Transact-SQL is a procedural language used on both Microsoft SQL Server and Sybase SQL Server systems. It is a full-featured programming language that dramatically extends the power of SQL (Structured Query Language). The language provides programmers with a broad range of features, In recent years, the versions of Transact-SQL have diverged on Microsoft and Sybase systems; the book explains the differences. It also contains up-to-the-minute information on the latest Microsoft SQL Server versions 6.5 and 7.0 and Sybase version 11.5. A brief table of contents PART The Programming in Transact-SQL 1. Introduction to Transact-SQL 2. Matching Business Rules 3. SQL Primer 4. Transact-SQL Fundamentals 5. Format and Style PART The Building Transact-SQL Language Elements 6. Datatypes and Variables 7. Conditional Processing 8. Row Processing with Cursors 9. Error Handling 10. Temporary Objects 11. Transactions and Logging PART Functions and Extensions 12. Functions 13. CASE Expressions and Transact-SQL Extensions PART Programming Transact-SQL Objects 14. Stored Procedures and Modular Design 15. Triggers 16. Views 17. System and Extended Stored Procedures and BCP PART Performance Tuning and Optimization 18. Transact-SQL Code Design 19. Code Maintenance in the SQL Server 20. Transact-SQL Optimization and Tuning 21. Debugging Transact-SQL Programs PART Appendixes A. System Tables B. What's New for Transact-SQL in Microsoft SQL Server 7.0? C. BCP The book comes with a CD-ROM containing an extensive set of examples from the book and complete programs that illustrate the power of the language.