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srobison62
Starting Member
17 Posts |
 Posted - 2011-09-27 : 16:22:43
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| First of all I would like to say hello, I am sure you will be seeing (reading)alot of me. My company recently purchased a internet based software system that we use for asset management, fleet management, h/r, etc. My bosses want me to learn SQL so I can handle the birt reports. I have signed up for a birt reporting class next month but they told me I needed to be somewhat familiar with SQL, because of this I purchased Sams teach yourself SQL in 21 days, and this is where I have run into a problem. I thought it was going to be simple to learn once I got the book and downloaded the software. However there are so many versions of sql server, plus tools that come with it, and being that it is developer based its not the most user friendly downloads in the world. I have the second edition of teach yourself sql which uses 2000, but the birt report is in 2008, so I am just wondering if there is any advice or guidelines anyone can give me because as of this moment I am stuck and I am not sure how to proceed.Any help would be greatly appreciated,Thank you,Sammy |
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cmbergin
Starting Member
14 Posts |
Posted - 2011-09-27 : 16:57:36
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| Pretty much any normal query that runs in SQL Server 2000 will run in SQL Server 2008, "normal" being defined as a query that doesn't change the database itself or examine the internal structure, system tables, etc. SQL Server 2008 (and 2005 before it) have plenty of additional query features that will make your life easier, though.That being said, the basics of SQL (the language) are the same, and if you're just starting, that's what you'll be learning anyway.One thing that might be tripping you up is that SQL Server 2000 shipped with two different management tools: Query Analyzer and Enterprise Manager. Starting with SQL Server 2005, the functions of both tools were combined into SQL Server Management Studio. SQL Server Management Studio comes with all editions of SQL Server, and the Express version can be downloaded for free from Microsoft. SSMS 2008 Express can connect to the full version of SQL Server, too, so it will be fine for your learning exercises.The biggest advice I can give you is to leave behind the crutch of using the GUI as soon as you can. Get used to the empty canvas of your query window; there's a reason it's the biggest panel in SSMS. It's especially futile to try to construct report queries using GUI tools. You'll be better off learning how to write T-SQL, which I hope is what your book is teaching.It would be easier to help more if you could explain which concepts you're stuck on. |
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srobison62
Starting Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 2011-09-27 : 17:04:09
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| Well honestly I am stuck getting the query analyzer I don't know if I installed it wrong or what but I cannot get to point "A". I think I am just going to uninstall everything I have now and install 2000 express, and try again. |
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srobison62
Starting Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 2011-09-27 : 17:16:24
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| Ok that didnt work sql server 2000 isnt compatible with windows 7 so i reinstalled 2008 but I cant find the query analyzer |
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cmbergin
Starting Member
14 Posts |
Posted - 2011-09-27 : 17:34:03
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| Check my third paragraph again. :)You'll need to download SQL Server Management Studio, as Query Analyzer ceased to exist in SQL Server 2005 and later. When you open SSMS, click "new query", and you can generally follow the instructions for Query Analyzer at that point, though if the book has you change options, they may be in a different place and you might have to hunt a bit. |
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srobison62
Starting Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 2011-09-28 : 10:44:38
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| OK I think I got that part figured out now I wasnt downloading the one with the management studio, I was assuming that sams teach yourself would have a practice database but it appears that they do not. I do not at this time have access to the database that I will be working on because they want me to learn sql first, do you have any advice on how I can get started without a database to access? |
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steve_r18
Yak Posting Veteran
59 Posts |
Posted - 2011-09-28 : 11:24:51
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| I would highly suggest getting a new resource to expand your SQL knowledge. With SQL 2008 and a new release to come soon (not sure on the release date yet) features that you might get used to will be changed/ different location. Data structure isn't as importing as knowing what you're looking for or looking up how to do something. I started out focusing on simple queries (still working on) and went from there. (I'm also still MILES!! behind on being an 'expert' in SQL). Best of luck on your journey!Steve |
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srobison62
Starting Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 2011-09-28 : 11:36:37
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| all I wanted to do was practice basic queries but this dumb book doesn't even teach you how to get setup! I am literally working from the ground up and this book assumes you have already got a sql server set up. |
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srobison62
Starting Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 2011-09-28 : 12:59:48
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| Ok so I have everything up and running but when i go to the sql server management and try to have it access the sample database I downloaded here is the error i get. TITLE: Connect to Server------------------------------Cannot connect to C:\Users\sammy\Desktop\SQLtestdatabase.------------------------------ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server. The server was not found or was not accessible. Verify that the instance name is correct and that SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. (provider: SQL Network Interfaces, error: 26 - Error Locating Server/Instance Specified) (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: -1)For help, click: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?ProdName=Microsoft+SQL+Server&EvtSrc=MSSQLServer&EvtID=-1&LinkId=20476------------------------------BUTTONS:OK------------------------------ |
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cmbergin
Starting Member
14 Posts |
Posted - 2011-09-28 : 14:33:28
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| You don't connect directly to the MDF file like you would with Access. You connect to the SQL Server instance running on the machine.Tell you what: go to www.microsoft.com/web and use the Web Platform Installer to install SQL Server 2008 Express. When you're going through the setup options, expand all the various feature selection options and select "Sample Databases" (I don't remember where it is exactly); you'll have the AdventureWorks database installed for you and made ready. Many online examples and help will use AdventureWorks (and SQL Server 2000 and earlier's Northwind) to illustrate their principles. |
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srobison62
Starting Member
17 Posts |
Posted - 2011-10-04 : 10:51:54
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| I picked up teach yourself sql in 10 minutes and I have had no problems with using it, I loaded the practice database and I am able to follow along with the guide. However the teach yourself in 21 days book is making me feel like I have never read a tutorial in my life, I am still unable to find the practice server to load into sql server so if anyone has any experience with this book please help me out. |
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SQL Newbie