Design and implement database objects using SQL
Explore database design fundamentals and create scalable database structures across Microsoft SQL platforms.
Topics include:
- Understanding SQL Server-based platform options
- Creating efficient and maintainable tables
- Optimising database performance with indexes
- Using specialised table types
- Enforcing data integrity with constraints
- Managing JSON columns and associated indexes
- Partitioning tables to support scalability and performance
Hands-on exercise:
- Create and maintain database objects
Implement programmable objects using SQL
Learn how to create reusable database components that support application development and business logic.
Topics include:
- Creating views
- Creating stored procedures
- Creating scalar functions
- Creating table-valued functions
- Creating triggers
- Selecting the most appropriate programmable object for different scenarios
Hands-on exercise:
- Implement programmable objects in SQL Server
Write advanced T-SQL code
Develop advanced querying techniques that support analytical, semi-structured, and graph-based workloads.
Topics include:
- Organising queries using common table expressions
- Applying window functions for analytics
- Processing JSON data using built-in functions
- Performing pattern matching with regular expressions
- Finding approximate matches using fuzzy matching functions
- Traversing relationships with graph queries
- Comparing rows using correlated subqueries
- Implementing structured error handling using TRY…CATCH
Hands-on exercise:
- Working with JSON functions
Implement SQL solutions using AI-assisted tools
Explore how AI-assisted development tools can accelerate database development while maintaining governance and security.
Topics include:
- Understanding AI-assisted development tools for Microsoft SQL platforms
- Evaluating the security implications of AI-assisted development
- Enabling GitHub Copilot and Fabric Copilot
- Configuring model and Model Context Protocol options
- Creating and managing Copilot instruction files
- Connecting to Model Context Protocol server endpoints
- Working with Microsoft SQL Server and Fabric Lakehouse integrations
Hands-on exercise:
- Configure AI-assisted tools for database development
Implement data security and compliance with SQL
Protect sensitive data and ensure compliance across modern database solutions.
Topics include:
- Protecting data using encryption
- Configuring dynamic data masking
- Implementing row-level security
- Managing permissions and secure access
- Implementing auditing and monitoring controls
- Securing access to AI services
- Protecting data API endpoints
Hands-on exercise:
- Implement security features
Optimise database performance
Learn techniques for maintaining performance and reliability across production database environments.
Topics include:
- Recommending database configurations
- Managing transaction isolation levels and concurrency controls
- Evaluating query performance using execution plans and dynamic management views
- Monitoring performance using Query Store and Query Performance Insight
- Identifying and resolving blocking issues
- Troubleshooting deadlocks and contention
Hands-on exercise:
- Optimise query performance
Implement CI/CD using SQL Database projects
Apply modern DevOps practices to database development and deployment.
Topics include:
- Creating, building, and validating SQL Database projects
- Configuring source control repositories
- Managing reference data
- Working with branches and pull requests
- Resolving merge conflicts
- Detecting and addressing schema drift
- Implementing continuous integration and continuous delivery pipelines
- Designing database testing strategies
Hands-on exercise:
- Implement CI/CD using SQL Database projects
Integrate SQL solutions with Azure services
Extend database functionality by integrating SQL solutions with Azure-native services and APIs.
Topics include:
- Creating configuration files for Data API Builder
- Defining entities for REST and GraphQL endpoints
- Exposing database objects, stored procedures, and views
- Evaluating deployment options for Data API Builder
- Recommending Azure Monitor configurations
- Managing events using event-driven architectures
Hands-on exercise:
- Configure Data API Builder for a product catalog
Design and implement models and embeddings with SQL
Learn how AI models and vector embeddings can enhance modern database applications.
Topics include:
- Evaluating model options for SQL workloads
- Creating and managing external models
- Designing embeddings for database solutions
- Generating embeddings for AI-powered workloads
- Maintaining and updating embedding data
Hands-on exercise:
- Generate and update embeddings in Azure SQL Database
Design and implement intelligent search with SQL
Build intelligent search experiences using traditional and AI-powered search techniques.
Topics include:
- Selecting an intelligent search approach
- Implementing full-text search
- Preparing databases for vector search
- Designing vector search query patterns
- Implementing hybrid search strategies
- Optimising result ranking and relevance
Hands-on exercise:
- Implement intelligent search using full-text, vector, and hybrid queries
Design and implement RAG with SQL
Discover how retrieval-augmented generation solutions combine enterprise data with generative AI services.
Topics include:
- Identifying RAG use cases and architectural patterns
- Preparing retrieval context for augmentation
- Enriching prompts using database context
- Generating and processing RAG responses
- Implementing end-to-end AI-powered retrieval solutions
Hands-on exercise:
Exams and assessments
Throughout the programme, learners will reinforce their understanding through practical exercises, guided labs, instructor-led discussions, and scenario-based activities aligned to real-world database development challenges.
The DP-800 certification exam is not included with this course. Learners who wish to pursue Microsoft certification should review the current certification requirements and exam availability separately.
Hands-on learning
This course includes extensive hands-on learning designed to help learners apply new skills immediately.
Participants will:
- Create and optimise database objects
- Develop programmable SQL solutions
- Configure AI-assisted development environments
- Implement security and compliance controls
- Build CI/CD pipelines for database deployments
- Generate embeddings and implement vector search
- Design and deploy retrieval-augmented generation solutions
Instructor-led exercises and practical labs provide opportunities to apply concepts within realistic enterprise scenarios.
