In SQL Server, you can see the list of tables in several ways.
Here are the
most common methods:
🔹 1. Using sys.tables (system catalog view)
SELECT name
FROM sys.tables;
👉 Shows all user-defined tables in the current database.
🔹 2. Using INFORMATION_SCHEMA.TABLES (ANSI standard)
SELECT TABLE_NAME
FROM INFORMATION_SCHEMA.TABLES
WHERE TABLE_TYPE = 'BASE TABLE';
👉 Works in most relational databases, including SQL Server.
🔹 3. Using sp_tables (system stored procedure)
EXEC sp_tables @table_type = "'TABLE'";
👉 Lists all tables, including system tables if you don’t filter.
🔹 4. Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
Expand your Database → Tables in Object Explorer.
⚡ Tip: If you want tables with schema names, use:
SELECT s.name AS SchemaName, t.name AS TableName
FROM sys.tables t
INNER JOIN sys.schemas s ON t.schema_id = s.schema_id
ORDER BY s.name, t.name;
Would you like me to also show you a query that lists both tables and
views together in SQL Server?
You said:
book to learn sql for data engineer
ChatGPT said:
If you're aiming to strengthen your SQL skills as a Data Engineer, there
are several excellent books tailored to different levels—whether you're just
starting out or looking to dive deep into data-intensive systems. Here's a
curated list to help you progress effectively:
Recommended Books by Stage
1. Getting Started with SQL
SQL in 10 Minutes, Sams Teach Yourself by Ben Forta
A highly approachable, lesson-based guide perfect for beginners—
super concise and effective for building foundational querying skills.DE
Academy
SQL All-in-One For Dummies (3rd Edition) by Allen G. Taylor
A comprehensive "one-stop-shop" reference covering SQL basics
across platforms like SQL Server, MySQL, and PostgreSQL. Great for
hands-on learners—with cheat sheets, sample databases, and practice
exercises.Java Prorgram Examples
Practical SQL, 2nd Edition by Anthony DeBarros
Focuses on storytelling with data. Walk through real datasets (like
census data and taxi trips) and learn by solving real problems—
especially great if you aim to use SQL for analytics.Java Prorgram
Examples
2. Mastering Performance & Best Practices
SQL Performance Explained by Markus Winand
Delves into indexing, query execution, and performance tuning. A
must-read to understand how SQL works under the hood.DEV
Community
3. Advanced SQL Techniques
Joe Celko’s SQL for Smarties
A deep, puzzle-rich guide for advanced query techniques and pattern-
based problem-solving. Ideal for those ready for challenging SQL
work.DEV CommunityWikipedia
SQL Antipatterns, Volume 1 by Bill Karwin
Teaches what not to do—common SQL and database design pitfalls,
with corrective guidance. Essential for writing cleaner and more
reliable SQL.DEV Community
4. Broader Data Engineering Foundations (Beyond SQL)
Designing Data-Intensive Applications by Martin Kleppmann
A cornerstone resource for understanding scalable systems, distributed
data architecture, reliability, and consistency. A "must-read" for
aspiring senior data engineers.DE AcademyMedium
Fundamentals of Data Engineering by Housley and Reis
Highly recommended by practitioners as a foundational read,
especially for data engineering beginners transitioning from
analytics.Reddit
Reddit feedback:
“Check out Fundamentals of Data Engineering.”
“I actually enjoyed reading it.”Reddit
The Data Warehouse Toolkit by Kimball & Ross
Covers dimensional modeling and ETL best practices. Still widely used
in enterprise environments and valuable for interviews and design
thinking.RedditMedium
Data Engineering with Python by Paul Crickard
Hands-on with building ETL pipelines, cloud environments (AWS/GCP),
and Python-based data workflows—great practice for modern
engineering needs.DE Academy
What Engineers Say (Reddit Insights)
From r/dataengineering:
“Fundamentals of Data Engineering—Housley and Reis”
“Designing Data-Intensive Applications” — (recommended after basic books)
“Data Warehouse Toolkit — Kimball”Reddit
And a recommendation on T-SQL:
“For T-SQL (MSSQL), Itzik Ben-Gan's T-SQL Fundamentals is best
IMHO.”Reddit
Summary Table
Stage Recommended Books
Beginner – SQL SQL in 10 Minutes, SQL All-in-One For Dummies,
Fundamentals Practical SQL
Performance & Best
SQL Performance Explained
Practices
Advanced SQL
SQL for Smarties, SQL Antipatterns
Techniques
Foundational Data Fundamentals of Data Engineering, Designing Data-
Engineering Intensive Applications, The Data Warehouse Toolkit
Hands-on & Modern
Data Engineering with Python
Data Workflows
SQL Server specific (T-
T-SQL Fundamentals by Itzik Ben-Gan
SQL)
Suggested Learning Path
1. Start with a beginner-friendly SQL book—like SQL in 10 Minutes or
SQL All-in-One For Dummies.
