Top 10 Highly Recommended SQL Server Books

By Ross Mistry and Stacia Misner.

Looking for a comprehensive, technical overview of the capabilities and features of SQL Server 2014? If so, you'll want to download this free ebook from Microsoft Press.

Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2014 (April 2014). Download the PDF.

By Kalen Delaney

Explore the architecture and core engine of SQL Server 2012. Architects, DBAs, and database developers will gain useful knowledge on how to track events, reduce query execution time, take control over query plan caching, examine internal structure with database console commands, and more. Get your copy.

Related: The Value of a Good SQL Server Book.

By Itzik Ben-Gan

Get a great introduction to T-SQL (also known as Transact-SQL). You’ll learn the theory behind T-SQL querying and programming and how to develop T-SQL code to query and modify data. You’ll also get a helpful overview of programmable objects.

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By Grant Fritchey

This book teaches you about the causes of poor performance, how to identify them, and how to fix them. You’ll learn to recognize bottlenecks and defuse them with effective solutions.

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By Christian Bolton, Justin Langford, Glenn Berry, Gavin Payne, Amit Banerjee, and Rob Farley

This book provides in-depth coverage of best practices for troubleshooting performance problems and shows DBAs how to ensure reliable performance.

The team of six authors shows you how to master the use of specific troubleshooting tools and how to interpret their output so you can quickly identify and resolve any performance issues.

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By Jason Brimhall, David Dye, Jonathan Gennick, Andy Roberts, and Wayne Sheffield

Check out this example-based guide to the T-SQL language at the core of SQL Server 2012.

Starting with Chapter 1, "Getting Started with SELECT," and ending with Chapter 30, "Objects and Dependencies," tasks and their solutions are broken down into a problem/solution format that is quick and easy to read.

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By Jason Strate and Ted Krueger

Interested in an in-depth look at indexes and how to best use them? This is the book for you. Understand what indexes are doing in the database and what can be done to mitigate and improve their effects on performance.

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By Rod Colledge

Although this book was published in 2009, it's still quite good in terms of being great guidance from within the trenches.

With a Forward by Kevin Kline, the book is also a useful reference to basic/core considerations if you're still using SQL Server 2008.

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By Teo Lachev

Learn how to apply SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) in real world situations to build innovative business intelligence solutions that drive decisions by creating feature-rich standard and ad hoc reports. The book gives you the necessary background to install, upgrade, and manage the report environment. Developers will be taught powerful ways to extend SSRS and integrate it with a wide range of applications.

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By Denny Cherry

A large percentage of SQL Server databases are not properly secured, exposing sensitive customer and business data to attack. Learn how to properly secure a SQL server database from internal and external threats using best practices.

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By Denny Cherry

A large percentage of SQL Server databases are not properly secured, exposing sensitive customer and business data to attack. Learn how to properly secure a SQL server database from internal and external threats using best practices.

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