SQL Server Fundamentals - SQL Database for Beginners

Understand the difference between SQL, Microsoft SQL Server, T-SQL and SQL Server Management Studio. Follow simple query examples to see how the language, database engine and management tool work together.

Explore what a relational database management system (RDBMS) does and how it organizes data. Understand the role of tables and relationships, and where Microsoft SQL Server fits within the relational database landscape.

Learn the purpose of the main objects you will encounter in SQL Server. Understand how databases, tables, queries, views and programmability objects work together to organize data and support database operations.

Explore how Transact-SQL extends familiar SQL concepts in Microsoft SQL Server. Understand what a SQL dialect is and why database-specific syntax and features matter when writing or reading queries.

Learn how primary keys uniquely identify rows in relational database tables. Understand their role in data integrity and table relationships, and why choosing a suitable primary key matters when designing a database.

Explore common uses of Microsoft SQL Server for storing, querying and managing data. Understand how a relational database platform supports applications and everyday data management requirements.

Understand the purpose of the main SQL Server services and supporting tools. Distinguish the Database Engine from other components so you can recognize which services relate to the tasks covered in this course.

Understand how to prepare an optional local SQL Server learning environment and choose suitable database tools. Clarify the difference between installing the Database Engine and installing a client application such as SQL Server Management Studio.

Live demonstration on deploying SQL Server in a simplified demo environment and discussion on deployment options.

Review key considerations before installing SQL Server, including planning and configuration choices. Understand why installation decisions should reflect the intended environment and how a learning setup differs from a production deployment.

Learn how to identify the version of a SQL Server instance. Understand why checking version information is useful when consulting documentation, investigating compatibility and determining which features are available.

In this lecture, we will talk about SQL Server Management Studio, which is Microsoft's well-established Integrated Environment for working with SQL Server on premises and on cloud.

In this lecture, we will see how we can download and install the latest version of SQL Server Management Studio.

In this lecture, we will talk about how we can connect to the SQL Server Database Engine, using SQL Server Management Studio.

In this lecture, we will see how we can create databases and other objects in SQL Server using SQL Server Management Studio.

In this lecture, we will see how we can run queries against SQL Server using SQL Server Management Studio, as well as how we can script different wizard-based procedures to T-SQL code.

In this lecture, we will talk about the available methods for importing and exporting data in SQL Server, using SQL Server Management Studio and other related tools.

In this lecture, we will talk about SQL Server security, and most specifically, about SQL Server logins and database users.

In this lecture, we will talk about SQL Server Surface Area, and how you can check which features are enabled by default.

In this lecture, we will be discussing about some of the main best practices for securing data in databases.

In this lecture we will create our sample database, against which we will be performing all data import/export operations for this course.

In this lecture and demo, you will learn how you can import flat files in SQL Server, by using the Flat File Wizard in SQL Server Management Studio.

In this lecture and demo, you will learn how you can import data in SQL Server, using the BULK INSERT T-SQL command.

In this lecture and demo, you will learn how you can import data in SQL Server, using the OPENROWSET function.

In this lecture and demo, you will learn how you can import and export data in SQL Server, using the Import and Export Wizard in SQL Server Management Studio.

In this lecture and demo, you will learn how you can import and export data in SQL Server, using the BCP utility.

In this lecture and demo, you will learn how you can import and export data in SQL Server, using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS).

In this lecture, we’ll cover the SQL Server security hierarchy — one of the most important, yet often misunderstood, concepts. A solid understanding of this structure helps you assign permissions correctly, avoid common mistakes, and build secure, well-managed environments.

Learn what Always On Availability Groups are exactly in SQL Server and how they contribute to the high availability offerings of SQL Server.

In this special topic, you will learn about SQL Server compatibility levels.

In this lecture, we discuss about the currently supported SQL Server versions. Also, you can download a relevant infographic with useful information.

In this lecture, we will talk about SQL Server Express Edition, its characteristics and limitations, and how you can download it and install it on a new Windows environment, along with installing the latest version of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

In this video lecture, you will learn about local temporary tables in SQL Server (defined with #), as well as about global temporary tables (defined with ##). You will learn what their characteristics and differences are, and we are going to see a live demonstration, with these two types of temporary tables in SQL Server.

In this special topic, you will learn more about Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) in SQL Server, which is used for encrypting data-at-rest.

In this lecture, I will be answering frequently asked questions about SQL Server Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), which is the technology used for encrypting data at rest.

This lecture, is a quick introduction to SQL Server In-Memory OLTP, a powerful built-in engine in SQL Server, that helps you achieve significant performance improvements, mainly for OLTP workload types, using In-Memory optimization.

Via this special topic, you will learn how to write to a flat file, using SQL scripts in SQL Server.

Via this special topic, you will learn how to read from a flat file and import the data in SQL Server tables, using SQL scripts.

Via this special topic, you will learn how to model database creation in SQL Server, using the Model system database.

Via this special topic, you will learn all about SQL Server compatibility levels.

Via this special topic, you will learn more about backup compression in SQL Server.

In this lecture, we will be discussing about the benefits of using stored procedures in databases.

Via this lecture and live demonstration, you will learn all about T-SQL snippets in SSMS.

In this lecture, we will be discussing about the basic knowledge you need to know about SQL Server database backup and recovery, including best practices and techniques for data security.

In this lecture, we cover the basics of SQL Server performance tuning. Performance tuning is crucial for maintaining efficient and responsive databases.

In this lecture, we’ll start by covering the basics of clustered and non-clustered indexes, then delve into advanced types like columnstore, filtered, and full-text indexes.

In this special topic, we'll look at some of the most common mistakes SQL developers make—often without realizing it.

In this lecture, we'll explore Privileged Access Management, or PAM, in SQL Server, since privileged accounts, like sysadmin logins, are powerful but also pose the highest security risks if they’re misused or compromised.

This lecture, is a recap of what we've learned in this course.

Bonus lecture.