The Best SQL Server Books of All Time

If you’re an application developer, or you’re training to be one, this latest edition of Murach’s classic SQL Server book is made for you. To start, it presents the SQL statements that you need to retrieve and update the data in a database. These are the SQL statements that you’ll use every day. Then, it shows you how to design a database, how to implement that design, and how to work with database features like views, scripts, stored procedures, functions, triggers, transactions, security, XML data, and BLOB data with FILESTREAM storage. The result? You’ll be able to create database applications that are thoroughly professional.

You’ll be familiar with the DBA-related issues that let you work far more effectively than most of your colleagues. And you’ll have a handy reference at your side to answer questions and handle new challenges as they come up.

Now expanded and updated with modern best practices, this is the most complete guide to Microsoft’s DAX language for business intelligence, data modeling, and analytics. Expert Microsoft BI consultants Marco Russo and Alberto Ferrari help you master everything from table functions through advanced code and model optimization. You’ll learn exactly what happens under the hood when you run a DAX expression, and use this knowledge to write fast, robust code.

This edition focuses on examples you can build and run with the free Power BI Desktop, and helps you make the most of the powerful syntax of variables (VAR) in Power BI, Excel, or Analysis Services. Want to leverage all of DAX’s remarkable capabilities? This no-compromise “deep dive” is exactly what you need. Perform powerful data analysis with DAX for Power BI, SQL Server, and Excel. · Master core DAX concepts, including calculated columns, measures, and calculation groups. · Work efficiently with basic and advanced table functions. · Understand evaluation contexts and the CALCULATE and CALCULATETABLE functions. · Perform time-based calculations. · Use calculation groups and calculation items. · Use syntax of variables (VAR) to write more readable, maintainable code. · Express diverse and unusual relationships with DAX, including many-to-many relationships and bidirectional filters. · Master advanced optimization techniques, and improve performance in aggregations. · Optimize data models to achieve better compression. · Measure DAX query performance with DAX Studio and learn how to optimize your DAX.

Get well-versed with ready-to-use techniques for creating high-performance queries and applications. Key Features:. Speed up queries and dramatically improve application performance by both understanding query engine internals and practical query optimizationUnderstand how the query optimizer worksLearn about intelligent query processing and what is new in SQL Server 2022. Book Description:. SQL Server is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft. As a database server, it is a software product with the primary function of storing and retrieving data as requested by other software applications.

This book starts by describing the inner workings of the query optimizer, and will enable you to use this knowledge to write better queries and provide the query engine with all the information it needs to produce efficient execution plans. As you progress, you'll get practical query optimization tips for troubleshooting underperforming queries. The book will also guide you through intelligent query processing and what is new in SQL Server 2022. Query performance topics such as the Query Store, In-Memory OLTP and columnstore indexes are covered as well. By the end of this book, you'll be able to get the best possible performance for your queries and applications. What You Will Learn:. Troubleshoot queries using methods including extended events, SQL Trace, and dynamic management viewsUnderstand how the execution engine and query operators workSpeed up queries and improve app performance by creating the right indexesDetect and fix cardinality estimation errors by examining query optimizer statisticsMonitor and promote both plan caching and plan reuse to improve app performanceTroubleshoot and improve query performance by using the Query StoreImprove the performance of data warehouse queries by using columnstore indexesHandle query processor limitations with hints and other methods. Who this book is for:. This book is for SQL Server developers who are struggling with slow query execution, database administrators who are tasked with troubleshooting slow application performance, and database architects who design SQL Server databases in support of line-of-business and data warehousing applications.

Use window functions to write simpler, better, more efficient T-SQL queries. Most T-SQL developers recognize the value of window functions for data analysis calculations. But they can do far more, and recent optimizations make them even more powerful. In T-SQL Window Functions, renowned T-SQL expert Itzik Ben-Gan introduces breakthrough techniques for using them to handle many common T-SQL querying tasks with unprecedented elegance and power. Using extensive code examples, he guides you through window aggregate, ranking, distribution, offset, and ordered set functions.

