This repository is dedicated to mastering the fundamental concepts and hands-on skills required to effectively query and manage data within SQL Server. It is designed to reinforce the essential techniques covered in the LinkedIn Learning course.
To provide a practical sandbox for practicing basic to advanced query techniques, focusing on writing clean, efficient, and well-structured SQL code for real-world scenarios.
- Database Engine: SQL Server 2022 Developer Edition
- Management & Querying: SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), Azure Data Studio
- Version Control: Git & GitHub
This repository is aligned with the following course:
- Course: SQL Server Fundamentals: Master Basic Query Techniques
- Instructor: Julianne Thouin
- Platform: LinkedIn Learning
- Clone this repository to your local machine:
git clone [https://github.com/Dokectis/SQL-Server-Fundamentals-Practice-Exercises.git](https://github.com/Dokectis/SQL-Server-Fundamentals-Practice-Exercises.git)
- Open the exercises in your preferred SQL editor (SSMS or Azure Data Studio).
- Complete the exercises as instructed within the course, focusing on writing efficient queries.
As a Senior Data Engineer, I've extended this foundational repository with advanced concepts and best practices to show how basic SQL is scaled in enterprise environments.
- Window Functions (CTEs): Practice complex analytical queries using
ROW_NUMBER(),RANK(),LEAD(), andLAG()within Common Table Expressions (CTEs) to simplify code and improve readability. - Hierarchical Data Processing: Explore recursive CTEs to process hierarchical structures like organization charts or bill-of-materials.
- Query Performance Analysis: Go beyond simple querying and learn how to use Execution Plans in SSMS to identify bottlenecks, table scans, and expensive operations.
- Index Tuning Fundamentals: Understand the impact of Clustered vs. Non-Clustered indexes on query performance and how to create efficient index strategies.
- T-SQL Formatting Standards: Learn and apply a consistent, enterprise-standard formatting style for all SQL scripts to ensure maintainability.
- Efficient JOIN Strategies: Practice using proper JOIN types (
INNER,LEFT,RIGHT,FULL) and understand their performance implications when dealing with large datasets.
Carlos Araque L. Data Engineer with 10+ years of experience delivering enterprise-scale data platforms across Australia and internationally. Renewed Databricks Certified Data Engineer Associate (2026) | Qiskit Advocate.