Exam 70-761: Program Database by using Transact-SQL

Mastering SQL Server: Views, Indexes, Stored Procedures, and Error Handling with T-SQL

Unlock the power of SQL Server with this comprehensive course designed to elevate your database management skills. You'll gain hands-on experience with essential SQL Server components, enabling you to build efficient, robust, and scalable database solutions.

Working with Views

• Introduction & Advantages: Discover the benefits of using views for data abstraction, security, and simplifying complex queries.
• Creating, Altering, & Dropping Views: Learn how to define, modify, and remove views using T-SQL.
• Advanced View Options: Explore advanced view creation techniques, including indexed views and computed columns.
• SQL Server Catalogue Views: Utilize system views to gain insights into database structure and metadata.
• View Designer: Leverage the visual SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) View Designer for intuitive view creation.

Understanding and Utilizing Indexes

• Index Fundamentals: Grasp the core concepts of indexing and its impact on query performance.
• Index Structure (B-Tree, Heap): Delve into the internal structure of B-Tree and Heap indexes.
• Types of Indexes (Clustered/Non-clustered): Understand the differences between clustered and non-clustered indexes and when to use each.
• Indexing Guidelines: Learn best practices for creating effective indexes to optimize database performance.
• Practical Examples: See how to implement indexes to improve query speed with real-world examples.

Programming with T-SQL

• T-SQL Fundamentals: Get a solid foundation in Transact-SQL (T-SQL), the language for managing and querying SQL Server databases.
• Scripts & Batches: Learn to write and execute T-SQL scripts and batches for automation.
• Local & Global Variables: Master the use of local and global variables within T-SQL code.
• Keywords & Control Flow: Understand essential T-SQL keywords and control program flow with IF, WHILE, and other constructs.
• Temporary Tables: Learn to create and utilize temporary tables for data manipulation.
• Checking Database Objects: Implement techniques to verify the existence of database objects before executing queries.

Implementing Stored Procedures

• Introduction to Stored Procedures: Discover the advantages of using stored procedures for code modularity, security, and performance.
• Benefits of Stored Procedures: Explore how stored procedures improve database efficiency and maintainability.
• Understanding Execution Plans: Analyze execution plans to optimize stored procedure performance.
• Creating, Executing, Modifying, & Dropping: Learn the syntax and techniques for managing stored procedures.
• Input/Output & Optional Parameters: Work with different parameter types to enhance stored procedure flexibility.
• Error Handling with RAISERROR & THROW: Implement robust error handling within stored procedures.
• System-Defined Stored Procedures: Understand and utilize built-in SQL Server stored procedures.

Error Handling and Transactions

• Error Handling Fundamentals: Learn the principles of effective error handling in SQL Server.
• Using RAISERROR & THROW: Implement custom error messages and exception handling.
• Using @@Error: Retrieve error information using the global variable @@Error.
• TRY...CATCH Blocks: Utilize TRY...CATCH blocks for comprehensive error handling.
• Catchable vs. Non-catchable Errors: Distinguish between different types of SQL Server errors.
• XACT_STATE() & XACT_ABORT(): Manage transaction states for reliable data consistency.
• Transaction Management: Understand and implement transaction management principles for data integrity.

Course Objectives: What You Will Achieve

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe SQL Server Capabilities: Articulate the key features and components of the SQL Server database platform.
• Understand T-SQL Fundamentals: Grasp the concepts of T-SQL, sets, and predicate logic.
• Write SELECT Statements: Construct single-table and multi-table SELECT statements with filtering and sorting.
• Understand Data Types: Describe how SQL Server handles different data types.
• Write DML Statements: Execute Data Manipulation Language (DML) statements (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE).
• Use Built-in Functions: Write queries leveraging SQL Server's built-in functions.
• Aggregate Data: Write queries to aggregate data using functions like SUM, AVG,