Book description
SQL Server 2008 has many new additions since the last version, SQL
Server 2005. These include
- New useful data types (discrete date and time data types as well
as support for geospatial data and hierarchical data representation)
- The new MERGE command
- A revamping of Reporting Services to allow for more elegant reports
- Tracking and availability of “missing” index information
And those are just a few of the improvements.
This book is written for SQL Server 2008. However, it does maintain
roots going bad a few versions and looks out for backward
compatibility issues with SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2000. These
versions are old enough that there is little to no time spent on them
except in passing.
The book is oriented around developing on SQL server. Most of the
concepts are agnostic to what client language you use although the
examples that leverage a client language general do so in C#. For
those who are migrating from early versions of SQL Server, some
“gotchas” that exist any time a product has versions are discussed to
the extent that they seem to be a genuinely relevant issue.
This book assumes that you have some experience with SQL Server and
are at an intermediate to advanced level. The orientation of the book
is highly developer focused. While there is a quick reference-oriented
appendix, there is very little coverage given to beginner level
topics. It is assumed that you already have experience with data
manipulation language (DML) statements and know the basics of the
mainstream SQL Server objects (views, stored procedures, user defined
functions, etc.). If you would like to brush up on your knowledge
before diving into this book, the author recommends reading
Beginning SQL Server 2008 Programming first. There is very
little overlap between the Beginning and Professional books and they
are designed to work as a pair.
The book is structured with each chapter beginning with an
explanation of the things to be covered in that chapter. Each topic
covered contains some background information. Sometimes there is an
example to work through if it is appropriate for the chapter. Examples
are created to be short but still get at several of the concepts you
need for whatever topic is being covered at the time. There is a
logical progression of the chapters. Tools and data types are reviewed
early on, due to changes from earlier versions; however, it moves
quickly through the topics that are assumed you are already
comfortable with.
In order to use this book you will need administrative access to a
computer that is capable of running SQL Server 2008. It is recommended
that you use the Developer Edition because the majority of samples and
advice applies to all editions of SQL Server. The author does
recommend staying with a full version on SQL server rather than using
the Express Edition.
Rob Vieira began familiarizing himself with the computing world in
1980 when he split his time between building and repairing computer
kits and programing in BASIC. He can also program in database
languages such as dBase and SQL server. Beyond a bachelor's degree in
business administration, he has been certified as a Certified
Management Accountant (CMA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer
(MCSD), Trainer (MCT), and Database Administrator (MCDBA). He is
currently the Database Team Lead for Stockamp, a Huron Consulting
Group Practice. Rob has published six books on the SQL Server development.
Experiencing his first infection with computing fever in 1978,
Rob Vieira
knew right away that this was something ''really cool.'' In 1980 he
began immersing himself into the computing world more fully - splitting
time between building and repairing computer kits, and programming in
BASIC as well as Z80 and 6502 assembly. In 1983, he began studies for a
degree in Computer Information Systems, but found the professional
mainframe environment too rigid for his tastes and dropped out in 1985
to pursue other interests. Later that year, he caught the "PC
bug" and began the long road of programming in database languages
from dBase to SQL Server. Rob completed a degree in business
administration in 1990 and since has typically worked in roles that
allow him to combine his unique knowledge of business and computing.
Beyond his bachelor's degree, he has been certified as a Certified
Management Accountant (CMA); Microsoft Certified as a Solutions
Developer (MCSD), Trainer (MCT), and Database Administrator (MCDBA); and
even had a brief stint certified as an EmergencyMedical Technician (EMT).
Rob is currently the Database Team Lead for Stockamp, a Huron Consulting
Group practice. He has published six books on SQL Server development
