Introduction to SQL

► Overview ◄

This course trains the participants in using the Structured Query Language (SQL) to retrieve data from a relational database and to make changes to that same data.

This course focuses on data access and manipulation. While the SQL statements to manage the database schema/structure are mentioned, they are not covered in detail.

► Intended For ◄

Anyone who needs to be able to access relational data with SQL.

► Objectives ◄

By the end of this course, participants will be able to create SQL SELECT statements that retrieve any required data and create SQL INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE statements to make changes to that same data.

► Content ◄

Relational Databases

An overview of relational database schemas: tables; fields; indices; primary and foreign keys; relationships.

Reading Data

The SQL SELECT statement: reading rows; duplicate values; filtering rows; ordering rows.

Modifying and summarising the data: expressions; aggregate functions; field aliases; grouping values; filtering rows and groups.

Retrieving data from multiple tables: joins; table aliases.

Simplifying queries with nesting: nesting with from; nesting with in; nesting with operators; unions; views.

Adding Data

Inserting new data rows: adding a single record; adding a new table; nested queries.

Changing Data

Modifying existing data: updating all records; updating selected records; updating multiple fields.

Deleting Records

Removing data rows: deleting all records; deleting selected records.

Parameters

Using values picked up at runtime rather than ‘hard-coded’: queries; modifying data.

Database Management

Managing the database schema/structure: managing tables; indices.

► Method Used ◄

This is a hands-on course, with participants applying what they learn to access a non-trivial database.