Part I: Working with Rows and Columns

Learning SQL to extract data from SQL Server is as simple as using the Select statement. On Day 1, "Introduction to SQL and the Query Analyzer," I will start by explaining what SQL really is and how it relates to databases. In addition, you will install the Query Analyzer and see how to use it to access data in SQL Server by using SQL.

On Day 2, "Filtering and Sorting Data," you will learn how to retrieve specific data and how to sort the data by using SELECT, WHERE, and ORDER BY.

Day 3, "Working with Columns," will discuss how to manipulate the data columns and what different types of data are available, such as integers and dates.

Day 4, "Working with Row Aggregates and Grouping," will show you how to get aggregate data from the database, such as an average value in a column. In addition, you'll learn how to use the GROUP BY and HAVING clauses of SQL.

On Day 5, "Joining Tables," you will see how to specify relationships between tables. Then on Day 6, "Using Subqueries," you will discover how subqueries are used to create a nested SQL statement.

Finally on Day 7, "Adding, Changing, and Deleting Rows," you will learn how to add new data, update existing data, or delete data from the database.

Does this all sound confusing? Don't worry; it will all make sense. Don't forget to try the exercises at the end of each day to reinforce what you have read. Well, good luck and see you at the end of the week.