SQL Server 101 Tutorial Outline and Overview

Overview

Since its initial release in 1989, SQL Server has come a long way from its base functionality as an enterprise level database platform.  While the core of SQL Server is still its database engine, it is now so much more than just a relational database platform.  We now have Analysis Services for online analytical processing, Reporting Services for developing reports, Integration Services for developing and running ETL programs, as well as many other tools and services that work with and/or support these core components.

As long as I have been working with SQL Server, I have had at least some exposure to each of the core SQL Server components. But, every so often, I come across some new tool or even an old tool that I had not heard about within the SQL Server ecosystem that would have helped me with an issue I was trying to resolve.

Explanation

In the following tutorial, we will try to go through most of the core components and tools that make up the SQL Server platform and explain what can be done within each of these components.

Below is an overview of what we will cover:

1. SQL Server Components
   • Core Components
   • Ancillary Services
   • Other tools
2. Feature Set by Software Version and Edition
3. Version Release Dates and Support Timeline
4. Installation Guidelines
5. Licensing Models and Costs
6. Architecture Overview
   • Database
   • Analysis Services
   • Reporting Services
   • Integration Services
7. Tools Available and their Function
8. Querying Data
   • Language
   • Tools
9. Terminology

Additional Information

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Ben Snaidero

Ben Snaidero has been a Database Administrator for just over 10 years. Starting out working mainly with Oracle he got into SQL Server in 2005 and has worked primarily with SQL Server for the last 3 years. His main focus with both Oracle and SQL Server is in the area of performance tuning.

• MSSQLTips Awards: Achiever (75+ tips) – 2018 | Author of the Year Contender – 2016-2017