SQL Server Fundamentals
Learn practical SQL Server skills to manage databases and queries
This course provides a practical introduction to Microsoft SQL Server, guiding learners through core concepts, the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) interface, and fundamentals of T‑SQL and database administration. It also demonstrates command‑line tools such as sqlcmd and PowerShell examples, plus scripting techniques for inspecting metadata and managing objects.
Learners will gain immediate, applicable skills for creating and managing databases, authoring and running T‑SQL queries, and automating routine tasks with basic PowerShell and SMO usage.
At a Glance
SQL Server Fundamentals is an introductory course that explains core concepts, tools, and workflows for Microsoft SQL Server, covering server setup, management tools, and query basics.
Taught by Dan Sullivan, the course emphasizes practical demonstrations and code examples to build immediate, usable familiarity with SSMS, T-SQL, and related maintenance tasks.
| Level | Beginner |
| Rating | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Duration | 60+ minutes |
| Languages | English |
| Certificate | Certificate of completion |
| Access | Access for as long as your subscription is active |
| Course includes |
|
| Price | Subscription-based, monthly or annual plans |
What This Course Teaches
This course frames outcomes as measurable competencies you can apply to real SQL Server tasks rather than abstract concepts.
By the end of the course learners will be able to perform basic administration, author and run T‑SQL, and use command‑line and automation tools to manage and inspect SQL Server instances.
How the Course Is Structured
The course is organized as a sequence of short, focused modules presented as standalone clips that together form a single introductory syllabus.
There are 26 modules in total and the listed clips sum to roughly 90+ minutes of video content.
Curriculum overview
01Overview▾
02What is SQL Server▾
03Application▾
04Using SSMS▾
05Drop a Database▾
06Add a Database▾
07Using T-SQL▾
08sqlcmd▾
09sqlps▾
10T-SQL Language▾
11Metadata▾
12T-SQL Example▾
13Scripting Objects▾
14Linq To Sql▾
15Linq to Sql Example▾
16SMO▾
17Analysis and Reporting▾
18SSAS▾
19SSIS▾
20SSRS▾
21Summary▾
22References▾
23Overview and Examples▾
24Basic Group By▾
25Using Aggregate Functions and Having▾
26Trimming Input And Summary▾
Audience & Requirements
SQL Server Fundamentals is aimed at beginners—new DBAs, application developers, and data analysts—who need practical, hands‑on familiarity with Microsoft SQL Server and its ecosystem. It is appropriate for learners who want to perform basic server tasks, author and execute T‑SQL, and follow command‑line or PowerShell examples used to automate common maintenance and inspection workflows.
- New or aspiring database administrators learning core server tasks.
- Application developers who need to query and manage SQL Server-backed applications.
- Data analysts who query SQL Server and require familiarity with its tooling.
- IT generalists responsible for basic maintenance and scripting of SQL Server instances.
- A SQL Server instance (Express or Developer) to run examples against.
- SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) installed to follow demonstrations.
- Basic command‑line or PowerShell comfort to use sqlcmd and sqlps examples.
- No special prerequisites; prior SQL or programming experience is helpful but not required.
Final Verdict
Overall, this course is a practical, cost‑effective introduction to Microsoft SQL Server that delivers hands‑on demonstrations and clear, applicable skills, making it a good first step for beginners and practitioners who need immediate operational competence.
Given its favorable rating, included completion certificate, and subscription access model, it offers solid value for learners who want a concise orientation to SSMS, T‑SQL, and basic automation; those seeking deep, advanced administration or performance‑tuning training should plan to follow up with more specialized courses or reference materials.
DataCamp 
Codecademy