Top products from r/SQLServer

• MDX Solutions by George Spofford and others - I consider this one a bible of sorts for MDX. Lots of explanations and in the MDX reference section LOTS of practical examples. A little dated as it's for 2005 but still very very useful. For $10 used on Amazon, don't pass it up.
  
• Practical MDX Queries by Art Tennick - A much smaller but very dense "learning by example" reference for MDX. I love this book. Used for $17 on Amazon.
  
• MDX with Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Analysis Services Cookbook by Tomislav Piasevoli - A really, really good book on MDX. Really great examples.
  
• Expert Cube Development with SSAS Multidimensional Models by Chris Webb and Marco Russo - I don't have this book but considering the authors I have to think it's an awesome book from a great publisher (Packt).
  
• There's also a great reference site called MDXpert which covers most if not all MDX functions and syntax although not in terribly great detail.
  
  The MDX language hasn't really changed all that much, so don't worry too much about getting an older reference for 2005/2008.
  
  You're not going to find an "all-in-one" reference for OLAP and MDX. You'll need more than one reference just because there's so much to cover. And my advice is don't assume that any SQL knowledge you have will translate to OLAP/MDX. It's a totally different animal. It took me years to master and I had 10+ years of experience with SQL Server and Oracle when I started learning OLAP/MDX....which didn't mean squat.

Welcome to the DBA club! Administrating both Oracle and SQL Server is quite the learning curve - good luck, and remember that being conservative is always the best bet until you're familiar with the platform you're on. Just don't lose any data, and you'll be fine :)

I haven't read any SQL Administration books for quite a while, but I've heard nothing but good things about Rod Colledge's book SQL Server 2008 Administration in Action, and Rod's a great, genuine guy as well.

Here's an interview with Rod discussing the book, and provides links to a couple of sample chapters.

SQL Server Books Online (the manual) is fantastic (always, always install it!), and, other than the SQL Server Internals series and quick Google searches, the only resource I use day-to-day (mostly because I'm guaranteed to have access to it, no matter where I am).

I recommend using the local version of Books Online. The web version is great if you want to search it via Google.

The only other resource I can suggest is a good mentor. If you have an experienced DBA at work, try and soak up anything they can tell you. If not, I highly recommend you find one, locally (at a user group or SQL Saturday), or online.

My blog is advertised on my stack overflow account and github, all three are circular and refer to each other. I've kept my reddit account separate on purpose for identifiable reasons.

I'm still toying with the idea of posting occasional blog posts or creating a reddit account to link to my other social medias to help build a base. At the moment, the blog is really intended for employers and myself and it is not based on trying to accumulate or direct web traffic.

So while I'm happy to share my information, I don't want to link it from this account.

> It's incredibly generous and secure of you to actually share your notes and progress.

The notes are usually pretty barebones. Here's an example of the kind of information in my google sheet:

5/22/18

• Read SQL Server Pro Internals
  
  • PG 200-240
    
• Worked on Stairway to XML Series on SQL Central
  
  • Stairways 3 and 4
    
    5/23/18
    
• Read Exam Ref 70-762 Developing SQL Databases
  
  • PG 300-324 (Need to find additional articles on temporal tables.)
    
• Temporal Database practice
  
  • 40 minutes in World Wide Importers
    
    Then if I have done any work / notations, I add them to a folder and upload them to my github.
    
    If you are interested in other examples of how I did things, let me know specifically and I can get you a scrubbed / masked version. Here's my list of recommended resources that appears in my 762 study guide though:
    
    Exam 70-762
    
    Exam policies and FAQ
    
    Course 20762B: Developing SQL Databases
    
    https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/4690/study-materials-for-developing-sql-databases-exam-70762/
    
    https://www.amazon.com/T-SQL-Fundamentals-3rd-Itzik-Ben-Gan/dp/150930200X
    
    https://www.amazon.com/T-SQL-Querying-Developer-Reference-Ben-Gan/dp/0735685045/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0/138-3143892-2208566?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=E5CA9HQ5WEXP7RPBE1B1
    
    https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Server-Internals-Dmitri-Korotkevitch/dp/1484219635/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1520887778&sr=1-1&keywords=sql+server+internal+pro

It's hard to say. A lot depends on where you are located. Another problem is that you're wearing many hats... but perhaps not very deeply. Again it's hard to say without getting into lots and lots of specifics of exactly what you're doing every day.

