Relational Database Design: Work With SQL Server, Not Against It

Relational Database Design: Work With SQL Server, Not Against It

Data should be easy to work with in SQL Server when the database is organized according to proven relational design and normalization principles. Although these standards are sometimes considered old-fashioned, many common SQL programming difficulties result from working against them.
In this session, Louis will provide an overview of relational database design and explain how thoughtful normalization, clear requirements, and a healthy dose of common sense can help you create data structures that work with SQL Server instead of against it.
Good database design allows you to write SQL more naturally and gives the query engine a better opportunity to optimize your requests. That means spending less time trying to determine why expressions such as SUBSTRING(column, 3, 1) = 'A' are hurting performance—and more time solving the next customer problem.

About the Speaker

Louis Davidson

Also known as DrSQL—despite having no postgraduate degree— Louis is a database design fanatic with more than 25 years of experience. His passion for the subject began when he started writing his first book on database design.
Since then, Louis has worked as a blogger, author, editor, speaker, and longtime champion of the idea that starting a project with a firm foundation will help it serve you well for years to come.
Learn more about Louis at drsql.link

Agenda

5:30–6:00 PM – Networking, food, and drinks
6:00–6:15 PM – Welcome, announcements, and community updates
6:15–7:15 PM – Presentation
7:15–7:30 PM – Questions and additional networking

Please arrive early if possible. We’ll use the first 30 minutes for networking, introductions, food, and drinks as we continue building Nashville’s SQL Server and Microsoft Data Platform community.