SQL-Server Database Course Prerequisites

Creating a Database is an introductory-level course. It does require the following, however:

1. Experience Using the Microsoft Windows Server network operating system
2. Familiarity with the definition, theory, and underlying function of relational databases
3. Completion of Introduction to SQL, Parts 1 and 2 (which can be found at
   1. Basic Structured Query Language
   2. Advanced Structured Query Language
   or equivalent understanding of basic ANSI SQL statements.

In the next lesson, you will learn what you need to take this course.

The following websites contain relevant information with respect to relational databases.
Defining Database Relationships

Before embarking on the journey of working with SQL Server 2019, developers should equip themselves with a robust foundation in several key areas. These prerequisites not only ensure a smoother learning curve but also empower developers to leverage SQL Server 2019's capabilities to their fullest potential.

1. Fundamentals of Database Systems: A solid understanding of basic database concepts, such as tables, queries, schemas, and normalization, is paramount. This foundational knowledge facilitates an appreciation of how databases store, manage, and retrieve data efficiently.
2. SQL Proficiency: Proficiency in SQL (Structured Query Language) is a critical prerequisite. Developers should be adept at crafting complex queries, including SELECT statements, JOIN operations, subqueries, and aggregate functions. This skill set is crucial for data manipulation and retrieval in SQL Server 2019.
3. Relational Database Design: A thorough grasp of relational database design principles is essential. Developers should understand how to model relationships between data entities effectively and implement relational integrity constraints. This knowledge is key to designing robust and scalable databases.
4. T-SQL Expertise: While generic SQL knowledge is fundamental, T-SQL (Transact-SQL), SQL Server's proprietary extension, offers advanced programming constructs. Familiarity with T-SQL features such as stored procedures, functions, triggers, and transaction control is necessary for developing and optimizing database objects in SQL Server 2019.
5. Understanding of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): SSMS is the primary interface for managing SQL Server instances. Proficiency in navigating and utilizing SSMS for tasks like database creation, backup, restoration, and security management is crucial for effective database administration.
6. Data Warehousing Concepts: Given SQL Server 2019's enhanced capabilities in data analytics and business intelligence, knowledge of data warehousing concepts such as ETL processes (Extract, Transform, Load), OLAP cubes, and data mart design is highly beneficial.
7. Basic Networking and Security: An understanding of fundamental networking concepts and security best practices is essential for configuring and securing SQL Server instances. Developers should be familiar with authentication mechanisms, authorization roles, and data encryption techniques to protect sensitive information.
8. Performance Tuning and Optimization: Knowledge of how to analyze and optimize query performance, including indexing strategies, execution plans analysis, and database tuning, is important for maintaining efficient database systems.
9. Familiarity with SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and Reporting Services (SSRS): For developers involved in data integration and reporting, familiarity with SSIS and SSRS is advantageous. SSIS facilitates data migration and integration tasks, whereas SSRS is used for generating, deploying, and managing reports.
10. Awareness of New Features in SQL Server 2019: Lastly, developers should acquaint themselves with the new and enhanced features specific to SQL Server 2019, such as Big Data Clusters, enhanced security features like Always Encrypted with secure enclaves, and performance improvements.

By mastering these prerequisites, developers will be well-prepared to navigate the complexities of SQL Server 2019 and exploit its full spectrum of database management and analytical capabilities.

In order to make any real, viable use of this course, you will need an installation of SQL Server. The course makes extensive use of the actual SQL Server 2016 management tools, so I highly recommend that you have a version that contains the full product, rather than just using SQL Server Express. That said, the course is focused on the kind of scripting required for developers, so even SQL Server Express users should be able to get the lion's share of learning out of most of the chapters. You will also need the AdvenureWorks sample database, the AdventureWorks database for BI and reporting, and a few custom databases installed.
A copy of Visual Studio is handy for working with this course, but most of the Visual Studio features needed are included in the Business Intelligence Studio that comes along with the SQL Server product.