Introduction to Microsoft SQL Server 2012

• Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2012
• Getting Started with SQL Server Management Studio

Getting Started with SQL Azure

• Overview of SQL Azure
• Working with SQL Azure

Introduction to T-SQL Querying

• Introducing T-SQL
• Understanding Sets
• Understanding Predicate Logic
• Understanding the Logical Order of Operations in SELECT statements

Writing SELECT Queries

• Writing Simple SELECT Statements
• Eliminating Duplicates with DISTINCT
• Using Column and Table Aliases
• Writing Simple CASE Expressions

Querying Multiple Tables

• Understanding Joins
• Querying with Inner Joins
• Querying with Outer Joins
• Querying with Cross Joins and Self Joins

Sorting and Filtering Data

• Sorting Data
• Filtering Data with a WHERE Clause
• Filtering with the TOP and OFFSET-FETCH Options
• Working with Unknown and Missing Values

Working with SQL Server 2012 Data Types

• Introducing SQL Server 2012 Data Types
• Working with Character Data
• Working with Date and Time Data

Using Built-In Functions

• Writing Queries with Built-In Functions
• Using Conversion Functions
• Using Logical Functions
• Using Functions to Work with NULL

Grouping and Aggregating Data

• Using Aggregate Functions
• Using the GROUP BY Clause
• Filtering Groups with HAVING

Using Subqueries

• Writing Self-Contained Subqueries
• Writing Correlated Subqueries
• Using the EXISTS Predicate with Subqueries

Using Table Expressions

• Using Derived Tables
• Using Common Table Expressions
• Using Views
• Using Inline Table-Valued Functions

Using Set Operators

• Writing Queries with the UNION Operator
• Using EXCEPT and INTERSECT
• Using APPLY

Using Window Ranking, Offset and Aggregate Functions

• Creating Windows with OVER
• Exploring Window Functions

Pivoting and Grouping Sets

• Writing Queries with PIVOT and UNPIVOT
• Working with Grouping Sets

Querying SQL Server Metadata

• Querying System Catalog Views and Functions
• Executing System Stored Procedures
• Querying Dynamic Management Objects

Executing Stored Procedures

• Querying Data with Stored Procedures
• Passing Parameters to Stored Procedures
• Creating Simple Stored Procedures
• Working with Dynamic SQL

• Programming with T-SQL
• T-SQL Programming Elements
• Controlling Program Flow

Implementing Error Handling

• Using TRY / CATCH Blocks
• Working with Error Information

Implementing Transactions

• Transactions and the Database Engine
• Controlling Transactions

Improving Query Performance

• Factors in Query Performance
• Displaying Query Performance Data