In smaller companies its common to see one person taking on multiple roles. In larger companies... not so much.

Part of your challenge will be to specialize. Do you want to do QA 5 days a week? Work with DB's 5 days a week? Manage software rollouts? Project management?

Besides deciding where you might want to focus will be the challenge of increasing your depth of skill in that particular area. This is necessary, especially for more senior jobs at much bigger companies (eg. you're probably not ready to manage the rollout of software to 1000's of desktops).

You might also benefit from The Rules of Work. I really liked it and it made a ton of sense to me.

Getting your resume in shape and start interviewing for new work might not be a bad idea. Even if you're not hired the experience of going on interviews and seeing what sort of questions are being asked would be useful. You've got a job so you're under less pressure... which should let you enjoy the process more. If your current company finds out you're interviewing just explain "you're exploring options for more responsibility".

Asking for more responsibility and more pay is also not a bad idea (with an eye to your company hiring a replacement for you). But it's a small company... what jobs/positions are going to be available? Getting some certifications might not be a bad idea (DBA or even go for a PMI project management one).

On project management... having a widely varied background can be a good foundation. You can talk to business folks and talk to technical folks and figure out what each is saying (and what either side is not hearing).

This is the real answer.

While everyone else is talking about which reporting tool to implement, you still need to learn about the architectural structure of the environment (extraction, staging, cleaning, conforming, loading) and then how to structure the final fact and dimension tables.

The great thing is that once you get your "back room" in order, the SQL structures should be able to plug into any sort of presentation layer you want to have, whether it's SSAS, SSRS, Tableau, or PowerBI.

I'd recommend The Kimball Group Reader, Relentlessly Practical... to give you a pretty good starting base on just about anything related to data warehousing.

I would also recommend asking for a data analyst. As a developer/engineer, you should be building structures and processes that will allow for a specialist to get the data the business needs. Instead of business clients bugging you incessantly forcing you to context switch, they will instead call upon the analyst to tweak the reports and conduct the deep-dives on questions they have.

EDIT: the cookbook parent might be talking about is Data Warehouse Design Solutions. They talk about common designs based on several common industries and different reporting levels as your CxO suite will view things at a higher level than your individual specialized department heads.

Grab a copy of dimensional modeling book from the Kimball group. This one deals with MS technology specifically.

To get a better understanding of data visualization theory and techniques I suggest reading all the material from Stephen Few and Edward Tufte. Few's book on dashboard is fantastic.

Network and meet people in the industry through events thrown by The Data Warehouse Institute. Download free datasets online and use those to gain insight into subjects you're interested in as well as to practice the skills you learn as you play around with SQL Server.

I can add more later but I have to go for the day. Feel free to post more specific questions in this thread and I'll try to answer.

SQL Server Developer, BI Backend Developer, Data Architect, stuff like that.

The Kimball Group Reader (Amazon link, without a referral or whatever) is a must read in the business of DWH and BI. Coincidentally, I haven't read it (impossible to get where I live), so don't ask me for an opinion if it's any good!

> I try to use the same principles of code cleanliness, separation of concerns, etc from .Net dev.

The first thing I imagine when I hear something like that is the person happily converting code into user defined scalar functions (I hope you don't use them). Not all rules from procedural development apply to SQL, remember that!

I really enjoyed the CBT Nuggets videos. I happened upon them for free, but they offer $99 a month subscriptions which isn't so bad if you have your own lab to work with.

http://www.cbtnuggets.com/it-training-videos/microsoft

Just search for SQL Server 2012

---
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 T-SQL Fundamentals is awesome too, and possible more helpful that the above info. http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Server-2012-T-SQL-Fundamentals/dp/0735658145

You might be able to find the above book in PDF form if you look hard enough...

Hello!

I've been doing a lot of searching for this answer as well and what seems to be the most common answer is the official book.

Training Kit (Exam 70-461) Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012 (MCSA) (Microsoft Press Training Kit) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735666059/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FFPuzb4B1KYF5

It's dry but apparently it works

I personally have been using the book and a course on udemy. The course is specifically for the SQL SERVER certification.

