1.1 Overview of SQL and Relational Databases

  – Introduction to SQL and its purpose in relational database management.

  – Key components of RDBMS (tables, rows, columns, relationships).

  – Overview of SQL Server, MySQL, and other common RDBMS.

1.2 Role of SQL Support**

  – Understanding the role and responsibilities of an SQL Support Engineer.

  – Common challenges faced in SQL Support roles (troubleshooting, query optimization).

  – Introduction to support workflows and ticketing systems (e.g., ServiceNow, Jira).

1.3 Setting Up an SQL Server Environment

  – Installing and configuring SQL Server.

  – Understanding SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and command-line tools.

  – Connecting to SQL Server instances locally and remotely.

2.1 Writing Basic SQL Queries

  – SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE statements.

  – Filtering data using WHERE, GROUP BY, and HAVING clauses.

  – Joining tables (INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN, RIGHT JOIN, FULL JOIN).

2.2 Database Objects Management

  – Understanding and managing database schemas.

  – Creating and modifying tables, indexes, and views.

  – Managing relationships: Primary keys, foreign keys, and constraints.

2.3 Backup and Restore Operations

  – Performing full, differential, and transaction log backups.

  – Restoring databases from backups.

  – Ensuring database availability and disaster recovery.

3.1 Identifying and Troubleshooting SQL Server Errors

  – Understanding SQL Server error messages and logs.

  – Common SQL Server issues (login issues, database connection failures).

  – Resolving database connection errors (authentication, permissions, firewall).

3.2 Performance-Related Troubleshooting

  – Identifying slow-running queries and deadlocks.

  – Using execution plans to diagnose query performance issues.

  – Troubleshooting locking and blocking problems.

3.3 Database Corruption and Recovery

  – Understanding database corruption and detection techniques.

  – Using DBCC commands to check and repair databases.

  – Steps for recovering corrupted data and restoring integrity.

4.1 User Authentication and Access Control

  – Managing user accounts and roles in SQL Server.

  – Implementing role-based access control (RBAC).

  – Using Windows authentication vs. SQL Server authentication.

4.2 Data Encryption and Security Best Practices

  – Implementing Transparent Data Encryption (TDE).

  – Encrypting sensitive data in databases.

  – Securing connections using SSL/TLS for SQL Server.

4.3 Auditing and Monitoring for Security Threats

  – Setting up SQL Server Audit to track security events.

  – Monitoring database activity and detecting unusual access.

  – Best practices for protecting data from breaches and threats.

5.1 Automating Maintenance Tasks

  – Setting up maintenance plans for backups, indexing, and cleanup.

  – Using SQL Server Agent to schedule jobs.

  – Managing automated alerts and notifications.

5.2 Index Management and Optimization

  – Understanding clustered vs. non-clustered indexes.

  – Creating, maintaining, and rebuilding indexes.

  – Optimizing database performance through proper indexing strategies.

5.3 Database Shrinking and File Management

  – Managing database size with shrinking.

  – Best practices for data file and log file management.

  – Handling issues related to disk space and database growth.

6.1 Monitoring SQL Server Performance

  – Using built-in tools like SQL Server Profiler and Activity Monitor.

  – Configuring performance counters and setting up monitoring dashboards.

  – Monitoring CPU, memory, and disk usage in SQL Server.

6.2 Query Optimization Techniques

  – Understanding how SQL Server processes queries.

  – Using query hints, indexing, and query refactoring to improve performance.

  – Optimizing joins, subqueries, and views for faster execution.

6.3 SQL Server Performance Tuning Tools

  – Using Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) for performance analysis.

  – Understanding SQL Server Extended Events.

  – Using third-party tools (e.g., SolarWinds Database Performance Analyzer, Redgate) for advanced monitoring.

7.1 High Availability Options in SQL Server

  – Overview of SQL Server AlwaysOn Availability Groups.

  – Configuring database mirroring and failover clustering.

  – Understanding replication and log shipping.

7.2 Disaster Recovery Strategies

  – Planning for database failovers and disaster recovery.

  – Implementing point-in-time recovery.

  – Testing disaster recovery plans and ensuring database availability.

7.3 SQL Server in Cloud Environments

  – Deploying SQL Server on cloud platforms (Azure SQL Database, AWS RDS).

  – Implementing high availability and disaster recovery in the cloud.

  – Understanding cloud database security and backup strategies.

8.1 Capstone Project: SQL Support Case Study

  – Solving a real-world SQL support case involving troubleshooting, optimization, and performance tuning.

  – Documenting the issue, steps taken to resolve it, and final solutions.

  – Presenting the case study and results to peers for feedback.

8.2 Resume Writing and Interview Preparation

  – Crafting a resume for SQL Support and Database Administrator roles.

  – Preparing for common SQL support interview questions.

  – Mock interviews focusing on troubleshooting, performance tuning, and database management scenarios.