Learn authorization roles and impersonate in sql server

Thanks for your valuable time

Hey there, Glad to meet you again.
I am a new sql learner with a simple enquiry.
If i were to connect to an sql server from a client machine how shall i perform this operation?
Given that i a not an administrator, What are the rights or privileges that must be granted to me in order to work with the server machine?
Take note, that i shall install sql server for developing sql applications inside my company.
Thanks for taking care of this.