You’ll find a detailed section on optimization, plus an extensive collection of business solutions ― including novel techniques available in no other book. Microsoft MVP Itzik Ben-Gan shows how to:. • Use window functions to improve queries you previously built with predicates. • Master essential SQL windowing concepts, and efficiently design window functions. • Effectively utilize partitioning, ordering, and framing. • Gain practical in-depth insight into window aggregate, ranking, offset, and statistical functions. • Understand how the SQL standard supports ordered set functions, and find working solutions for functions not yet available in the language. • Preview advanced Row Pattern Recognition (RPR) data analysis techniques. • Optimize window functions in SQL Server and Azure SQL Database, making the most of indexing, parallelism, and more. • Discover a full library of window function solutions for common business problems. About This Book. • For developers, DBAs, data analysts, data scientists, BI professionals, and power users familiar with T-SQL queries. • Addresses any edition of the SQL Server 2019 database engine or later, as well as Azure SQL Database. Get all code samples at:. MicrosoftPressStore.com/TSQLWindowFunctions/downloads.

With SQL Server Analysis Services 2016, Microsoft has dramatically upgraded its Tabular approach to business intelligence data modeling, making Tabular the easiest and best solution for most new projects. In this book, two world-renowned experts in Microsoft data modeling and analysis cover all you need to know to create complete BI solutions with these powerful new tools. Marco Russo and Alberto Ferrari walk you step-by-step through creating powerful data models, and then illuminate advanced features such as optimization, deployment, and scalability.

Tabular Modeling in Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services will be indispensable for everyone moving to Analysis Services Tabular, regardless of their previous experience with tabular-style models or with Microsoft's older Analysis Services offerings. It will also be an essential follow-up for every reader of the authors' highly-praised Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services: The BISM Tabular Model.

Congratulations! You are going to WIN your next SQL Server interview. “SQL The One” book can guide you to achieve the success in your next interview. This book covers Microsoft SQL Server interview experiences, questions and answers for a range of SQL DBA’s and SQL Server Professionals. All of these questions have been collected from the people who attended interviews at various multinational companies across the world. It also covers “How to prepare for a SQL DBA interview?” and “How to become an expert in your career?”. Salient Features of Book. • All interview questions are asked in various MNC.

• Covers 1090 real time questions and answers. • 254 questions on SQL Server Performance Tuning. • Covers all SQL Server HA & DR features. • 316 questions on SQL Server HA & DR features. • Lots of scenario based questions. • Covers SQL Server 2005, 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2014 and 2016. • Questions are categorized. • In-depth explanations. • An Interview Experience with Microsoft. Useful as a reference guide for SQL DBA Interview preparation.

Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product. Get Up to Speed on Microsoft® SQL Server® 2019 Quickly and Easily. Start working with Microsoft SQL Server 2019 in no time with help from this thoroughly revised, practical resource. Filled with real-world examples and hands-on exercises, Microsoft SQL Server 2019: A Beginner’s Guide, Seventh Edition starts by explaining fundamental relational database system concepts.

From there, you’ll learn how to write Transact-SQL statements, execute simple and complex database queries, handle system administration and security, and use powerful analysis and reporting tools. New topics such as SQL and JSON support, graph databases, and support for machine learning with R and Python are also covered in this step-by-step tutorial. • Install, configure, and customize Microsoft SQL Server 2019. • Create and modify database objects with Transact-SQL statements. • Write stored procedures and user-defined functions. • Handle backup and recovery, and automate administrative tasks. • Tune your database system for optimal availability and reliability. • Secure your system using authentication, encryption, and authorization. • Work with SQL Server Analysis Services, Reporting Services, and other BI tools. • Gain knowledge of relational storage, presentation, and retrieval of data stored in the JSON format. • Manage graphs using SQL Server Graph Databases. • Learn about machine learning support for R and Python.

Sams Teach Yourself Microsoft SQL Server T-SQL in 10 Minutes offers straightforward, practical answers when you need fast results. By working through the book’s 30 lessons of 10 minutes or less, you’ll learn what you need to know to take advantage of Microsoft SQL Server’s T-SQL language. This handy pocket guide starts with simple data retrieval and moves on to more complex topics, including the use of joins, subqueries, full text-based searches, functions and stored procedures, cursors, triggers, table constraints,. XML, JSON, and much more. Learn how to….

