Get a performance-oriented introduction to the T-SQL language underlying the Microsoft SQL Server and Azure SQL database engines. This fourth edition is updated to include SQL Notebooks as well as up-to-date syntax and features for T-SQL on-premises and in the Azure cloud. Exercises and examples now include the WideWorldImporters database, the newest sample database from Microsoft for SQL Server. Also new in this edition is coverage of JSON from T-SQL, news about performance enhancements called Intelligent Query Processing, and an appendix on running SQL Server in a container on macOS or Linux. Beginning T-SQL starts you on the path to mastering T-SQL with an emphasis on best practices. Using the sound coding techniques taught in this book will lead to excellent performance in the queries that you write in your daily work. Important techniques such as windowing functions are covered to help you write fast-executing queries that solve real business problems.The book begins with an introduction to databases, normalization, and to setting up your learning environment. You will learn about the tools you need to use such as SQL Server Management Studio, Azure Data Studio, and SQL Notebooks. Each subsequent chapter teaches an aspect of T-SQL, building on the skills learned in previous chapters. Exercises in most chapters provide an opportunity for the hands-on practice that leads to true learning and distinguishes the competent professional. A stand-out feature in this book is that most chapters end with a Thinking About Performance section. These sections cover aspects of query performance relative to the content just presented, including the new Intelligent Query Processing features that make queries faster without changing code. They will help you avoid beginner mistakes by knowing about and thinking about performance from day 1. What You Will Learn Install a sandboxed SQL Server instance for learning Understand how relational databases are designed Create objects such as tables and stored procedures Query a SQL Server table Filter and order the results of a query Query and work with specialized data types such as XML and JSON Apply modern features such as window functions Choose correct techniques so that your queries perform well Who This Book Is For Anyone who wants to learn T-SQL from the beginning or improve their T-SQL skills; those who need T-SQL as an additional skill; and those who write queries such as application developers, database administrators, business intelligence developers, and data scientists. The book is also helpful for anyone who must retrieve data from a SQL Server database.