MICROSOFT SQL SERVER • T-SQL • SSMS

Master Microsoft SQL Server

From zero to confident. Install SQL Server & SSMS, write T-SQL, design tables, optimize queries, and manage databases—explained like you're 5, with animations, screenshots, and hands-on practice!

14
Lesson pages
2
Free to open
5
Practice files
Download practice databases & SQL scripts for every module

Course Progress

Full Course Ready

12 teaching modules, 5 practice files, and a free course practice. Meet SQL Server is free. The other teaching pages are Pro.

PART 1 Foundation — Get Started

What is SQL Server? Install it, open SSMS, create your first database.

01
Ready

Meet SQL Server

What is a database? What is SQL Server? Editions (Developer, Express, Enterprise), DDL/DML/TCL, and why companies use it.

Start Module 1
Topics Covered
    02
    Ready

    Installation & SSMS

    Download SQL Server Developer/Express and SQL Server Management Studio. Install step-by-step, connect for the first time.

    Start Module 2
    Topics Covered
      03
      Ready

      SSMS Tour & First Database

      Object Explorer, query window, Execute button. Create your first database and run your first T-SQL command.

      Start Module 3
      Topics Covered
        04
        Ready

        T-SQL Basics

        Data Definition (DDL), Data Manipulation (DML), and Transaction Control (TCL). The three languages of SQL.

        Start Module 4
        Topics Covered

          PART 2 Core T-SQL — Tables & Queries

          Create tables, run SELECT queries, filter and sort, then join tables together.

          05
          Ready

          Creating Tables & Data Types

          CREATE TABLE, column names, data types (INT, VARCHAR, DATE, DECIMAL), PRIMARY KEY, and NOT NULL.

          Start Module 5
          Topics Covered
            06
            Ready

            SELECT, WHERE & ORDER BY

            Query data with SELECT, filter with WHERE, sort with ORDER BY. Comparison operators and multiple conditions.

            Start Module 6
            Topics Covered
              07
              Ready

              Joins

              INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN, RIGHT JOIN, FULL OUTER JOIN. Combine data from multiple tables with keys.

              Start Module 7
              Topics Covered
                08
                Ready

                Aggregations & GROUP BY

                COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX. Group results with GROUP BY and filter groups with HAVING.

                Start Module 8
                Topics Covered

                  PART 3 Advanced — Power Queries

                  Subqueries, CTEs, indexes, and performance tuning.

                  09
                  Ready

                  Subqueries & CTEs

                  Nested queries, WITH (Common Table Expressions), and readable complex queries.

                  Start Module 9
                  Topics Covered
                    10
                    Ready

                    Indexes & Performance

                    What are indexes? Clustered vs nonclustered. When to add them and how to measure query performance.

                    Start Module 10
                    Topics Covered

                      PART 4 Admin & Security

                      Backup, restore, and secure your databases.

                      11
                      Ready

                      Backups & Restore

                      Full backup, differential, log backup. Restore to a point in time. Best practices.

                      Start Module 11
                      Topics Covered
                        12
                        Ready

                        Security Basics

                        Logins, users, roles. Grant and revoke permissions. Windows vs SQL authentication.

                        Start Module 12
                        Topics Covered

                          CERTIFICATION Prove Your Mastery

                          Test your knowledge with 60+ questions covering every module. Earn your SQL Server certificate!

                          Ready

                          SQL Server Certification Exam

                          60+ questions across all 12 modules. Practice mode, timed exam, and instant scoring. 70% to pass!

                          Ready to Master SQL Server?

                          Start from Module 1 and work your way through. Each module has Learn, Visual, Code, Practice, and Quiz tabs to keep you engaged!

                          Begin Module 1