Writing More Advanced Queries in T-SQL

For over 40 years, SQL has remained the gold standard for querying and manipulating data. While NoSQL databases are becoming more widely used, SQL remains a valuable skill in developers' toolbelts due to how prolific the language remains.

However, despite its maturity, efficient and simple solutions are not always obvious in SQL. In this presentation, we'll be solving several scenarios based on real-world problems. Together we'll discuss common issues, why basic approaches fall short, and how applying more advanced SQL techniques provides a better alternative. While this presentation will focus specifically on T-SQL, the techniques we'll be covering are applicable to other variants of SQL as well.

Topics covered:

• Performance - Avoid row-by-agonizing-row (RBAR) approaches and use set-based solutions by leveraging a numbers table and by using window functions.
• Functionality - Navigate hierarchical data using recursive common table expressions (CTEs).
• Consistency - Avoid common concurrency pitfalls by strategically applying the appropriate isolation level within your query.

Applying these same techniques to other problems you may encounter in the future will lead to creative and elegant solutions.