Use T-SQL in the Microsoft SQL Server environment Construct complex T-SQL statements using multiple clauses and operators Filter data so you get the information you need quickly Retrieve, sort, and format database contents Join two or more related tables Make SQL Server work for you with globalization and localization Create subqueries to pinpoint your data Automate your workload with triggers Create and alter database tables Work with views, stored procedures, and more Contents at a Glance 1 Understanding SQL 2 Introducing SQL Server 3 Working with SQL Server 4 Retrieving Data 5 Sorting Retrieved Data 6 Filtering Data 7 Advanced Data Filtering 8 Using Wildcard Filtering 9 Creating Calculated Fields 10 Using Data Manipulation Functions 11 Summarizing Data 12 Grouping Data 13 Working with Subqueries 14 Joining Tables 15 Creating Advanced Joins 16 Combining Queries 17 Full-Text Searching 18 Inserting Data 19 Updating and Deleting Data 20 Creating and Manipulating Tables 21 Using Views 22 Programming with T-SQL 23 Working with Stored Procedures 24 Using Cursors 25 Using Triggers 26 Managing Transaction Processing 27 Working with XML and JSON 28 Globalization and Localization 29 Managing Security 30 Improving Performance A The Example Tables B T-SQL Statement Syntax C T-SQL Datatypes D T-SQL Reserved Words.

Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product. Distribute Actionable, Timely BI with Microsoft® SQL Server® 2016 and Power BI. Drive better, faster, more informed decision making across your organization using the expert tips and best practices featured in this hands-on guide. Delivering Business Intelligence with Microsoft SQL Server 2016, Fourth Edition, shows, step-by-step, how to distribute high-performance, custom analytics to users enterprise-wide.

Discover how to build BI Semantic Models, create data marts and OLAP cubes, write MDX and DAX scripts, and share insights using Microsoft client tools. The book includes coverage of self-service business intelligence with Power BI. • Understand the goals and components of successful BI. • Build data marts, OLAP cubes, and Tabular models. • Load and cleanse data with SQL Server Integration Services. • Manipulate and analyze data using MDX and DAX scripts and queries. • Work with SQL Server Analysis Services and the BI Semantic Model. • Author interactive reports using SQL Server Data Tools. • Create KPIs and digital dashboards. • Implement time-based analytics. • Embed data model content in custom applications using ADOMD.NET. • Use Power BI to gather, model, and visualize data in a self-service environment.

Query and modify data effectively with the latest T-SQL features. Master Transact-SQL's fundamentals, and write correct, robust code for querying and modifying data with modern Microsoft data technologies, including SQL Server 2022, Azure SQL Database, and Azure SQL Managed Instance. Long-time Microsoft Data Platform MVP Itzik Ben-Gan explains key T-SQL concepts, helping you apply your knowledge with hands-on exercises. Ben-Gan first introduces T-SQL's theory and underlying logic, illuminating it as both a language and a way of thinking.

Next, he walks through core topics, including logical query processing, single table queries, joins, subqueries, table expressions, set operators, data analysis, data modifications, temporal tables, and transactions and concurrency. Building on this foundation, you'll enhance your coding capabilities, from programmatic constructs to the powerful new SQL Graph. Throughout, Ben-Gan presents reusable T-SQL sample code that works in cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments. Microsoft Data Platform MVP Itzik Ben-Gan helps you:. Understand why T-SQL works as it does, so you can write better codeReview relational theory elements and modern SQL Server architectureCreate tables and defi ne data integrityBuild single-table SELECT queries, multiple-table joins, and subqueriesUtilize derived tables, Common Table Expressions, views, inline table-valued functions, and APPLYMake the most of UNION, INTERSECT, and EXCEPT set operatorsPerform data analysis with window functions, pivoting, grouping sets, and time seriesInsert, update, delete, and merge dataGet started with system-versioned temporal tablesUnderstand and apply transactions and concurrency, including concurrent user connections, locks, blocking, isolation levels, and moreUse SQL Graph to model, create, modify, and query graph-based dataExplore SQL Server programmable objects and programming capabilitiesSet up your environment, install sample databases, and fi nd even more helpFor IT Professionals and Consultants. For T-SQL developers, DBAs, BI practitioners, data scientists, report writers, analysts, architects, and SQL Server power usersFor anyone else who needs to write queries or develop T-SQL code for SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, or Azure SQL Managed Instance.