February 16, 2009 at 5:44 am
Could someone PLEASE provide me with advice as to where to start? I have decided to change my career from accounting to Database Developer (BIG change . . BIG challenge), so i am a complete novice!! According to Microsoft's website in order for me to do the MCITP: Database Developer Certification i have to start with the MCTS: Implementation & Maintenance Certification. I bought the self-paced training kit for exam 70-431 but i am getting stuck as i do not know my way around SQL Server Management Studio but i managed to figure alot out on my own, which is my nature, what really seems to be the problem is the Transact-SQL language. I have done some research on the web and there is so much information i do not know where to start. Therefor i also consulted a training centre, they advised that i should buy a book on T-SQL. Along the way i have also read somewhere that i should understand the basics of C# to understand T-SQL. I am totally confused please could someone tell me exactly where i need to start!! Thanx so much!!!
February 16, 2009 at 5:56 am
You don't have to know about C# to learn T-SQL. C# is only used in applications using SQL Server. I suggest you buy a book in the likes of SQL for Dummies or SQL in 24 hours.
Also, I think it's a good idea to start on a basic database environment like Access. Create tables, make queries (using the wizards) and lookup how the code is made. Find out the logic about inner and outer joins (make a query with Find Unmatched Query Wizard), where statements (also AND and OR logic with using brackets) and such. If you're familiar with that, you're ready to think about taking that MS exam.
Together with that, you found the right place (SQLServerCentral) to become an expert 🙂
Ronald HensbergenHelp us, help yourself... Post data so we can read and use it: http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Best+Practices/61537/-------------------------------------------------------------------------2+2=5 for significant large values of 2
February 16, 2009 at 7:02 am
Starting from ground zero is hard. I'd concentrate more on learning what everything is and how it works and less on getting certified. Certification counts in some ways, but experience and knowledge counts in more.
For TSQL, pick up a copy of Itzik Ben-Gan's book SQL Server 2008 T-SQL Fundamentals. You'll get more out of that than almost any other book I've seen. For the general administration stuff, I'd get a copy of Ross Mistry's book SQL Server 2008 Management and Administration. I know the technical editor on that one and he wouldn't let bad info get out, so you'll learn a lot there. You should also pick up a book on relational database design.
Other than that, build a database. Best of all, build a database for someone. Volunteer at some local organization that needs to track data, church, scouts, homeless shelter... and build them a database. You'll more by doing than by simply reading through the manuals.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood"
- Theodore Roosevelt
Author of:
SQL Server Execution Plans
SQL Server Query Performance Tuning
February 16, 2009 at 7:19 am
Thanx for your input Ronald. Glad to hear that i do not have to first start with C#, not that i mind getting to know the language but i want to get down and create databases and don't want to waste time on any unnessary things right now. So thanx again, every bit of info i get helps.
February 16, 2009 at 8:32 am
louisevb (2/16/2009)
I have decided to change my career from accounting to Database Developer
Why? What is it about databases that interests you?
Gail Shaw
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability
February 16, 2009 at 11:22 am
Hi Grant, thank you i think that is good advice will have a look into the books you recommended.
February 16, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Hi Gail, i like the organization of data, the fact that you can force users to enter data in a specified format eliminating errors and that you can set data validity checks. I love problem solving and i am very meticulous when it comes to spreadsheets and the data entered into these spreadhseets. I do have a very bsic understanding of databases . . tables and the relationship between these tables but not enough to create a database. Well not yet anyway. I have decided that i want to develop this further as in my heart i just know that i will be good at it. I just need some guidance as where to start as i don't understand why Microsoft requires one to do the Implemenation and Maintenance Certification before one can do the Database Developer Certification. To me it makes more sense to do the development and then learn how to implement and maintain the database. Do you have any advise from your side?
February 16, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Quite admirable, one of our accountants just defected to our team. :Wow:
You'd only have to learn C# if you want to programme and create software applications. Learning C# and sql server is a long-term plan. I'd focus on one at a time, but involving yourself in both environments will help you gather a comprehensive understanding of delivering software solutions and why the two go hand in hand.
Becoming proficient in sql server, in other words: creating databases, tables and other database objects and learning how to select, insert, update and delete data and maintain those tables will take a while. It depends on your circumstances: how much you can learn on the job, who is available to mentor you and above all, how motivated you are.
Seeing as you are starting with some basic knowledge already, perhaps look at the following collections of courses (although books would probably be cheaper): http://www.microsoft.com/learning/elearning/course/2778.mspx and select the individual tutorials that would help you best, regardless, they will help you fulfil some pre-requisite knowledge.
Exam 70-431 http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exams/70-431.aspx will teach you how to navigate SQL Server Management Studio and the related tools that most of us use to develop our SQL Server databases. 70-431 is a pre-requisite for the MCITP certification, which as you can see: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcitp/dbdev/default.mspx contains two more exams. With exposure to each of the courses in the above exams you will start to understand that creating a database is not only about creating tables and determining what data goes into them but a whole raft of other considerations and theory that will make you a truly proficient SQL Server developer.
Please also do note the differences in the versions of these courses as there are both SQL Server 2005 and 2008 floating around. I quite like Grant's suggestions, buy some of the books that will teach you the basics and give them a whirl, maybe you won't like databases after all. :w00t:
Max
February 16, 2009 at 8:43 pm
louisevb (2/16/2009)
Could someone PLEASE provide me with advice as to where to start? I have decided to change my career from accounting to Database Developer (BIG change . . BIG challenge), so i am a complete novice!! According to Microsoft's website in order for me to do the MCITP: Database Developer Certification i have to start with the MCTS: Implementation & Maintenance Certification. I bought the self-paced training kit for exam 70-431 but i am getting stuck as i do not know my way around SQL Server Management Studio but i managed to figure alot out on my own, which is my nature, what really seems to be the problem is the Transact-SQL language. I have done some research on the web and there is so much information i do not know where to start. Therefor i also consulted a training centre, they advised that i should buy a book on T-SQL. Along the way i have also read somewhere that i should understand the basics of C# to understand T-SQL. I am totally confused please could someone tell me exactly where i need to start!! Thanx so much!!!
For an absolute rank beginner, I recommend the following because you don't actually need to buy anything to try it...
http://www.w3schools.com/sql/default.asp
... skip nothing in it... it's all important...
--Jeff Moden
Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.
February 16, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Also, keep in mind that there are different "dialects" of SQL. "Basic" SQL is called "ANSI SQL" and is supposed to be standard. The real fact of the matter is that there not all RDBMS makers follow the standards. For example, there is in FIRST() or LAST() functions in MS SQL Server and there is no DATEDIFF in PL-SQL.
But, that little course is a very good start.
--Jeff Moden
Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.
February 17, 2009 at 12:13 am
louisevb (2/16/2009)
Do you have any advise from your side?
Stop worrying about the certs and concentrate on learning the basics well. Certs are fine later, when you have some experience or are dealing with a picky HR department. They are not a replacement for experience and just having them proves nothing about your knowledge
Gail Shaw
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability
February 17, 2009 at 12:36 am
Hi Max, so glad this website was recommended to me getting great advise. Thanx so much for those website, they are excellent. 🙂
February 17, 2009 at 12:43 am
Hey Jeff, thanx man another great website and a freebie . . bonus!!
February 17, 2009 at 12:49 am
Hi Gila, apologies for calling you Gail previously. Yes thank you that is what Grant also suggested and i think that is great advise, i have been focusing too much on getting certified. I am over that now going to get down and learn the basics.
February 17, 2009 at 12:56 am
Oops it is Gail, sorry i am half asleep morning 😀
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