Advanced Querying SQL Databases using T-SQL

Module 1: Using Table Expressions
This module introduces T-SQL expressions which return a valid relational table, typically for further use in the query. The module discusses views, derived tables, common table expressions and inline table-valued functions.

Lessons

• Using Derived Tables
• Using Common Table Expressions
• Using Views
• Using Inline Table-Valued Functions

Module 2: Using Set Operators
This module introduces the set operators UNION, INTERSECT, and EXCEPT to compare rows between two input sets.

Lessons

• Writing Queries with the UNION Operator
• Using EXCEPT and INTERSECT
• Using APPLY

Module 3: Using Window Ranking, Offset, and Aggregate Functions
This module introduces window functions including ranking, aggregate and offset functions. Much of this functionality is new to SQL Server 2012. It will cover the use of T-SQL functions such as ROW_NUMBER, RANK, DENSE_RANK, NTILE, LAG, LEAD, FIRST_VALUE and LAST_VALUE to perform calculations against a set, or window, of rows.

Lessons

• Creating Windows with OVER
• Exploring Window Functions

Module 4: Pivoting and Grouping Sets
This module discusses techniques for pivoting data in T-SQL as well to introduce the fundamentals of the GROUPING SETS clause. It will also cover the use of GROUP BY ROLLUP and GROUP BY CUBE syntax in SQL Server.

Lessons

• Writing Queries with PIVOT and UNPIVOT
• Working with Grouping Sets

Module 5: Programming with T-SQL
This module provides a basic introduction to T-SQL programming concepts and objects. It discusses batches, variables, control of flow elements such as loops and conditionals, how to create and execute dynamic SQL statements, and how to use synonyms.

Lessons

• T-SQL Programming Elements
• Controlling Program Flow

Module 6: Implementing Error Handling
This module introduces the use of error handlers in T-SQL code. It will introduce the difference between compile errors and run-time errors, and will cover how errors affect batches. The module will also cover how to control error handling using TRY/CATCH blocks, the use of the ERROR class of functions, and the use of the new THROW statement.

Lessons

• Using TRY / CATCH Blocks
• Working with Error Information

Module 7: Implementing Transactions
This module introduces the concepts of transaction management in SQL Server. It will provide a high-level overview of transaction properties, cover the basics of marking transactions with BEGIN, COMMIT and ROLLBACK.

Lessons

• Transactions and the Database Engine
• Controlling Transactions
• Isolation Levels