The SQL Workshop

Cut through the noise and get real results with a step-by-step approach to learning SQL

Key Features

• A structured, straightforward introduction to SQL for beginners
• A SQL tutorial with step-by-step exercises and activities that help build key skills
• Structured to let you progress at your own pace, on your own terms
• Use your physical print copy to redeem free access to the online interactive edition

Book Description

You already know you want to learn SQL, and the best way to learn SQL is to learn by doing. The SQL Workshop focuses on building up your SQL database management skills so that you can easily store and retrieve data or become the in-house expert on complex queries. You'll learn from real examples that lead to real results.

Throughout The SQL Workshop, you'll take an engaging step-by-step approach to understanding SQL programming. You won't have to sit through any unnecessary theory. If you're short on time you can jump into a single exercise each day or spend an entire weekend learning how to create functions and stored procedures. It's your choice. Learning on your terms, you'll build up and reinforce key skills in a way that feels rewarding.

Every physical print copy of The SQL Workshop unlocks access to the interactive edition. With videos detailing all exercises and activities, you'll always have a guided solution. You can also benchmark yourself against assessments, track progress, and receive content updates. You'll even earn a secure credential that you can share and verify online upon completion. It's a premium learning experience that's included with your printed copy. To redeem, follow the instructions located at the start of your book.

Fast-paced and direct, The SQL Workshop is the ideal companion for SQL beginners. You'll build and iterate on your code like a software developer, learning along the way. This process means that you'll find that your new skills stick, embedded as best practice. A solid foundation for the years ahead.

What you will learn

• Learn how to create normalized databases
• Explore how to insert data into tables efficiently
• Explore various techniques to retrieve data from multiple tables
• Build advanced queries using techniques like subqueries and views
• Learn advanced SQL programming techniques such as functions and triggers

Who this book is for

Our goal at Packt is to help you be successful, in whatever it is you choose to do. The SQL Workshop is an ideal SQL tutorial for the SQL beginner who is just getting started. Pick up a Workshop today, and let Packt help you develop skills that stick with you for life.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to SQL
2. Manipulating Data
3. Database Normalization
4. The SELECT Statement
5. Shaping Data with the WHERE Clause
6. JOINS
7. Taking Queries to the Next Level
8. SQL Programming
9. Security
10. Aggregate Functions
11. Functions and Transactions

Frank Solomon started out building front-end and database software with Microsoft stack tools such as SQL Server and ASP and then extended into ASP.NET, C#, VB.NET, JavaScript, and more. He learns about new products, languages, and technologies all the time, and he pushed into technical writing as a way to present and express his research and discoveries. He works as a contractor right now. He has worked in start-ups himself, and he knows that the hard work of writers and developers makes the end user experience easier.

Prashanth Jayaram is a database technologist, blogger, engineering lead, automation expert, TechNet wiki ninja, PowerShell Geek, and technologist enthusiast with extensive experience in designing database solutions. He is the author of PowerShell 6.0 Linux Administration Cookbook and has hands-on experience with the next generation database technologies. He has been awarded as ABOVE and BEYOND and Best SQL Author 2018 towards his contribution to SQL Server technology. He has articulated over 200+ articles widespread across SQL, NoSQL, PowerShell, Python, SQL on Linux, SQL on Azure, and SQL on AWS arenas.

Awni Al Saqqa is a Microsoft Technology Specialist in MS SQL Server and a certified solutions developer since 2007. He has over a decade of experience with database development and administration on SQL Server, Oracle, and MySQL. He is a solutions architect, who is hands-on in many enterprise projects for different business sectors, such as education, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, marketing, and more, which has given him the perfect combination between business and technical experience.