T-SQL Fundamentals

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 code
• Review relational theory elements and modern SQL Server architecture
• Create tables and defi ne data integrity
• Build single-table SELECT queries, multiple-table joins, and subqueries
• Utilize derived tables, Common Table Expressions, views, inline table-valued functions, and APPLY
• Make the most of UNION, INTERSECT, and EXCEPT set operators
• Perform data analysis with window functions, pivoting, grouping sets, and time series
• Insert, update, delete, and merge data
• Get started with system-versioned temporal tables
• Understand and apply transactions and concurrency, including concurrent user connections, locks, blocking, isolation levels, and more
• Use SQL Graph to model, create, modify, and query graph-based data
• Explore SQL Server programmable objects and programming capabilities
• Set up your environment, install sample databases, and fi nd even more help

For IT Professionals and Consultants

• For T-SQL developers, DBAs, BI practitioners, data scientists, report writers, analysts, architects, and SQL Server power users
• For anyone else who needs to write queries or develop T-SQL code for SQL Server, Azure SQL Database, or Azure SQL Managed Instance

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 Background to T-SQL querying and programming

CHAPTER 2 Single-table queries

CHAPTER 3 Joins

CHAPTER 4 Subqueries

CHAPTER 5 Table expressions

CHAPTER 6 Set operators

CHAPTER 7 T-SQL for data analysis

CHAPTER 8 Data modification

CHAPTER 9 Temporal tables

CHAPTER 10 Transactions and concurrency

CHAPTER 11 SQL Graph

CHAPTER 12 Programmable objects

Appendix: Getting started

About The Author

Itzik Ben-Gan is an independent T-SQL Trainer. A Microsoft Data Platform MVP (Most Valuable Professional) since 1999, Itzik has delivered numerous training events around the world focused on T-SQL Querying, Query Tuning and Programming. Itzik is the author of several books including T-SQL Fundamentals, T-SQL Querying and T-SQL Window Functions. He has written articles for red-gate.com/simple-talk, sqlperformance.com, ITPro Today and SQL Server Magazine. Itzik’s speaking activities include PASS Data Community Summit, SQLBits, and various events and user groups around the world. Itzik developed and is regularly delivering his Advanced T-SQL Querying, Programming and Tuning and T-SQL Fundamentals courses.

For more details please visit https://itziktsql.com.