front matter
preface
SQL Server is an incredibly rich and powerful toolset that can be used to store, retrieve, manipulate, and transform data. Over the years, a vast array of enhancements and auxiliary features have been added to the product, making it a very large subject to learn and master.
It is designed to be easy to use, but this combination of ease and flexibility makes SQL Server a product that is very easy to do badly and challenging to do well. Because data is so important for all organizations, if we do SQL Server badly, then it can open our organizations to many risks. These risks range from reduced productivity caused by poor performance to security risks. Organizations can even fall foul of regulatory compliance if data is lost, becomes unavailable, or even becomes available to people who should not be able to see it.
I have worked with SQL Server for two decades. In that time, I was lucky enough to be involved in some of the largest and most complex SQL Server projects in London. I have worked as a T-SQL developer, a business intelligence developer, a database administrator, a platform engineer, and an architect. I also really enjoyed working as a SQL Server trainer, which gave me the opportunity to work across Europe and meet some incredible people.