[donnab]

Hello, all -- I'm looking to create a tech library relevant to transact sql (for programming in sql server) and RE in general. What are your favorite tech resources? I'm looking for paper, online, whatever floats your boat in the tech arena.

In the beginning, I am really looking for something that breaks RE down for me. I've done some data entry to get a feel for the product at the basic user-oriented level, and it's pretty intuitive. Now I'd like something that talks about the database architecture, data elements and structure and joins, etc., etc. I'm coming from an Oracle SQL background, so I'm pretty tech-savvy, but I know zip about sql server or RE structure.

For example, is there something that describes what happens with gift entry, step by step -- like, the batch is entered, the gift processor sets off gift processing (already a divergence from what I know, where gift processing happens overnight as part of a CRON job process), what gets triggered, blahblahblah. Is there a job scheduler in sql server, for example? Whatever I can get, I'll take it! I'm used to knowing all the tech back-end stuff and it's a real mental twinge to be so ignorant -- a mind is a terrible thing to waste, remember!

Thank you in advance --

DonnaB

[Dan Larson]

Hi Donna,

A big resource I use is at "C:\Program Files\Blackbaud\The Raisers Edge 7\Help\RE7Schema.chm"

This shows much of the schema and how it relates. It only covers tables and views though. Often times I end up running a trace (sql profiler) and learning more that way. RE uses a lot of stored procs and functions, so you'll want to check those out too.

Before this job, I was strictly oracle (pl/sql) as well. My biggest problem - still is - are the outer joins in t-sql. I just can't get used to the different syntax.

Good luck digging around on the back-end. You'll find Blackbaud is no help though - I've tried and they warned me that I was violating our maintenance agreement by messing around back there.

Dan

[DrewAllen]

For just SQL without reference to RE, I find that SQL Books On Line (BOL) is an invaluable resource. I also found SQL Server Magazine to be very helpful.

Drew

[donnab]

Thanks for the replies -- I'll take advantage of the info --

Donna