Introduction

Database solutions are integral to every organization that needs to store, analyze, and report on data. Microsoft SQL Server 2005 provides a robust platform for implementing your database solutions. SQL Server 2005 is packed with easy-to-use features that make it an ideal environment. In particular, this latest version of SQL Server is more secure, more scalable, and easier to use and manage than previous versions.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005: Database Essentials Step by Step is the first book in a series of two designed to help you build skills in a number of essential SQL Server areas. You can use this book if you are new to programming databases or if you are switching from another information storage system, such as Microsoft Office Access, or from a file-based storage system, such as .dbf or .txt files.

Inside, youll find information on which installation options to use in both a development and a production environment; which tools to use during your database design, database creation, and database objects definition; and what steps to take to retrieve and update data. The hands-on presentation of database skills will prepare you to move to the next level of SQL Server database management and to start applying the tools youve practiced in these chapters to your own work.

The second book in the series, Microsoft SQL Server 2005: Applied Techniques Step by Step , builds on the material presented in this book, with more extensive coverage of retrieving and analyzing data and of many features that make SQL Server 2005 such a comprehensive solution to your database needs.

Who This Book Is For

Microsoft SQL Server 2005: Database Essentials Step by Step is intended for developers and database administrators who want to begin using SQL Server 2005 as their main data repository and to use it not only as another file storage method, but also to enhance and speed their applications. By following the step-by-step procedures in each chapter, you will obtain a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to the most important options needed to program your database solutions using SQL Server 2005. Your skill level, job function, and familiarity with SQL Server will determine how this book will best serve you. See the chart in Finding Your Best Starting Point in This Book to determine how you can get what you need from this book.

How This Book Is Organized

Part I of this book describes why you need a database system, what tools you need to easily create database solutions, and how to utilize the different applications and tools that accom pany SQL Server 2005. Part II provides the step-by-step procedures needed to both design and create a database and its objects. Part III explains how to retrieve information. Part IV details the steps and various methods used to update information in a database.

Finding Your Best Starting Point in This Book

If you are:	Follow these steps:
New to Relational Databases	Install the sample files as described in the Sample Files section of this Introduction. Start at the beginning and work through the entire book for a quick introduction to the many capabilities of SQL Server 2005.
Planning to Set Up a Database in Your Shop	Install the sample files as described in the Sample Files section of this Introduction. Pay particular attention to Chapter 4, which will guide you through some of the analysis you'll need before beginning to design your system.
Familiar with Relational Databases or Migrating from an Earlier Version of SQL Server	Install the sample files as described in the Sample Files section of this Introduction. Skim Chapter 2 as necessary and then work through Chapter 3. Skim the remainder of the book to find the areas that might be new to you.
Migrating to SQL Server from Another Database Platform	Install the sample files as described in the Sample Files section of this Introduction. Work carefully through Chapters 2 and 3, skip (or skim) Chapters 4 and 5, and then work through the remainder of the book.
Familiar with SQL Server and Want to Enhance Your Understanding of the Capabilities in SQL Server 2005	Install the sample files as described in the Sample Files section of this Introduction. Focus on Chapters 3, 4, and 5 and work through the rest of the book depending on your areas of interest.
Wanting to Deepen Your Level of Expertise in Coding Database Applications	Install the sample files as described in the Sample Files section of this Introduction. Skim Chapters 3, 4, and 5, then work carefully through the remaining chapters.
Referencing the Book after Working Through the Exercises	Use the index or the table of contents to find information about particular subjects. Read the Quick Reference sections at the end of each chapter to find a brief review of the syntax and techniques presented in the chapter.
Interested in Learning More about Applying the Techniques Covered in This Book	See Microsoft SQL Server 2005: Applied Techniques Step by Step , Microsoft Press, 2006 (ISBN 0-7356-2316-3).