Also another common answer seems to be to use multiple resources. Hope this helps some. Good luck

The Full mode should be used only if data changes frequently (i.e. a system where data is entered constantly) and you want to be able to restore to a certain point in time (by performing Log backup/restore). If your data does not change during the day then its perfectly ok to use Simple recovery mode. No promo but the best explanation Ive found for this is in this book

Not SQLServer specific, but Joe Celko's "SQL For Smarties" is a great reference for all things SQL: http://www.amazon.com/Joe-Celkos-Smarties-Fourth-Edition/dp/0123820227

If you do all the practice examples and download the adventure works db, this book will help you achieve your goal. DO NOT, however, rely on it to pass the 70-461 exam because you will not pass. This book boosted my skill set from advanced beginner to high intermediate, but left me woefully unprepared for the Microsoft certified exam. Good luck!

http://www.amazon.com/Training-70-461-Querying-Microsoft-Server/dp/0735666059?ie=UTF8&keywords=sql%20server%20exam%2070%20461&qid=1462299171&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Thanks man, had to hunt down the UK link but definitely appreciate it!

For the language aspect of SQL this book is great:

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Server-Fundamentals-Developer-Reference/dp/0735658145/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1452317305&sr=1-1&keywords=tsql+fundamentals

I'm a fan of SQLZOO.com as well

I ran into a similar conundrum. If you read the 70-461 or T-SQL Fundamentals, they have practice problems that are related. The 70-761 does not contain practice testing material.

Apart from that, it's recommended to do the more official practice tests if you decide you need one. They are supposed to be more difficult than the real test, but I do not have any experience taking the practice tests. I am thinking of trying the 762 practice test though.

I did use one other resource that was a practice test and I'll list it below, but here's a copy from my site that lists my favorite resources from when I studied for my 761.

My favorite resources:

https://www.cathrinewilhelmsen.net/2015/01/28/preparing-for-and-taking-exam-70-461-querying-microsoft-sql-server-2012/

https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/4644/sql-server-exam-70761-study-material-for-querying-data-with-transactsql/

https://www.amazon.com/T-SQL-Fundamentals-3rd-Itzik-Ben-Gan/dp/150930200X

https://www.amazon.com/Training-70-461-Querying-Microsoft-Server/dp/0735666059/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513628070&sr=8-1&keywords=70%3D461

https://www.amazon.com/Exam-70-761-Querying-Data-Transact-SQL/dp/1509304339/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1513628083&sr=1-1&keywords=70-761

http://www.accelerated-ideas.com/70761-practice-test-questions.aspx#.WeeTWVtSypo

https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/4015/introducing-json-for-sql-server-2016/

https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/4073/sql-server-2016-advanced-json-techniques--part-1/

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/json/json-data-sql-server

https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/3680/introduction-to-sql-server-2016-temporal-tables/

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/t-sql/queries/select-group-by-transact-sql

https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/1958/sql-server-cross-apply-and-outer-apply/

This book Microsoft SQL Server 2012 T-SQL Fundamentals (Developer Reference) was really helpful in my learning tsql from scratch a few years back. I recommend it to anyone asking about a good book to learn sql

Edit: I'll add that it's a great starting point for the fundamentals, but it's a never ending learning game. Source: I've been a database engineer for 4 years and still learn new things all the time

https://www.amazon.com/Training-70-461-Querying-Microsoft-Server/dp/0735666059

Even if you don't take the test this book is well written and it exposes you to useful things you may not otherwise stumble across - like windowing functions.

the MS 462 book, ick.

If you don't have it or are new to Data warehousing. I'd recommend Ralph Kimball's - The Data Warehouse Toolkit. Its been my bible of Business Intelligence.

Also, subscribe to /r/BusinessIntelligence

You absolutely MUST read these books:


1 - Microsoft SQL Server 2012 T-SQL Fundamentals


2 - Inside Microsoft SQL Server 2008 T-SQL Querying

Happy learnig!

Itzik wrote the book

It's good.

This is a good start for learning about general database query tuning.

That's basically just a list of predicates.

Pick up an Itzik Ben-Gan book, that should help immensely.

