new to sql

lwhitemcp

i would like to learn a little bit about sql, get my feet wet and see how i like it. any helpful advice would be appreciated.

thanks

Rootstonian

You could get some type of SQL for Dummies book, but it's just not the same as "doing" it.

And to do it, you'll need a database and, preferably, lots of data. What's great about it is that it can go from simple to extremely complex.

EX.
SELECT * FROM UA_EMPLOYEES_TBL
WHERE HIRE_DT BETWEEN '2009-01-01' AND '2009-12-31';

the "*" means return all the columns in that table. Then, I've written a 100 line SQL statement with 4 unions in it (took me, DBA and Secruity Analyst 2 weeks to get it right! )

lwhitemcp

i've got the step by step for 2008 book from MS, and just prepping my vm for the install. i figure this along with some of my own crap that i want to play with, should wet my appetite and get me started, or send me crying in the opposite direction, lol.

cheers

Rootstonian

I'm just starting on my MCITP track; probably take first test 02.04.10. Lost my job of 13 years as a Systems Analyst/Programmer and there wasn't a day that went by that I did not use SQL (DB2 and Oracle).

As a matter of fact, I think I'll do the 3 tests for MCITP Systems Administrator and then do the 2 tests for SQL Server Database Administrator. Given that I'll be going for a job with zero experience in the networking field, I think knowing SQL Server Admin (I know the SQL programming side) is a big boost I can always add EA later!