Microsoft SQL Server Basics for Beginners

Step 1: SQL Server Installation and SSMS

Start by understanding the SQL Server database engine and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). Learn how to connect to a local SQL Server instance and run your first query.

Read: SQL Server Installation and SSMS for Beginners

SELECT @@VERSION;

This simple query helps confirm that you are connected to a SQL Server instance.

Step 2: Create a Database

Learn how to create a practice database and switch the current database context before creating objects.

Read: Create a SQL Server Database for Beginners

CREATE DATABASE SchoolDB;
GO

USE SchoolDB;
GO

Step 3: Create Tables and Choose Data Types

Understand tables, columns, common SQL Server data types, primary keys, identity columns, and NULL values before storing real data.

Read: SQL Server Tables and Data Types for Beginners

CREATE TABLE Students
(
    StudentId INT IDENTITY(1,1) PRIMARY KEY,
    StudentName NVARCHAR(100) NOT NULL,
    Age INT NULL
);

Step 4: INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE

Learn how to add, change, and remove rows safely. Always use a precise WHERE condition when updating or deleting existing data.

Read: INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE in SQL Server

INSERT INTO Students (StudentName, Age)
VALUES ('Arun', 21);

UPDATE Students
SET Age = 22
WHERE StudentName = 'Arun';

DELETE FROM Students
WHERE StudentName = 'Arun';

Step 5: SELECT, WHERE, and ORDER BY

Retrieve the data you stored, filter the rows you need, and sort the result set.

Read: SQL SELECT, WHERE, and ORDER BY for Beginners

SELECT StudentName, Age
FROM Students
WHERE Age >= 18
ORDER BY StudentName ASC;

Step 6: JOINs

Once you understand individual tables, learn how related tables are combined. Start with INNER JOIN and LEFT JOIN, then add filters to the joined query.

Read: SQL Server JOINs for Beginners

SELECT s.StudentName, c.CourseName
FROM Students AS s
INNER JOIN Courses AS c
    ON c.StudentId = s.StudentId;