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jadelantern
Starting Member
4 Posts |
 Posted - 2010-12-09 : 11:55:48
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| Hello everyone this is my first post…I have wanted to get into SQL for a long time now but just could never really wrap my head around it. I ended up getting to see it and use it a “bit” and now I lucked out, got a new job and fortunately for me SQL will be a BIG part of my new job. Almost everyone I worked with learned SQL just thought getting to use it at work but I would like to take it a few steps further and really dive into the scripting side and the building of the databases etc. I would like to pursue a certification in SQL and there are lots of incentives for certifications at my new job and plus a cert for SQL I think would go a long way.My question is this, I am hoping to start taking classes in SQL and eventually pursue a certification, is there a certain path I need to walk or certain things I need to learn to shoot me in the direction I want to go in?I guess im just looking for help and or guidance in my road to SQL… any help or advice would be appreciated! |
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russell
Pyro-ma-ni-yak
5072 Posts |
Posted - 2010-12-09 : 12:01:08
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| I would say, one, make yourself an expert in T-SQL syntax. Build yourself a test project at home and practice.Next, study and understand how SQL Server stores data. Know what pages and extents are. Know the sizes of data types and why and when to use each.Make yourself an expert on indexes. The point above is a prerequisite to this.After that, a lot depends on what you find more exciting -- database development, design or administration.I will just add that the most important thing any dba has to know is backup and restore. Our jobs depend on this single thing more than everything else put together! |
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jadelantern
Starting Member
4 Posts |
Posted - 2010-12-09 : 12:31:45
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| Thank you Russell! |
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Kristen
Test
22859 Posts |
Posted - 2010-12-09 : 12:47:32
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I agree with what Russell said. Have you got a pet project? Following the scores of your favourite sports team's league perhaps? When you have a bit of knowledge you might find reading questions here useful - you can see whether you can solve the original problem, and see what suggestions have been made in response - plus if you are stuck you can always post a questing asking for help  Folk here don't do other people's homework (they wouldn't learn anything), but they are always ready to help point people in the right direction if they can show what work they have already done  |
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russell
Pyro-ma-ni-yak
5072 Posts |
Posted - 2010-12-09 : 13:03:04
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Great points Kristen. Every time I wanted to learn a new programming language or something, I'd build a project AND answer as many forum questions as possible -- ones that I didn't quite know the answer to, so I'd work 'em out. I still do that  The forum is a two way street. The poster gets some help, and the answerer gets to exercise their skills too. |
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jadelantern
Starting Member
4 Posts |
Posted - 2010-12-09 : 14:23:46
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| Kristen that is a fantastic idea! i never even thought of that! |
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Question from New Guy on starting SQL and beyond