Itzik Ben-gan T-sql Fundamentals ((install)) -

The primary "informative feature" of Itzik Ben-Gan T-SQL Fundamentals logical query processing relational thinking . Rather than just teaching syntax, the book emphasizes

Control-of-flow statements, such as IF-ELSE, WHILE, and CASE, are used to control the flow of a T-SQL script or stored procedure. Itzik Ben-Gan explains how to use these statements to make decisions, repeat tasks, and handle errors. He also provides best practices for using control-of-flow statements, such as avoiding unnecessary complexity and using them only when necessary. itzik ben-gan t-sql fundamentals

3.6 ORDER BY

• Sorts final results. In SQL Server, ORDER BY can reference column aliases and expressions not in SELECT (though not ANSI standard for the latter).
• ORDER BY is the only clause that guarantees a specific result order.

T-SQL Fundamentals is the closest thing to a textbook for T-SQL. It won't teach you database administration, ETL pipelines, or Power BI. But if you want to truly understand how SQL Server processes queries, how to think in sets, and how to write correct, reliable T-SQL—buy this book. Then work through it twice. The primary "informative feature" of Itzik Ben-Gan T-SQL

Logical Query Processing: Understand the exact order in which SQL Server evaluates clauses (e.g., why you can't use an alias from the SELECT clause in the WHERE clause) . Sorts final results