2. Build real skills with Practical SQL, using real-world datasets and
queries.
3. Deepen your understanding of performance via SQL Performance
Explained.
4. Move to advanced concepts: SQL Antipatterns and SQL for
Smarties.
5. Broaden your systems thinking with Fundamentals of Data
Engineering, Designing Data-Intensive Applications, and The
Data Warehouse Toolkit.
6. Practice building pipelines using Data Engineering with Python, and
consider SQL Server-specific knowledge through T-SQL
Fundamentals.
Let me know if you'd like help choosing based on your experience level or
SQL platform (PostgreSQL, SQL Server, BigQuery, etc.)—happy to tailor a
recommendation!
You said:
hey remember i need sql book for the guy who can learn like 10 years
experience
ChatGPT said:
Got it ✅ — you don’t want a beginner’s “learn SELECT * FROM table” type of
book. You want SQL books that are written at the level of a senior
engineer (10+ years experience) — focusing on performance, design,
scalability, and advanced query techniques.
Here’s a refined list for you:
📚 SQL Books for Senior-Level / 10+ Years Experience
🔹 Performance & Query Optimization
1. SQL Performance Explained by Markus Winand
👉 A classic. Explains indexing, query execution plans, optimizer
behavior, and tuning strategies.
o Deep dive into how databases really execute queries.
o Vendor-agnostic but very applicable to SQL Server, PostgreSQL,
Oracle, etc.
2. SQL Server Execution Plans by Grant Fritchey (if you’re working
with SQL Server)
👉 Teaches how to read and interpret execution plans—essential for
diagnosing slow queries.
o Covers operators, joins, scans vs seeks, cardinality estimation.
o Must-read for anyone doing serious SQL Server work.
🔹 Advanced SQL Querying
3. Joe Celko’s SQL for Smarties
👉 The “guru’s SQL book.” Full of advanced puzzles, recursive queries,
complex joins, and set-based thinking.
o Not for beginners — assumes strong SQL background.
o Teaches you to think in SQL rather than procedural logic.
4. Joe Celko’s SQL Puzzles and Answers
👉 Challenging problems and elegant SQL solutions. Great for
sharpening skills like a seasoned consultant.
🔹 Database Design & Anti-Patterns
5. SQL Antipatterns by Bill Karwin
👉 Identifies common mistakes in schema design, query writing, and
indexing.
o Each chapter is like a case study: shows the wrong way →
explains why → fixes it.
o Perfect for engineers who already write SQL but want to avoid
hidden traps.
6. Database Design for Mere Mortals by Michael J. Hernandez
(Intermediate → Advanced)
👉 While not super advanced, it sharpens schema design skills, which is
crucial for a senior engineer.
🔹 System-Level & Architecture
7. Designing Data-Intensive Applications by Martin Kleppmann
👉 Goes beyond SQL into distributed systems, transactions,
replication, scaling, and storage engines.
o Essential if you’re targeting Data Engineering + SQL +
System Design at senior levels.
o Every FAANG-level data engineer reads this.
🔹 SQL Server Specific (for DBAs / Data Engineers)
8. T-SQL Fundamentals by Itzik Ben-Gan (Intermediate → Advanced)
👉 Strong for Microsoft SQL Server professionals. Moves beyond basics
into set-based thinking and windowing functions.
o If you’re serious about SQL Server, pair this with Grant Fritchey’s
book above.
9. Inside Microsoft SQL Server: T-SQL Querying by Itzik Ben-Gan
👉 A deep, advanced dive into how SQL Server executes T-SQL.
o Focuses on query tuning, optimization, and performance at scale.
🚀 Recommended Path for You
Since you already have DBA + Data Engineer background:
1. Start with performance-focused books
o SQL Performance Explained (general)
o SQL Server Execution Plans (SQL Server specific)
2. Add advanced querying techniques
o Joe Celko’s SQL for Smarties
o SQL Puzzles and Answers
3. Round out with system design
o Designing Data-Intensive Applications
o SQL Antipatterns
👉 These are not beginner books — they are meant for someone who already
has years of experience and wants to operate at an architect / senior
engineer level.
Do you want me to create a 6-month reading + practice roadmap with
these books, so you steadily move from query tuning → advanced SQL →
system-level design?
