Programming Microsoft SQL Server 2008

Description

Get the hands-on programming instruction, practical examples, and best practices you need to master the core programmability features in SQL Server 2008. Led by three experts in database design and business intelligence solutions, you'll learn the essential tools and techniques for developing robust applications.

Discover how to:
*Leverage the latest T-SQL programming enhancements, using table-valued parameters, MERGE, GROUPING SETS, and new date/time and time-zone capabilities
*Work with semistructured and unstructured data using XML, and the new "beyond relational" features, such as native file streaming, hierarchical tables, and spatial data types
*Automate common administration and maintenance tasks
*Work with the new data types, LINQ, the ADO.NET Entity Framework, WPF, and Silverlight Data binding
*Write transactional code and implement local and distributed transactions
*Use business intelligence tools, such as SQL Server Reporting Services and SQL Server Analysis Services

Many of the book's examples, exercises, and code samples are available for download from the companion Web site.