Interviews are two-way streets. Sometimes the interviewer asks questions, and sometimes the candidate asks questions. In a recent interview, I was asked by a candidate, “How to Get Started with SQL Server 2016?” I think it is a very good question. Let us discuss that today.
Question: How to Get Started with SQL Server 2016?
Answer: SQL Server 2016 was released on June 1st, 2016, which means it is many months old as of now. During conversations with industry friends and blog readers, I have realized that many users have yet to try this version of SQL Server. I can totally understand if users are not willing to experiment with the production server, as that requires planning and lots of changes in the system. However, I believe that as SQL Server data professionals, we must download the latest version of our product and try it out in our local environment or on our personal machines.
To get started with the latest version of SQL Server, you need four things:
- Download the latest version of SQL Server
- Install the latest SQL Server version
- Install SQL Server Management Studio
- Install a sample database
Here, I have listed a few important resources that can help you get started with SQL Server 2016 in no time.
Step 1: Download SQL Server 2016 Developer Edition for FREE
Here is a blog post in which I describe the steps that can help you download the latest version of SQL Server for FREE.
Step 2: Install SQL Server 2016
Here is a video blog post in which I have explained how one can install the latest version of SQL Server. The video is just 120 seconds long, so there is no excuse to not watch it.
Step 3: Install SQL Server 2016 Management Studio
In the latest version of SQL Server, the SQL Server Management Studio is not a part of the default installation. It requires a separate download process and installation. Here is a blog post in which I describe the steps that can help you download and install SSMS 2016.
Step 4: Install Sample Database
Microsoft has introduced a new sample database called WideWorldImporters. This is a new sample database and it is available for free. Here is a blog post in which I describe the steps that can help you download and install the sample database Wide World Importers.