SQL Server is a popular relational database management system (RDBMS) that is widely used in the industry. In this article, we will discuss some key concepts and ideas related to SQL Server.
What is RDBMS?
RDBMS stands for Relational Database Management Systems. It is a type of database management system that organizes data into tables, with relationships between the tables. This allows for efficient storage and retrieval of data. SQL Server is an example of an RDBMS.
What is normalization?
Normalization is a process used in database design to minimize redundancy and improve data integrity. It involves organizing data into multiple tables and defining relationships between them. This helps in reducing data duplication and ensures that modifications to the data can be made in a consistent manner.
What are different normalization forms?
Normalization forms are a set of rules that guide the process of normalization. Here are some of the commonly used normalization forms:
- 1NF: Eliminate Repeating Groups
- 2NF: Eliminate Redundant Data
- 3NF: Eliminate Columns Not Dependent On Key
- BCNF: Boyce-Codd Normal Form
- 4NF: Isolate Independent Multiple Relationships
- 5NF: Isolate Semantically Related Multiple Relationships
- ONF: Optimal Normal Form
- DKNF: Domain-Key Normal Form
Each normalization form builds upon the previous ones, with the goal of reducing data redundancy and improving data integrity.
What is a Stored Procedure?
A stored procedure is a named group of SQL statements that are stored in the database server. It can accept input parameters and can be executed by multiple clients using different input data. Stored procedures help in reducing network traffic and improving performance. They can also be used to ensure the integrity of the database.
What is a Trigger?
A trigger is a SQL procedure that is automatically executed when a specific event (such as an INSERT, DELETE, or UPDATE) occurs on a table. Triggers are used to maintain the referential integrity of data and can be thought of as similar to stored procedures. They can also execute stored procedures and can be nested to perform multiple data modifications.
What is a View?
A view is a virtual table that is based on the result of a SQL query. It can be used to retrieve data, as well as update or delete rows. Views provide a way to look at a subset of data from one or more tables. The data accessed through a view is not permanently stored in the database and is constructed using standard SQL select commands.
What is an Index?
An index is a data structure that improves the speed of data retrieval operations on a table. It contains pointers to the actual data rows and is used to locate rows more quickly and efficiently. Indexes can be created on one or more columns of a table and can greatly improve query performance. Clustered and non-clustered indexes are two types of indexes commonly used in SQL Server.
These are just some of the key concepts and ideas related to SQL Server. Understanding these concepts can help you design and optimize your database solutions effectively.