Whether you’re new to SQL or looking to formalise your skills with structured learning, this course provides the essential tools to help you use Microsoft SQL Server effectively in professional environments. You’ll gain the ability to write efficient SQL queries, manage and manipulate data, and optimise query performance.
Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL
Boost your data career with in-demand T-SQL knowledge
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to working with Microsoft SQL Server using Transact-SQL (T-SQL). Across five days, the course explores everything from basic query writing and data manipulation to more advanced techniques such as subqueries, joins, views, indexing, and performance tuning.
Learning objectives
- Write SQL queries with confidence
- Filter, sort, and group your data
- Master joins across multiple tables
- Use built-in functions and expressions
- Learn how indexes improve performance
- Insert, update and delete data
- Work with views and table expressions
- Understand how to boost query performance
What you’ll learn
From simple queries to more advanced techniques, you’ll build both foundational and advanced knowledge in SQL. Particularly beneficial for database administrators, developers, and BI professionals, this course will provide the skills required to confidently interact with SQL Server databases.
Querying data with SQL
Develop the skills to write clear, purposeful SQL queries that retrieve exactly the data you need. You’ll learn how to build queries using SELECT, refine results with WHERE, and sort outputs with ORDER BY. The course also introduces key techniques for filtering and shaping data, including removing duplicates with DISTINCT, limiting results using TOP, and controlling pagination through OFFSET-FETCH.
Using built-in functions effectively
Gain practical experience with SQL Server’s extensive library of built-in functions to transform and manipulate your data with precision. You’ll work with numeric, text, and date and time functions to calculate values, reformat strings, and extract key time-based insights. The course also covers essential techniques for managing NULL values and applying conditional logic using CASE expressions, tools that help you handle a wide range of data scenarios.
Managing and modifying data
Learn how to work with data confidently and responsibly. You’ll practice inserting new records, updating existing ones, and deleting data when needed, all while maintaining data integrity. The course also introduces the MERGE statement for handling complex data synchronisation tasks in a single step. You’ll gain an understanding of transactions, including how to group operations together and control when changes are committed or rolled back, helping you safeguard accuracy and consistency in your databases.
Optimising performance and indexing
Discover how to improve query efficiency by using indexing techniques that reduce processing time and resource use. Explore different types of indexes, such as filtered and included column, and learn how to apply them for best effect. The course also covers how to retrieve and interpret metadata from system views, helping you analyse performance and structure your queries for speed and reliability, which is especially important when working with large or complex datasets.
What’s included
- 5 days of instructor-led training in a live virtual classroom
- Interactive hands-on live labs
- All relevant course materials
- Course completion certificate
Key facts
Ideal for
Perfect if you’re a developer, database admin, data analyst, BI professional or just looking to improve your SQL Server knowledge.
Prerequisites
No previous SQL experience is required, but a basic understanding of databases would be beneficial.
Learning experience
Our experienced trainers and interactive labs create a focused, practical environment – so you can put theory into practice from day one.
FAQs
This course teaches you how to write and optimise SQL queries using Microsoft Server and Transact-SQL. Learn how to manage data, use built-in functions, and improve performance in real-world database environments.
What is Transact-SQL and how is it used in SQL Server?
Transact-SQL (T-SQL) is Microsoft’s extension of SQL that adds procedural programming features like variables, control-of-flow statements, and error handling. It’s the core language used to manage and query data in SQL Server.
Is this Microsoft SQL Server with Transact-SQL course suitable for beginners?
Yes, this course is ideal for beginners. It starts with the fundamentals of databases and SQL, progressing at a pace that builds your confidence through practical exercises.
What are SQL joins and how do I use them?
SQL joins are used to combine data from two or more tables based on a related column, making it easier to generate reports and extract meaningful insights. This course teaches you how to use all major types of joins, including INNER, LEFT, RIGHT, FULL, and SELF, so you can query across multiple tables and make connections within your data clearly and efficiently.
How can I filter and sort data using SQL?
You can filter data using the WHERE clause and sort it using ORDER BY. You’ll also learn how to refine queries with logical operators, remove duplicates with DISTINCT, and limit results using TOP or OFFSET-FETCH. This course walks you through each of these techniques step-by-step, helping you build precise, efficient queries tailored to your data analysis needs.
What our customers say
"John was a great, kind instructor and thoroughly explained SQL concepts and commands. He was very helpful in answering any questions that arose, providing detailed explanations and examples when relevant."
Jessica, Systems Developer – IT
"Tarn is an excellent instructor, enthusiastic and knowledgeable."
Raymond, Developer - Government
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