T-SQL

T-SQL (Transact-SQL) is Microsoft's proprietary extension to the SQL (Structured Query Language) standard, specifically designed for use with Microsoft SQL Server and Azure SQL Database. It adds procedural programming features, local variables, error handling, and advanced functions to standard SQL, enabling developers to write complex queries, stored procedures, triggers, and scripts for database management and data manipulation. T-SQL is essential for interacting with SQL Server databases, performing tasks like data retrieval, updates, and administrative operations.

Also known as: Transact-SQL, TSQL, T SQL, Microsoft SQL, SQL Server SQL

Why learn T-SQL?

Developers should learn T-SQL when working with Microsoft SQL Server or Azure SQL Database environments, as it is the primary language for database development, administration, and data analysis in these systems. It is particularly useful for creating stored procedures to encapsulate business logic, optimizing queries for performance, and automating database tasks through scripts, making it critical for roles in database administration, backend development, and data engineering within Microsoft-centric ecosystems.

Learning Resources

• docs: Microsoft T-SQL Documentation
• tutorial: W3Schools T-SQL Tutorial
• book: T-SQL Fundamentals by Itzik Ben-Gan (Book)
• course: T-SQL Course on Pluralsight