The Best Way to Learn SQL for Beginners

In this article, we will take a look at ways in which you can learn Structured Query Language, or SQL. Before we begin, we should answer the question — what is “SQL?”

What are the components of SQL Server?

When you think about Microsoft SQL, what comes to mind first is probably T-SQL, Microsoft’s implementation of the SQL programming language. T-SQL is short for Transact Structured Query Language, and it focuses on SELECT statements. 

But there are many other aspects of SQL Server.

• Database Administration (DBA) focuses on the SQL Server engine and databases. Instead of querying data, you manage them, including patching and backups.
• SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) allow you to create reports based on database data.
• SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) create cubes or models of your existing data. Cubes are used in the SSAS MDX version, and models are created in the SSAS Tabular version. These cubes can take some time to set up, but once you do, both cubes and models can make your analysis quicker and easier to interrogate.
• In SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), you create data flows. This enables you to transform your data from one form to another.

Recommended Learning Platform course

70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with T-SQL course

Phillip Burton • over one million students so far, I Do Data Limited