SQL Syntax - How to Query SQL Database

SELECT

SELECT [FirstName] FROM [Employees];

DISTINCT

SELECT DISTINCT [FirstName]

FROM [Employees];

 

WHERE

SELECT [FirstName]

FROM [Employees]

WHERE [FirstName] ='Ken';

AND 

SELECT [FirstName]

FROM [Employees]

WHERE [FirstName] ='David' AND [FirstName] ='Ken';

OR

SELECT [FirstName]

FROM [Employees]

WHERE [FirstName] ='David' OR [FirstName] ='Ken';

IN  

SELECT [FirstName]

FROM [Employees]

WHERE [FirstName] IN ('David','Ken','Smith');

BETWEEN

SELECT [FirstName]

FROM [Employees]

WHERE [EmployeeID] BETWEEN 1 AND 5;

LIKE

SELECT [FirstName]

FROM [Employees]

WHERE [FirstName] LIKE 'David' ;

ORDER BY

SELECT [FirstName]

FROM [Employees]

ORDER BY [EmployeeID] ASC;

COUNT

SELECT COUNT ([FirstName])

FROM [Employees];

GROUP BY 
SELECT [FirstName], Max (Salary) 

FROM [Employees]

Group by [FirstName];

HAVING

SELECT [FirstName], Max (Salary)

FROM [Employees]

Group by [FirstName]

Having [FirstName]='David';

CREATE TABLE

CREATE TABLE [Employee]

(EmployeeID Int,

 EmployeeName Varchar(50));

DROP TABLE

DROP TABLE [Employee];

Truncate Table

TRUNCATE TABLE [Employees];

Insert Into

INSERT INTO  [Employees]

VALUES ('David','Leach');

Update

UPDATE [Employees]

SET FirstName='David';

Delete From

DELETE FROM [Employees]

Where FirstName='David';

This concludes our study of the basic syntax of SQL. In the next article, we will take a closer look at each if these Keywords and how these used in SQL.

Below is a list of my favorite SQL books which I would recommend for you if you looking to enhance your knowledge on the topic.
SQL in 10 Minutes, Sams Teach YourselfSQL: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Learn SQL Programming Step by Step 
Learning SQL
SQL Cookbook (Cookbooks (O'Reilly))
SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL
T-SQL Fundamentals
Data Analysis Using SQL and Excel, 2nd Edition 


Below is my favourite Forums for SQL   
SQL Authority with Pinal Dave 
SQL Server Central Articles