T - SQL Practice Exam

T - SQL Practice Exam

About the T - SQL Exam

The T-SQL Exam is designed to assess your expertise in Transact-SQL (T-SQL), the powerful extension of SQL used for managing and manipulating data within Microsoft SQL Server. This exam covers essential topics such as writing complex queries, creating stored procedures, implementing triggers, and optimizing performance. Perfect for database administrators, developers, and data analysts, the T-SQL Exam enables you to demonstrate your proficiency in querying and managing data effectively in SQL Server environments.

Who should take the Exam?

This exam is ideal for:

• Database administrators managing Microsoft SQL Server databases.
• Data analysts and business intelligence professionals working with SQL Server.
• Software developers involved in backend development and database management.
• IT professionals aiming to enhance their data querying and manipulation skills.
• Students and job seekers pursuing careers in database management or data analysis.

Skills Required

• Basic understanding of relational databases and SQL concepts.
• Experience in writing and executing basic SQL queries.
• Familiarity with Microsoft SQL Server environments.
• Analytical skills for understanding data structures and relationships.
• Knowledge of database indexing and optimization techniques.

Knowledge Gained

By taking the T - SQL Exam, candidates will gain comprehensive knowledge in the following areas:

• Proficiency in writing advanced T-SQL queries, including joins, subqueries, and common table expressions.
• Skills in creating, modifying, and managing database objects like tables, views, and indexes.
• Understanding of complex T-SQL functions, stored procedures, and triggers.
• Techniques for optimizing query performance and managing transactions.
• Best practices for error handling, data validation, and secure database management.

Course Outline

The T - SQL Exam covers the following topics - 

Introduction to T-SQL and SQL Server

• Overview of T-SQL: Features, capabilities, and its role in SQL Server.
• Understanding the SQL Server architecture and tools (SSMS, Azure Data Studio).
• Basic T-SQL syntax and command structure for querying data.

Writing Advanced Queries

• Using SELECT statements: Filtering, sorting, and grouping data.
• Joins and subqueries: Inner joins, outer joins, self-joins, and correlated subqueries.
• Common table expressions (CTEs) and temporary tables for complex queries.

Manipulating Data with T-SQL

• INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and MERGE statements for data manipulation.
• Bulk data operations and transactions: BEGIN, COMMIT, and ROLLBACK.
• Error handling with TRY…CATCH blocks and custom error messages.

Creating and Managing Database Objects

• Designing and creating tables with primary keys, foreign keys, and constraints.
• Creating and using views, indexed views, and materialized views.
• Managing indexes: Creating, modifying, and understanding index strategies.

Stored Procedures and Functions

• Creating, executing, and managing stored procedures for reusable logic.
• Understanding scalar, inline, and multi-statement table-valued functions.
• Implementing user-defined functions (UDFs) for custom operations.

Triggers and Event Handling

• Implementing DML triggers for automated actions based on data changes.
• Managing triggers: Creating, modifying, disabling, and removing triggers.
• Using triggers for auditing, enforcing business rules, and maintaining data integrity.

Performance Optimization Techniques

• Query performance tuning: Execution plans, indexes, and statistics.
• Analyzing and optimizing slow-running queries and handling deadlocks.
• Using dynamic management views (DMVs) and functions to monitor performance.

Data Security and Protection

• Implementing data security: Encryption, access control, and permissions management.
• Using T-SQL for data masking, auditing, and secure data handling practices.
• Protecting sensitive data with Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) and Always Encrypted.

Best Practices in T-SQL Programming

• Writing efficient and maintainable T-SQL code.
• Using standards and naming conventions for consistency and clarity.
• Debugging T-SQL code and using tools for code analysis and validation.