What's a good online resource for SQL server and T-SQL?

Question

Background:

I have an interview some time next week (for a Jr position) that requires SQL Server. The job descriptions states "Must be able to score high in a C# and a SQL Server design test."

I feel I'm solid on the C# portion, and I think I'm pretty good on implementation-agnostic DB design (Reread "Mastering Data Modeling" by Carlis & Maguire that was taught in college, and read through "Database Design For Mere Mortals" over the past week). I have a decent knowledge of basic SQL, but mostly from classes 2 years ago (I'm not using a RDBMS at current work), and in my outside project I'm using LINQ to SQL so not much of direct DB interaction, and it's more of the program driving the need for data, whereas for this position I get the sense that it's the other way around.

What are some good online resources or tutorials to get up to speed? This is a junior position so I'm not looking to be an expert in a few days or anything, but I at least need to know what I'm talking about. Ideally I'd like something similar to Dive Into Python which I highly enjoyed. Looking for something that can be digested in 2-3 days or so for kinda translating theory into practice, and also some brush up on syntax, and things to be aware of that are specific to SQL Server/T-SQL.

Also maybe some basic ADO.NET resources might be good too. The company I'm interviewing with hasn't upgraded to .NET 3.5 yet, so LINQ to SQL and Entity Framework aren't going to be available. Not really sure whether I'll need that much for the interview, but still good to know.

Answer 1

I'm putting together notes for just that. I know there are much better resources, but this is what I'm doing to keep track of my notes, you might be interested in doing the same while you study. http://tinyurl.com/r2y5tw

Answer 2

SQL Server Books Online

• Browse by Job Role
• Tutorials
• How-to Topics

Answer 3

SQLTeam.com is a great resource for this everything T-SQL.

Answer 4

In addition to Books Online:

Introduction to SQL Server (contains step by step walkthroughs)

Common Solutions for T-SQL Problems

Script Repository: SQL Server 2005

SO has some answers pointing at very useful resources:

• Library of Useful (Difficult) SQL scripts

Answer 5

I've always like SQL Server Central. They have lots of good articles, and every day there's a Question of the Day that you can try to answer. QOTD is a great way to force yourself to learn about areas of SQL Server that you don't normally look at.

Answer 6

Brent Ozar, a well known and highly respected SQL Server DBA in the community, has an entire area of his website dedicated to the subject of becoming a DBA.

http://www.brentozar.com/becoming-a-dba/

With regard to Database Design, I am sure you have already considered this however, I would recommend that you brush up on your knowledge and understanding of the process of Normalization. Transaction Isolation levels are another common subject area so look them up in SQL Server Books Online.

If you need any assistance with your studies or have any SQL Server queries you are always welcome to contact me.

http://www.johnsansom.com