Long-Term Oracle / DBA SQL Server Developer Training - Reservation Recommendations?

Question

I have been developing and administer Oracle database applications for many years, and would like to learn SQL Server. Does anyone have any recommendations on the book (preferably electronic). Naturally, I already know SQL inside / outside, so I would like to avoid any intro materials and go straight to the meat, but not to miss any basic SQL Server things that I would learn from the introductory book. Any suggestions?

TIA

Answer 1

I definitely recommend:

• Internal databases Microsoft SQL Server 2008 : deepens, but does not neglect the basics. It must be read.

• Professional internal SQL Server 2008 and troubleshooting : similar to the first book, but with a slightly more performance-oriented focus.

• SQL Server 2008 Query Performance Tuning Distilled : Great methods for identifying and fixing poorly executed queries, from metal to application.

• SQL Server MVP Deep Dives : written by leading SQL Server experts and practitioners. [Here is a short review here . Volume 2 is due to appear sometime in November 2011, I reckon]

If you have more focus for development:

• Simple design and implementation of SQL Server 2008 relational database

• Expert SQL Server 2005 Development (SQL Server 2005, but still relevant for SQL Server 2008)

There are also very good, free e-books from Redgate :

• Inside SQL Server Query Optimizer

• Performance tuning with SQL Server Management Dynamic Views

• Brad Sure SQL Server Service Plans Guide

• SQL Server Execution Plans

to list a few.