This is great, but a little dense as a beginner

T-SQL Querying (Developer Reference (Paperback)) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0735685045/

If it's something you might want to learn more on (as back end dev work can be very lucrative), I'd recommend a book, "The art of SQL". It's more than a simple text book or cookbook, it teaches you how to think about sql problems in the context of real world applications.

https://www.amazon.com/Art-SQL-Stephane-Faroult/dp/0596008945

edit Also pinal dave of SQL authority is a life saver, check out his blog at:
https://blog.sqlauthority.com/

You can check following blog post which has various topics on SQL Server 2012 categorized at one place: http://sqlwithmanoj.wordpress.com/denali-2012/

Also you can check "Training Kit (Exam 70-461): Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012" book: http://www.amazon.com/Training-Kit-Exam-70-461-Microsoft/dp/0735666059?tag=651998669-20

Exam 70-761 Querying Data with Transact-SQL by Itzik Ben-Gan

https://www.amazon.com/Exam-70-761-Querying-Data-Transact-SQL-dp-1509304339/dp/1509304339/ref=mt_paperback?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=

> Querying T-SQL by Ben-Gan or any of his other books.

So say, this one?

https://www.amazon.com/Inside-Microsoft-Querying-Developer-Reference/dp/0735626030/ref=la_B001IGQENW_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1506320525&sr=1-10

older version, but concepts hold over: https://www.amazon.com/SQL-Server-2008-Administration-Action/dp/193398872X

Are you talking about the CD from here?

Seconding the video review: they were a complete waste of time for me. to pass 462 I used the MS Prep book (good for a baseline prep), then Trascender for the real studying. As seriously as I can say in text, open transcender tonight, get cranking on the questions and keep on it everyday for at least an hour or 2 (pick # of questions based on time you have, divide time in half so you have time to review what you got wrong. Practice understanding why each of the incorrect options are wrong.

While I hear and appreciate not wanting to just memorize the questions, your back is against the wall, memorize the questions. The secondary benefit of memorization is the information pieces will eventually fall into place, converting to actual knowledge, not just random memorized facts. If you to take the time to review and understand why each incorrect choice is incorrect, you will be fairly prepared for the exam.

FWIW, I would not have passed without Transcender. It prepped me better than anything else.

Edit - added book link

I would first establish a list of expected responsibilities as an Accidental DBA with your supervisor. Do they have a CSO or other security-minded employees who have login policies in place already, or does that fall to you? Does your company design and deploy its own databases often? If so, who will be in charge of that design? Will it be you, a database developer, or someone else?

When you establish a list of responsibilities an expectations, you can then make a plan of action to learn about each of these topics. It takes an ocean of knowledge and responsibility and helps you narrow it down and focus on the fundamentals of what you will be doing day to day.

That being said, here are some resources you might consider using:

• https://www.sqlskills.com/help/accidental-dba/ is an excellent overview for "Accidental DBAs"
  
• Get in the habit of checking a couple of blogs daily. There are dozens, so you have the ability to find someone whose voice you enjoy reading. Here's a selection from my bookmarks:
  
  • https://www.sqlskills.com/help/sql101/
    
  • https://www.brentozar.com/blog/
    
  • https://sqlworkbooks.com/blog/
    
  • https://www.sqlskills.com/blogs/glenn/
    
  • https://www.sqlskills.com/blogs/kimberly/
    
  • https://blog.sqlauthority.com/
    
  • http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Articles/
    
  • https://dba.stackexchange.com/
    
  • https://sqlstudies.com/
    
  • https://www.mssqltips.com/sql-server-webcasts/
    
  • https://www.red-gate.com/simple-talk/tag/too-shy/
    
• Do the SQL Skills "DBA Homework" in a dev environment:
  
  • https://sqlstudies.com/sql-homework/
    
• Learn about concurrency issues and how to resolve blocking and locking.
  
• Look up common wait-types and what they mean.
  
• In a dev environment, perform your own installation of SQL Server. Anytime you don't understand what you're configuring or installing, go read up and do some research.
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Exam-70-761-Querying-Data-Transact-SQL/dp/1509304339/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=70-761&qid=1554487096&s=gateway&sr=8-2 is a very well-written exam reference, but also just a great reference in general.
  
  In addition to all of these recommendations, give priority to your Disaster Recovery and High Availability plan. It's not a matter of "if", it's a matter of "when". A well-designed Disaster Recovery plan will let you sleep at night, and performing "fire drills" using these plans will make it second nature when you end up having problems later.
  
  ​
  
  Database Administration is a brother/sisterhood. If you have any questions, engage the community or feel free to send me a PM.