SQL Server – applying the SQL Server language to work with data and using MS SQL Server in practice – all levels of experience

Training process

Training needs analysis

If you have specific requirements regarding the training programme, we will carry out a training needs analysis for you. This will guide us on which aspects of the programme should receive greater emphasis, so that the training programme meets your specific needs.

What will you gain?

Confident SQL Server connections - You will learn how to connect to Microsoft SQL Server through ODBC, SSMS, Excel, and Access, so you can retrieve data faster and avoid common access and configuration issues.

Practical data import and export - You will master data import and export tools, making it easier to move information between files, spreadsheets, and SQL Server without manual copying or unnecessary mistakes.

Clear understanding of database objects - You will understand how tables, views, and stored procedures work in real use, helping you navigate existing databases more confidently and create your own objects correctly.

Reliable SQL query writing - You will practice SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and SELECT INTO, so you can retrieve, add, and modify data on your own without guessing the syntax or command logic.

Combining data from multiple tables - You will learn to use JOIN, LEFT, RIGHT, OUTER, and UNION, allowing you to merge data from different sources and build clear datasets for analysis and reporting.

Smarter filtering and aggregation - You will learn how to use ORDER BY, TOP, DISTINCT, COUNT, MIN, MAX, and SUM to sort results quickly, remove duplicates, and prepare summaries useful in everyday work.

Building and modifying objects - You will work with CREATE, ALTER, and DROP and learn how to build tables, views, and procedures, so you can extend database structures and organize existing solutions better.

First steps in T-SQL - You will learn to use CASE, IF, variables, temporary tables, and EXECUTE, which will help you automate simple tasks, test logic, and write more useful stored procedures.

Training programme

1. Discussion of methods for establishing connections to the Microsoft SQL Server server

preparation of the data source using ODBC,
data exchange with the SQL server – data import and export tools,
ODBC and the connection wizard for data analysis in a worksheet and pivot table in Microsoft Excel,
Microsoft Access as an SQL database client – data import, linked tables and management,
Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio in creating queries in text mode
and graphical mode.

2. Detailed discussion of how to use Microsoft SQL Server in daily work

discussion and application of server objects (tables, views and stored procedures),
building tables using the graphical user interface in Microsoft SQL Management Studio,
basic data types in SQL and their application,
select queries in Query Designer, saving SQL views,
SQL statements, retrieving and modifying records SELECT, UPDATE, INSERT, DELETE, SELECT INTO,
operations on joined tables – JOIN, LEFT, RIGHT, OUTER joins,
sorting and limiting the query result ORDER BY ASC/DESC, TOP, TOP PERCENT,
combining results from multiple tables and queries using UNION,
removing duplicate values from the query result DISTINCT, DISTINCTROW,
aggregation of results in queries COUNT, MIN, MAX, SUM,
operators in SQL =, <>, >=, <=, IN, BETWEEN AND, LIKE and criteria in queries AND, OR, NOT,
functions and expressions – character strings LEFT, RIGHT, MID, REPLACE, numbers and dates DATE, DATEADD, DATEDIFF.

3. Introduction to more advanced operations performed in SQL

creation of objects – TABLE, VIEW, PROCEDURE using the SQL language, the CREATE command,
transforming and deleting existing database objects with the ALTER
and DROP command,
advanced joining of tables in the SQL view,
application of prepared objects in external applications – MS Excel
and Access,
advanced table creation – default values, relationships, indexes,
optimization of query performance,
preparation and execution of EXECUTE procedures,
conversion and modification of data,
nesting of queries.

4. A brief introduction to programming in Transact-SQL (T-SQL)

program flow control CASE, WHEN, THEN, ELSE, END, IF,
use of @ variables in procedures, local and global variables,
use of DECLARE, GO in stored procedures,
temporary tables and table variables.

What are the prerequisites for participating in the training?

Computer and Windows skills - You should be comfortable working in Windows, opening applications, saving files, and navigating folders, because the course uses several tools throughout the exercises.

Basic data handling knowledge - You should understand what records, columns, tables, and data sheets are, so you can follow the examples more easily and interpret query results correctly.

Basic Excel or Access knowledge - A basic working knowledge of Excel or Access will help you, because the training includes data analysis, import, export, and using the database in external tools.

Analytical thinking - You should be able to reason through conditions and relationships in data, as the course covers filtering, table joins, aggregations, and query building based on criteria.