Writing SQL Queries: Let's Start with the Basics Jackie Goldstein Renaissance Computer Systems November 2005 Summary: Learn to be more productive with SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with this quick introduction to the T-SQL language and the basics of getting information from the database using the SELECT statement. Introduction Fetching Data: SQL SELECT Queries Conclusion References Introduction With the availability of ever more powerful programming tools and environments such as Visual Basic and Visual Studio.NET, as well as the availability of powerful database engines such as the free SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, more and more people find themselves having to learn the basics of SQL queries and statements. Sometimes they are professional developers who are experienced in other types of programming, and sometimes they are individuals whose expertise lies in other areas, but they suddenly find themselves programming database applications for fun