How Long Does it Take to Learn SQL Server?

Like many aspiring Database Engineers, you might want to learn SQL Server but worry that it will take too much time. Learning SQL Server can be challenging for those who don’t have a background working with relational databases. It can take some learners several weeks to understand the basics and months to master more complex SQL Server concepts. Of course, this range depends on several factors. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn SQL Server and some resources to help speed the process along.

What is SQL Server?

SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) created by Microsoft. The data contained within an RDBMS is stored in tables similar to the columns and rows in a spreadsheet. Like other RDBMS software, SQL server is built on top of structured query language (SQL), the programming language most commonly used to communicate with relational databases. This database server’s primary function is to store and retrieve data that other software applications request. This data may run on the same computer or be stored on a computer across a network.

SQL Server was created to compete with Oracle databases and MySQL. It supports the standard SQL language ANSI SQL. In addition, SQL Server also comes with T-SQL, or Transact-SQL, its unique implementation of SQL. This Microsoft proprietary language offers additional capabilities, such as exception handling, declaring variables, and stored procedures. The main interface tool for SQL Server is SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), which can support either a 32-bit or 64-bit environment. When Software Developers write business apps that store information in databases, they frequently work with SQL Server to look after the databases instead of writing code to perform this task. This helps speed up the process of writing database applications, making them cheaper to build and ensuring that they are more secure, reliable, and scalable.

Read more about what SQL Server is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with SQL Server?

SQL Server has many uses for those tasked with managing and storing information in relational databases. It supports core operations in analytics, transaction process, and business intelligence. Any information on the server is stored in the relational database. However, the system comprises more than a database; it also includes a management system. 

Microsoft SQL Server is especially useful in the business sector. The database stores and manages a variety of business information. This system also facilitates data sharing by computers in the same network, which can increase reliability. Not only that, but SQL Server can also improve the speed at which data is processed, which makes it easier to execute large operations. In addition to creating and maintaining databases, SQL Server also analyzes data through SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS). It creates reports using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). It executes ETL operations using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS).

Another benefit to working with SQL Server is that it provides a range of features for advanced performance. This system has encryption features, as well as transparent data compression. In addition, users don’t need to modify programs to secure and encrypt their data. SQL Server also includes efficient management tools for permission and access controls that can secure sensitive business data.

Average Time it Takes to Learn SQL Server

The speed at which you learn SQL Server will likely depend on several factors. Students with prior experience working with databases and relational databases may find it easier to learn SQL Server than those new to databases. In addition, those with prior experience with data analytics and working with programming languages such as SQL may find it takes less time to become familiar with SQL Server. 

It’s important to consider your professional goals when studying SQL Server. If you’re learning this system so you can perform basic tasks like running backups, monitoring a server, ensuring users have appropriate access, and rewriting file size, it may be sufficient to study basic SQL Server concepts. People can generally accomplish this in several weeks. However, if your current job requires you to use SQL Server for daily database tasks, or if you’re looking to learn this system to begin a new job, it may take several months to master more complex RDBMS skills.

Factors that Dictate How Quickly You Will Learn SQL Server

Like any skill, the speed at which you learn SQL Server will depend on the skills you bring to the learning process and the time you have available to commit to studying. Individuals with prior experience working with relational databases and familiarity with data analytics and programming languages may find it much easier and faster to acquire SQL Server knowledge than those who must learn these skills. The following is a breakdown of some of the factors that will contribute to how quickly you learn SQL Server:

Your Background with Relational Databases

Because SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS), those with prior experience working with databases, primarily relational databases, will likely find it more intuitive to learn SQL Server. A database management system is a collection of software that governs how data within a database is retrieved, stored, deleted, and secured. Relational databases store this data in tables. The tables are organized into columns, each containing one kind of data. The data for every “instance” of a table is displayed in a row. Relational databases also can establish relationships, or links, between information by joining tables. This helps users find insights and understand how different data points relate.

Your Prior Experience with Data Analytics

Relational databases contain large stores of data. This means that the more you know about data and how to analyze it, the easier it will be to acquire SQL Server knowledge. Data analytics involves extracting and analyzing different kinds of data, like structured, unstructured, qualitative, real-time, or historical, to locate trends or patterns. The data findings are then presented to others using data visualizations, which visually display the insights in a manner accessible to a general audience. The visualization and its accompanying report can then be shared with an organization’s decision-makers so that they can make more data-driven decisions.

Your Knowledge of SQL or Other Programming Languages

SQL, or structured query language, is one of the most widely used languages for communicating with databases. Those who want to learn SQL Server will work with SQL regularly since it is considered by the American National Standards Institute to be the standard RDBMS language. SQL statements are used to perform a range of tasks, like updating or retrieving database data. Many popular RDBMSs use SQL, like Access, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server, along with proprietary extensions unique to their system. Common SQL commands, such as update, delete, insert, and select, typically can be used to perform most database tasks.

Your Availability to Study

No matter what skill you choose to learn, it will take time, practice, and persistence to do so. SQL Server is no different. For those interested in learning basic SQL Server concepts, such as granting permissions, you may only need basic SQL Server training, which you can learn via online tutorials, videos, or free content. Beginner-level study may only require several hours and can provide you with a basic understanding of core database management concepts. 

