Murach’s SQL Server 2019 for Developers: The Ultimate Guide for Devs

Welcome, Dev! If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to SQL Server 2019, Murach’s SQL Server 2019 for Developers is the perfect resource for you. This book covers everything you need to know about developing SQL Server databases and applications, from the basics to the advanced concepts. In this article, we’ll go through the key features of this book and how it can benefit you. Let’s dive into it!

Chapter 1: Introduction to SQL Server 2019

Murach’s SQL Server 2019 for Developers starts with an overview of SQL Server 2019 and its key features. It explains the architecture and components of the SQL Server, such as the SQL Server Management Studio, SQL Server Data Tools, and SQL Server Integration Services. The chapter also covers the licensing options and editions of SQL Server 2019.

If you’re new to SQL Server, this chapter will give you a solid foundation to build upon. It’s also helpful for experienced developers who want to understand the latest enhancements in SQL Server 2019.

Key topics covered in this chapter:

1. Overview of SQL Server 2019
2. SQL Server architecture and components
3. SQL Server Management Studio
4. SQL Server Data Tools
5. SQL Server Integration Services
6. Licensing and editions of SQL Server 2019

Chapter 2: SQL Server Management Studio

In Chapter 2, you’ll learn how to use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), the primary tool for managing SQL Server databases. You’ll discover how to connect to a server, create and manage databases, and execute SQL queries. This chapter also covers how to use SSMS to design and modify database objects such as tables, views, and stored procedures.

The chapter includes several hands-on exercises that will help you become familiar with SSMS and its powerful features. By the end of the chapter, you’ll be confident in your ability to use SSMS to manage your SQL Server databases effectively.

Key topics covered in this chapter:

1. Introduction to SQL Server Management Studio
2. Connecting to a SQL Server instance
3. Creating and managing databases
4. Executing SQL queries
5. Designing and modifying database objects
6. Hands-on exercises

Chapter 3: Transact-SQL Programming

Transact-SQL (T-SQL) is the primary language used to develop applications and manage databases on SQL Server. In this chapter, you’ll learn the basics of T-SQL programming, including how to create and modify tables, insert and update data, and use functions and operators.

The chapter also covers more advanced T-SQL techniques such as transactions, error handling, and stored procedures. You’ll find examples and exercises throughout the chapter that will help you build your T-SQL skills.

Key topics covered in this chapter:

1. Introduction to Transact-SQL (T-SQL)
2. Creating and modifying tables
3. Inserting and updating data
4. Using functions and operators
5. Advanced T-SQL techniques
6. Examples and exercises

Chapter 4: Data Modeling

Data modeling is the process of defining the structure of a database and the relationships between its objects. In Chapter 4, you’ll learn how to design and implement a data model using SQL Server’s Entity Framework. You’ll discover how to create and manage tables, indexes, and relationships, and how to generate code to access the database.

The chapter also covers database normalization and denormalization, which are essential principles for building efficient and effective databases. You’ll find plenty of examples and exercises throughout the chapter that will help you master data modeling on SQL Server.

Key topics covered in this chapter:

1. Introduction to data modeling
2. Designing and implementing a data model
3. Creating and managing tables, indexes, and relationships
4. Generating code to access the database
5. Database normalization and denormalization
6. Examples and exercises

Chapter 5: Advanced T-SQL Techniques

In Chapter 5, you’ll dig deeper into T-SQL programming and discover advanced techniques for working with SQL Server. You’ll learn how to use stored procedures, triggers, and views to implement complex business logic in your databases. You’ll also discover how to use common table expressions, user-defined functions, and dynamic SQL to build sophisticated queries.

The chapter includes many practical examples and exercises that will help you master advanced T-SQL techniques and take your SQL Server development skills to the next level.

Key topics covered in this chapter:

1. Stored procedures, triggers, and views
2. Common table expressions
3. User-defined functions
4. Dynamic SQL
5. Examples and exercises

Chapter 6: Building a Database Application

In Chapter 6, you’ll learn how to build a complete database application using SQL Server and C#. You’ll walk through the entire development process, from creating a database schema to writing the application code and deploying the application to a server.

The chapter covers many essential topics such as creating a UI, implementing business logic, and managing security. You’ll also discover how to use LINQ to SQL, a powerful technology that simplifies the data access layer of your application.

Key topics covered in this chapter:

1. Designing the database schema
2. Writing application code with C#
3. Creating a user interface (UI)
4. Implementing business logic
5. Managing security
6. Using LINQ to SQL

Chapter 7: SQL Server Integration Services

SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) is a powerful tool for moving, transforming, and consolidating data from various sources. In Chapter 7, you’ll learn how to use SSIS to build data integration solutions that can handle complex data scenarios.

You’ll discover the different components of SSIS such as data flow tasks, control flow tasks, and event handlers. You’ll also learn how to use SSIS to work with flat files, XML files, Excel spreadsheets, and SQL Server databases.

Key topics covered in this chapter:

1. Introduction to SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS)
2. Working with data flow tasks
3. Working with control flow tasks
4. Working with event handlers
5. Working with flat files, XML files, Excel spreadsheets, and SQL Server databases

Chapter 8: SQL Server Reporting Services

SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is a powerful tool for creating and managing reports that can help you make sense of your data. In Chapter 8, you’ll learn how to use SSRS to design and deploy reports on SQL Server.

You’ll discover the different components of SSRS such as the Report Designer, Report Builder, and Report Manager. You’ll also learn how to create different types of reports such as table reports, matrix reports, and charts. Additionally, the chapter covers the integration of SSRS with SharePoint, and how to secure and manage reports.

Key topics covered in this chapter:

1. Introduction to SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)
2. Working with the Report Designer
3. Working with the Report Builder
4. Working with the Report Manager
5. Creating table reports, matrix reports, and charts
6. Integration with SharePoint
7. Securing and managing reports

Chapter 9: SQL Server Analysis Services

SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) is a powerful tool for creating and managing business intelligence solutions. In Chapter 9, you’ll discover how to use SSAS to build cubes that can help you analyze data and find insights that may be hidden in your data.

The chapter covers the different components of SSAS such as the Business Intelligence Development Studio, Cube Designer, and Dimension Designer. You’ll also learn how to create dimensions, hierarchies, measures, and calculated members. Additionally, the chapter covers the integration of SSAS with Power BI, and how to secure and manage cubes.

Key topics covered in this chapter:

1. Introduction to SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS)
2. Working with the Business Intelligence Development Studio
3. Working with the Cube Designer
4. Working with the Dimension Designer
5. Creating dimensions, hierarchies, measures, and calculated members
6. Integration with Power BI
7. Securing and managing cubes

Chapter 10: SQL Server Database Administration

SQL Server database administration is the process of installing, configuring, and managing SQL Server instances and databases. In Chapter 10, you’ll learn how to perform common administration tasks, such as creating and managing backups, tuning performance, and managing security.

You’ll discover the different tools and utilities available for SQL Server administration, such as the SQL Server Configuration Manager, SQL Server Profiler, and SQL Server Agent. You’ll also learn how to automate administration tasks using PowerShell.

Key topics covered in this chapter:

1. Introduction to SQL Server database administration
2. Installing and configuring SQL Server instances
3. Creating and managing backups
4. Tuning SQL Server performance
5. Managing security
6. SQL Server tools and utilities
7. Automating administration tasks using PowerShell

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Thanks for reading, Dev! We hope this article has given you an overview of what Murach’s SQL Server 2019 for Developers is all about. If you’re interested in learning more, be sure to check out the book and start your journey to becoming a SQL Server developer today!