Getting to Intermediate SQL Server Level

[xux42]

Hi

I'm taking a break from work - contract not renewed and didn't bother looking.

Experienced in DB2 and SQLBase.

What's the best way to get up to speed with SQLServer which I have only used a bit. Need to come across as proficient in an interview.
Can take 2/3/4 weeks.

Ta

[DimPrawn]

Get yourself a copy of this

http://www.amazon.com/Sams-Teach-You.../dp/0672324695

It's actually a really good way to learn SQL Server (in this case 2000 version) really quicky. Good reviews.

Work through it quickly and then implement a database for something real.

[Zippy]

You can download the latest developer edition for free.

[Bright Spark]

In past I have managed to get a few cheap dvd's about £5 from ebay and
some have been really good, definately cheaper than books.

good example of one I can see

[xux42]

Thanks all for the prompt replies.
I plan to start by Downloading SQL Server 2008 Express Edition and using some the of the books and DVDs you are suggesting.
I assume 2008 is backwardly compatible, so exercises in 2000/2005 Books/DVDs will work with it....

[chicane]

I assume 2008 is backwardly compatible, so exercises in 2000/2005 Books/DVDs will work with it....

Not exactly. The 'Enterprise Manager' GUI in SQL Server 2000 became the rather different 'Management Studio' in 2005/2008.

If you're doing stuff mostly in query format rather than with the GUI, you should be OK with literature written for the 2000 version, otherwise you're best off working with stuff written for 2005 upwards.

[swamp]

Get to grips with Transact SQL (T-SQL). It's easier than Oracle PL/SQL and is used in both SQL Server and Sybase, so if you know one you pretty much know the other.

[Spacecadet]

You can download the latest developer edition for free.

Developer edition is NOT FREE (through any legal channels)

It can be legally purchased for about £50 though (legal downloads from MS might be even cheaper)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-De...1151185&sr=8-1

My opinion is... if you can spare the £50 then get the developer edition over express. The differences between the editions are big enough for you to find yourself in a pickle when you try and apply your knowledge within a corporate environment. Plus you'll get the other components - SSIS, SSRS and SSAS

Don't worry too much about SQL Server using up lots of resources. Unless you've actually got 10's of gigs of data on there and some really badly optimised tables and queries you'll find it has a pretty small foot print