SQL Server Queries Part 1 - Writing Basic Queries

Introduction

This tutorial aims to guide you through the basics of writing SQL queries using Microsoft SQL Server. You will learn how to use the SELECT and FROM statements, as well as how to apply aliases to fields. This foundational knowledge is essential for anyone looking to work with databases effectively.

Step 1: Setting Up SQL Server Management Studio

1. Install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS):

   • Download SSMS from the official Microsoft website.
   • Follow the installation instructions to set it up on your computer.

2. Create the Movies Database:

   • Download the script to create the Movies database from this link: Movies Database Script.
   • Open SSMS and connect to your SQL Server instance.
   • Execute the downloaded script to set up the database.

Step 2: Writing Your First Query

1. Open a New Query Window:

   • In SSMS, click on "New Query" to open a blank query window.

2. Use the SELECT Statement:

   • Start with the basic syntax:

     SELECT column1, column2
     FROM table_name;
     

   • Replace column1, column2, and table_name with your specific column names and the table you are querying.

3. Example Query:

   • To select the title and release year from the Movies table:

     SELECT Title, ReleaseYear
     FROM Movies;
     

Step 3: Applying Aliases

1. Using Aliases for Clarity:

   • Aliases help make your queries more readable. You can create an alias using the AS keyword.
   • Syntax:

     SELECT column_name AS alias_name
     FROM table_name;
     

2. Example with Alias:

   • To use an alias for the Title column:

     SELECT Title AS MovieTitle, ReleaseYear AS Year
     FROM Movies;
     

Step 4: Filtering Results with WHERE

1. Adding Conditions:

   • Use the WHERE clause to filter results based on specific criteria.
   • Syntax:

     SELECT column1, column2
     FROM table_name
     WHERE condition;
     

2. Example with Condition:

   • To find movies released after 2000:

     SELECT Title, ReleaseYear
     FROM Movies
     WHERE ReleaseYear > 2000;
     

Step 5: Sorting Results with ORDER BY

1. Sorting Your Query Results:

   • Use the ORDER BY clause to sort the results.
   • Syntax:

     SELECT column1, column2
     FROM table_name
     ORDER BY column_name ASC|DESC;
     

2. Example of Sorting:

   • To sort movies by release year in ascending order:

     SELECT Title, ReleaseYear
     FROM Movies
     ORDER BY ReleaseYear ASC;
     

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you have learned how to set up SQL Server Management Studio, write basic SQL queries using SELECT, utilize aliases for clarity, filter results with WHERE, and sort results with ORDER BY. These fundamental skills will serve as a solid foundation for more advanced SQL techniques.

Next steps could include exploring JOINs for combining data from multiple tables or learning to group results using GROUP BY. Happy querying!