Professional Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Programming

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.