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Leyland
Starting Member
4 Posts |
 Posted - 2005-01-25 : 18:28:53
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| I was just wondering how much time it took any of you to feel comfortable using SQL Server. I know it can take years to become really proficient, but with a basic knowledge of local database such as Access, how long until you knew your way around the program?Thanks in advance for any directionRegards,http://www.addmap.com |
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robvolk
Most Valuable Yak
15732 Posts |
Posted - 2005-01-25 : 19:08:14
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I'd say it took me a good year before I felt halfway competent with SQL Server. It was the experience more than the knowledge that took that long.Then I got Ken Henderson'sThe Guru's Guide to Transact-SQLand I felt like a complete idiot again. BUT, I was an astonished and determined idiot, now with an extraordinary reference book, that taught me a great deal of what I know today.  In addition to Ken, I suggest getting Inside SQL Server by Kalen Delaney (Microsoft Press). It's an excellent reference and a great book if you're just starting out with SQL Server. |
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Auric
Yak Posting Veteran
70 Posts |
Posted - 2005-01-25 : 20:58:30
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| I've been using Access for a little over a year, started using MS-SQL recently... I'm comfortable with the basics, but my SQL skills are pretty much just that, basic. I'm thinking of picking up one of those texts myself rob, after school is done of course..damn college is expensive enough for textbooks. |
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robvolk
Most Valuable Yak
15732 Posts |
Posted - 2005-01-25 : 21:14:39
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| Throw the textbooks away, you'll learn more from Ken's book in 2 hours than you did in your entire college career. Kalen's too. |
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Stoad
Freaky Yak Linguist
1983 Posts |
Posted - 2005-01-26 : 02:41:44
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quote:
Originally posted by Auric
I've been using Access for a little over a year, started using MS-SQL recently... I'm comfortable with the basics, but my SQL skills are pretty much just that, basic. I'm thinking of picking up one of those texts myself rob, after school is done of course..damn college is expensive enough for textbooks.
http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=FP-pull-web-t&p=insqlsrv.chm+kalentry the link and get Kalen's ebook for free;ps:never seen The Guru's Guide -- it must be a great thing to have;as to the 2nd book, I still keep "preparing" myself for its thorough study; |
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jhermiz
3564 Posts |
Posted - 2005-01-26 : 10:01:56
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Dont matter if you dont learn from the textbooks, it's still required.
Keeping the web experience alive -- [url]http://www.web-impulse.com[/url]Imperfection living for perfection -- [url]http://jhermiz.blogspot.com/[/url] |
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jsmith8858
Dr. Cross Join
7423 Posts |
Posted - 2005-01-26 : 10:50:29
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| browse SQL team, too. and play around! create your own little database off to the side with a few tables, see what you can do with it. It helps if it is something you have interest in -- for example, I find it interesting to figure out ways to model and query baseball statistics or team standings and stuff like that. Keeps things interesting and fun, and it is easy to tell when things are working or not since you are familiar with the data.I always prefer to learn new stuff and experiment in a small, controlled environment.- Jeff |
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Auric
Yak Posting Veteran
70 Posts |
Posted - 2005-01-28 : 09:53:37
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quote:
Originally posted by jhermiz
Dont matter if you dont learn from the textbooks, it's still required.
sure are, i hate textbooks, i've found very few that are actually usable. I had to buy a piddly little access textbook last year that didn't teach me shat and it still cost me $80 |
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