T-SQL: T-SQL, or Transact-SQL, is a programming language used for managing relational databases. It allows users to retrieve and manipulate data stored in a Microsoft SQL Server. This skill is essential to assess as it forms the foundation of SQL query execution and database management.
Database Design: Database design involves creating a structured framework for organizing data in a database system. It includes defining tables, establishing relationships, and ensuring data integrity. Measuring this skill is important as it assesses the candidate's ability to design efficient and scalable databases.
SQL Queries: SQL queries are statements used to retrieve specific data from a database. They enable users to filter, sort, and combine data based on specific criteria. Assessing this skill helps evaluate the candidate's proficiency in constructing complex queries to extract relevant information from a database.
Indexes: Indexes are database structures that improve query performance by allowing faster data retrieval. They help locate data quickly based on specified columns. Measuring this skill is crucial as it determines the candidate's understanding of optimizing database performance through index creation and usage.
Data Manipulation: Data manipulation involves modifying data in a database, such as inserting, updating, and deleting records. It requires knowledge of SQL statements and database operations. Evaluating this skill helps gauge the candidate's ability to accurately manipulate data while maintaining data integrity.
Stored Procedures: Stored procedures are pre-compiled database programs that can be executed repeatedly. They enhance database performance, encapsulate complex logic, and promote code reusability. This skill is important to measure as it reflects the candidate's proficiency in creating efficient and reliable procedures for data manipulation and retrieval.
Triggers: Triggers are database objects that automatically execute predefined actions when a specific event occurs. They allow users to enforce data integrity and implement business rules. Assessing this skill helps evaluate the candidate's understanding of trigger creation and their ability to design effective mechanisms for enforcing data consistency.
Views: Views are virtual tables created from queries that simplify data retrieval by providing a logical representation of data. They enable users to extract relevant information without directly accessing the underlying tables. Measuring this skill is crucial as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to create efficient and reusable views to simplify data access.
Normalization: Normalization is the process of organizing data in a logical and efficient manner by reducing redundancy and dependency. It involves breaking down data into multiple tables and establishing relationships between them. Assessing this skill is important as it evaluates the candidate's understanding of database normalization principles and their ability to design well-structured database schemas.
Transactions: Transactions ensure the integrity and consistency of data in a database by grouping multiple database operations into a single atomic unit. They guarantee that all operations within a transaction are executed successfully or rolled back if an error occurs. Measuring this skill is crucial as it demonstrates the candidate's understanding of data concurrency, consistency, and recovery.
