Introduction

Welcome to the world of database development using SQL Server. If you are just starting out with the product, then this book will try to bring you along and quickly get you up to speed. If you are already familiar with this tremendous software, then you should look into what is new and fascinating with this 2000 release. This book covers a lot of new functionality.

This book explores all the attributes of SQL Server; it looks into the strengths of the product and points out some pitfalls and snags, as well. To really excel in database implementation and do well on the exam, you should use this book as a complete reference guide. Use the book also as a practical means of gaining experience as you complete a variety of exercises at the end of each chapter. These exercises are designed to simulate a production environment.