However, a more structured, rigorous learning environment such as an SQL Server Bootcamp may be a better learning option if you need to learn SQL Server for work tasks. These courses require several days of rigorous study but provide hands-on instruction with a live instructor. A certificate program may be an even better option if you want to master advanced SQL Server skills to pivot careers. While these courses often take weeks or months to complete, they will provide a solid understanding of how to work with SQL Server. 

Ultimately, deciding which study method is best depends on how much time you have available each week for coursework, whether you can balance live study with work commitments or prefer to use pre-recorded study materials, and what you hope to do with your SQL Server skills.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

Most people who learn SQL Server consider it relatively easy to implement, maintain, and use. SQL Server is stable and doesn’t consume many resources. In addition, users note that it’s highly customizable and performs well. 

Before you study SQL Server, a good place to start is learning to work with SQL. SQL, or structured query language, is used to locate, change, and manipulate the information stored in relational databases. SQL’s syntax is easy to learn and use and can typically be acquired in two to three weeks. For anyone interested in a career relating to data analysis or manipulation, such as cybersecurity, data science, or back end programming, it’s essential to know SQL. It’s the standard query language used to communicate with databases such as SQL Server. Some of the main applications for SQL are creating databases, adding or deleting data, setting access permissions, and locating data.

SQL Server is available to download on Microsoft’s website. The installation process is easy, thanks to the setup wizard. Whereas other database servers require complex command-line configurations, SQL Server provides a user-friendly installation interface. In addition to a one-click installation process, it offers a readable GUI and extensive instructions. 

The following is a breakdown of the various price points of different SQL Server downloads:

• SQL Enterprise costs $13,748, which includes a two-core pack licensing model. 

• SQL Standard (per core) is $3,586 for a two-core pack.

• SQL Standard (server) costs $899 to download a server licensing model.

• SQL Standard (CAL) is $209 for a CAL licensing model.

• SQL Web pricing is not listed; those interested in downloading this version should consult their hosting partner for pricing.

In addition, free versions of SQL Server 2019 Developer and SQL Server 2019 Express are also available. SQL Server 2019 Developer is a full-featured edition licensed for non-production environments as a test and development database. SQL Server 2019 Express is also offered for free. This edition of SQL Server has a range of applications for production and development for web, desktop, and small servers.

Read about how difficult it is to learn SQL Server.

Watch a Free SQL Server Online Course

If you want to learn SQL Server but aren’t ready to dive into an entire course, the good news is that you can get started learning SQL Server for free online. In this free Intro to SQL course offered by Noble Desktop, you’ll receive an overview of SQL Server and examples of what you can do with this versatile querying language. This hour-long tutorial offers general SQL information which applies to all the major SQL flavors.

In addition to Noble’s free SQL resources, other top educational providers also have free content about SQL Server. Udemy’s SQL Server in One Hour teaches participants essential database concepts. Participants also learn how to install SQL Server and create a sample database. Udemy also offers a range of free SQL-related videos, such as Introduction to Databases and SQL Querying, Advanced Databases & SQL Querying, and SQL For Data Analytics. For those who want to learn how to work with T-SQL, Microsoft SQL Server’s dialect, edX’s Querying Data with Transact-SQL is another free learning opportunity. Participants receive instruction on how to make tables and add data to them, as well as how to perform SQL queries.

Read more about free SQL Server videos and online tutorials. 

Learn SQL Server with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Those who want to learn how to use SQL Server choose from a variety of excellent in-person and live online study options available through Noble Desktop. If you’re new to SQL Server and want to learn the basics, Noble’s in-person and live online SQL Server Bootcamp is for you. Participants in this program receive expert instruction about using MS SQL Server to locate information in databases using SQL queries. Students also receive instructions on joining tables, aggregating data, and filtering results. This class covers SQL Server and the free SQL Server Management Studio app. All participants have the option of a free course retake for up to a year after completing this bootcamp to revisit the material. 

Noble’s in-person or live online SQL Bootcamp is also available. This program prepares participants to use PostgreSQL. This hands-on class also teaches students to work with the free DBeaver app for exploring the database and executing queries. These concepts can be applied to other SQL flavors, such as MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server, with minor syntax changes.

If you want to browse Noble’s course offerings that provide SQL training, you can search for in-person and live online SQL courses. In addition to SQL Bootcamp and SQL Server Bootcamp, Noble also has courses such as the Data Science Certificate and Data Analytics Certificate, in which PostgreSQL training is provided. The content taught in these lessons can be applied to SQL Server.

Key Insights

• SQL Server is a relational database management system used to sort and retrieve data requested by other software applications.
• It takes most people several weeks to learn basic SQL Server concepts; it can take months to master more advanced database management skills.
• The speed at which you learn SQL Server will depend on several factors, such as how much time you have available to study each week, whether you have prior experience working with data analytics and programming languages, and if you have a background in relational databases.
• You can receive comprehensive SQL Server training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.