* The only truly Beginning level book on the market that is tailored to the needs of aspiring developers with little or no experience. Assumes no prior SQL Server knowledge. * Explores the new 2005 features fully but also suitable for SQL Server 2000 users. * The book provides everything an aspiring developer needs to start building SQL Server database applications.

SQL Server 2005 Express Edition is a free relational database management system from Microsoft and provides a major subset of full SQL Server 2005 functionality. Many users learn on SQL Server 2005 Express Edition and then move on to SQL Server 2005. This book is a comprehensive, clear and gentle introduction to all fundamental aspects of SQL Server 2005 Express and the T-SQL database language. It is highly readable yet technically thorough. The book assumes no prior experience in databases or programming and is ideal for any new SQL Server Express user, whatever their use of SQL Server Express.

This book is written for SQL Server 2008. However, it does maintain roots going back a few versions and looks out for backward compatibility issues with SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2000. These versions are old enough that there is little to no time spent on them except in passing. The book is oriented around developing on SQL server. Most of the concepts are agnostic to what client language you use although the examples that leverage a client language general do so in C#. For those who are migrating from early versions of SQL Server, some “gotchas” that exist any time a product has versions are discussed to the extent that they seem to be a genuinely relevant issue. This book assumes that you have some experience with SQL Server and are at an intermediate to advanced level. The orientation of the book is highly developer focused. While there is a quick reference-oriented appendix, there is very little coverage given to beginner level topics. It is assumed that you already have experience with data manipulation language (DML) statements and know the basics of the mainstream SQL Server objects (views, stored procedures, user defined functions, etc.). If you would like to brush up on your knowledge before diving into this book, the author recommends reading Beginning SQL Server 2008 Programming first. There is very little overlap between the Beginning and Professional books and they are designed to work as a pair.

If you've not programmed with Transact-SQL, this book is for you.It begins with an overview of SQL Server query operations and tools used with T-SQL, and covers both the 2005 and 2008 releases of SQL Server query tools and the query editor. The book then moves to show you how to design and build applications of increasing complexity. Other important tasks covered include full text indexing, optimizing query performance, and application design and security considerations. The companion website also provides all of the code examples from the book.

Beginning T-SQL is a performance-oriented introduction to the T-SQL language underlying the Microsoft SQL Server database engine. T-SQL is essential in writing SQL statements to get data into and out of a database. T-SQL is the foundation for business logic embedded in the database in the form of stored procedures and functions. Beginning T-SQL starts you on the path to mastering T-SQL, with an emphasis on best-practices and sound coding techniques leading to excellent performance. This new edition is updated to cover the essential features of T-SQL found in SQL Server 2014, 2012, and 2008. Beginning T-SQL begins with an introduction to databases, normalization, and to SQL Server Management Studio. Attention is given to Azure SQL Database and how to connect to remote databases in the cloud. Each subsequent chapter teaches an aspect of T-SQL, building on the skills learned in previous chapters. Exercises in most chapters provide an opportunity for the hands-on practice that leads to true learning and distinguishes the competent professional. Important techniques such as windowing functions are covered to help write fast executing queries that solve real business problems. A stand-out feature in this book is that most chapters end with a "Thinking About Performance" section. These sections cover aspects of query performance relative to the content just presented. They'll help you avoid beginner mistakes by knowing about and thinking about performance from Day 1. Imparts best practices for writing T-SQL Helps you avoid common errors Shows how to write scalable code for good performance

This comprehensive introduction to SQL Server begins with an overview of database design basics and the SQL query language along with an in-depth look at SQL Server itself Progresses on to a clear explanation of how to implement fundamental concepts with the new 2008 version of SQL Server Discusses creating and changing tables, managing keys, writing scripts, working with stored procedures, programming with XML, using SQL Server Reporting and Integration Services, and more Features updated and new material, including new examples using Microsoft's AdventureWorks sample database

Beginning SQL Server 2008 for Developers is the starting-point in the Apress roadmap of titles for developers who wish to base their projects upon Microsoft's flagship database management system. The book takes developers from the point of installing SQL Server 2008, through the process of storing, retrieving, and securing data, to the point of being able to serve up business reports using SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services. The author has been hooked on programming ever since he bought his first computer, a Sinclair ZX80, in 1980. He maintains visibility in the field through his website and his other books.

* First book to demonstrate the full Express Suite of tools to the point where the reader can developer effective, low-budget database applications for non-profit web sites or for commercial tactical solutions. * Will capture the wave of application developers migrating from traditional VB/Access database to the .NET approach. * Full cases studies showing how to build e-Commerce and Web applications. * Readers will gain a sufficient grasp of the SQL Server and .NET fundamentals that they can readily grow their skills for clients whose needs escalate over time.

Design, Build, and Manage High-Value BI Solutions with SQL Server 2005 In this book, two of Microsoft’s leading consultants illustrate how to use SQL Server 2005 Business Intelligence (BI) technologies to solve real-world problems in markets ranging from retail and finance to healthcare. Drawing on extensive personal experience with Microsoft’s strategic customers, John C. Hancock and Roger Toren offer unprecedented insight into BI systems design and step-by-step best practices for implementation, deployment, and management. Hancock and Toren introduce practical BI concepts and terminology and provide a concise primer on the Microsoft BI platform. Next, they turn to the heart of the book–constructing solutions. Each chapter-length case study begins with the customer’s business goals, and then guides you through detailed data modeling. The case studies show how to avoid the pitfalls that derail many BI projects. You’ll translate each model into a working system and learn how to deploy it into production, maintenance, and efficient operation. Whether you’re a decision-maker, architect, developer, or DBA, this book brings together all the knowledge you’ll need to derive maximum business value from any BI project. • Leverage SQL Server 2005 databases, Integration Services, Analysis Services, and Reporting Services • Build data warehouses and extend them to support very large databases • Design effective Analysis Services databases • Ensure the superior data quality your BI system needs • Construct advanced enterprise scorecard applications • Use data mining to segment customers, cross-sell, and increase the value of each transaction • Design real-time BI applications • Get hands-on practice with SQL Server 2005’s BI toolset

Beginning SQL Server 2008 Express for Developers: From Novice to Professional takes a developer, and even a database administrator, from knowing nothing about SQL Server 2008 Express Edition to being ready to design and build a fully functioning system that is secure, reliable, maintainable, and robust. The Express Edition of SQL Server is a free resource commonly used by students, developers of small systems, and those transferring skills from other databases. This book focuses on the features within the Express Edition and therefore will not confuse readers with coverage of features found only in the Development Edition. By the end of the book, readers will be ready to move on to Accelerated SQL Server 2008 as well as other books within the Apress SQL Server lineup such as Pro SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services. Covers using the free Express Edition of SQL Server Describes creating a database from scratch and builds on this Provides an understanding of SQL Server Express 2008, allowing you to build future solutions for you and your business What you’ll learn Learn what features exist within SQL Server 2008 Express Edition and how to install and upgrade the product and set up security. Design and create a database. Build database objects, such as tables and stored procedures, graphically as well as programmatically. Work with data—inserting, updating, deleting, and retrieving—using simple and complex queries, programs, and data views. Generate reports from data. Implement a solid database maintenance strategy that includes backing up and restoring your data when necessary. Take advantage of advanced Transact–SQL techniques to get the most out of your data. Ensure good performance by building the right indexes, defining the right relationships between tables, and joining tables in the most optimal manner. Who this book is for Anyone interested in working with SQL Server as a database, and particularly those who wish for a no–cost database platform that plays well in the .NET environment. Ideal for those starting out in IT or who have to prior database experience.