queries.
Querying Data with Transact-SQL by Microsoft on Coursera. This course teaches you how to write basic and complex queries using T-SQL.
Querying Data with Transact-SQL by Microsoft on edX. This course is similar to the one on Coursera, but it also includes labs and assessments.
SQL Tutorial by W3Schools. This tutorial introduces you to the basics of SQL, including T-SQL specific features.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
In this article, you learned about T-SQL, the language of SQL Server. You learned what T-SQL is, why it is important, and how you can get started with it. You also discovered one of the best books on T-SQL fundamentals, Microsoft SQL Server 2012 T-SQL Fundamentals, 2nd Edition, and how you can download it as a pdf file for free. Finally, you found some other useful resources for learning T-SQL, such as online courses and tutorials.
Call to action for the readers
If you want to become a proficient T-SQL developer or administrator, you need to practice your skills and learn from the experts. I recommend you to get a copy of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 T-SQL Fundamentals, 2nd Edition, and follow along with the examples and exercises in the book. You can also check out the other resources mentioned in this article, and find more online. The more you learn and practice T-SQL, the more confident and competent you will become.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about T-SQL:
What is the difference between SQL and T-SQL?
SQL is a generic term that refers to the standard language for querying and manipulating relational databases. T-SQL is a specific dialect of SQL that is used in Microsoft SQL Server and Azure SQL Database. T-SQL extends SQL with additional features and syntax that are unique to SQL Server.
What are the benefits of using T-SQL over SQL?
Using T-SQL over SQL can give you several benefits, such as:
You can use T-SQL to access and manipulate data that is stored in SQL Server databases, which are widely used in many industries and applications.
You can use T-SQL to write complex queries and logic that are not possible or efficient with standard SQL.
You can use T-SQL to optimize the performance and security of your queries and database applications.
You can use T-SQL to prepare for certification exams on SQL Server development and administration.
What are the main components of T-SQL?
The main components of T-SQL are:
T-SQL statements, which are commands that perform actions on the database, such as creating, modifying, or deleting objects, or querying or modifying data.
T-SQL expressions, which are combinations of constants, variables, operators, and functions that return a single value.
T-SQL functions, which are predefined or user-defined routines that perform calculations or operations on input values and return output values.
T-SQL operators, which are symbols that specify the type of operation to perform on one or more operands.
T-SQL data types, which are categories of data that define the characteristics and behavior of values stored in columns, variables, parameters, or return values.
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