SQL Server: Transact-SQL Basic Data Retrieval
Module 2: Setting up a Transact-SQL
Learning Environment
Joe Sack
Joe@[Link]
Module Introduction
The best way to learn Transact-SQL is to do hands-on practice as you
follow along in this course
In this module:
Installing SQL Server 2012 Express with Tools
Installing SQL Server Data Tools
Downloading and attaching the sample database
Executing a basic data retrieval query in SSMS and SSDT
SQL Server 2012 Express with Tools
In order to practice the concepts we discuss in this course, I
recommend installing an instance of the SQL Server 2012 Express
database engine
SQL Server 2012 Express is a free edition that can be used for learning
the product and features
We’ll be using SQL Server 2012 Express with Tools
SQL Server 2012 Database Engine
SQL Server Management Studio Express
SQL Server 2012 Express (Abridged) Requirements
Choose a laptop, desktop or test server with the following:
An internet connection from the computer you’re installing it on
A minimum of 6 GB of hard-disk space
Minimum 512 MB RAM
Recommended 1 GB
Minimum of 1.0 GHz (x86) or 1.4 GHz (x64)
Recommended 2.0 GHz or faster
Storage types supported
Local disk
Shared storage (SAN, for example)
SMB File Share
SQL Server 2012 Express (Abridged) Requirements
OS versions (see [Link] for full details):
Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 64-bit (Standard, Enterprise and more)
Windows 7 SP1 32-bit and 64-bit (Home Basic, Home Premium, Enterprise,
Professional and more)
Windows Server 2008 SP2 64-bit and 32-bit (Standard, Enterprise and more)
Windows Vista SP2 32-bit and 64-bit (Home Basic through Ultimate and
more)
You can download from [Link] or search on the
keywords “Download Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express with Tools”
Tip: SQLEXPRWT_x64_ENU.exe is the “Express with Tools” version (and there
is an x86 version as well)
SQL Server Management Studio Express
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) Express is a free graphical
management tool that is commonly used both by Database
Administrators and Developers
Manage the database engine plus Transact-SQL query execution
SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) does offer more developer-centric
functionality not provided in SSMS
SQL Server Data Tools
As an alternative or supplement to SQL Server Management Studio
(SSMS), you can also use SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) in order to
familiarize yourself with SQL Server 2012 Transact-SQL
Whereas SSMS bridges both the administrator and developer worlds,
SSDT is specific to the database developer audience, allowing for
database design and query development
If you’ve worked with Visual Studio before, SSDT will already be
familiar to you
SSDT is also free and you can download from [Link] or
search on the keywords “SQL Server Data Tools”
SQL Server Data Tools OS Requirements
OS versions (see [Link] for details):
Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 64-bit (Standard, Enterprise and more)
Windows 7 SP1 32-bit and 64-bit (Home Basic, Home Premium, Enterprise,
Professional and more)
Windows Server 2008 SP2 64-bit and 32-bit (Standard, Enterprise and more)
Windows Vista SP2 32-bit and 64-bit (Home Basic through Ultimate and
more)
AdventureWorks2012 Sample Database
CodePlex ([Link] provides various sample
databases which you can use to follow along with the Transact-SQL
examples in this course
AdventureWorks2012 database
You can download from [Link] or
search on the key words “Adventure Works for SQL Server 2012”
Download from the “AdventureWorks2012 Data File” link
I’ll show you how to attach the database in the next demo
Basic data retrieval query in SSMS and SSDT
SSMS or SSDT for data retrieval – which one should you use?
The next two demos will show you a basic SELECT query using both
tools, and then you can decide for yourself
Don’t worry about understanding all the mechanics of the data retrieval
examples – we’ll be walking through the key data retrieval concepts
throughout this course
