Introduction to SQL Course

Learning Tree's Introduction to SQL Course is designed to provide an introduction to the SQL programming language, which is the standard language for relational database management systems.

The course covers the basics of SQL, including creating tables, manipulating data, and querying databases. Students who complete the course will be equipped to write SQL queries, work with Microsoft SQL Server or PostgreSQL.

The course is suitable for beginners with no prior experience in SQL or database management, as well as professionals who want to refresh their skills. Overall, Learning Tree's Introduction to SQL Course is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to learn SQL and become proficient in database management and data engineering.

SQL Course Information

In this course, you will learn how to:

• Write SQL code based on Wrap in ANSI/ISO standards to build database structures.

• Update database content with SQL and transaction handling.

• Retrieve data with filter conditions and from multiple tables using various types of joins.

• Process data with row and aggregate functions.

• Leverage continued support with after-course one-on-one instructor coaching and computing sandbox.

Prerequisites

None.

Introduction to SQL Instructor-Led Course Outline

Module 1: SQL Overview

• Outlining SQL as the cornerstone of database activity

• Applying the ANSI/ISO standards

• Describing the fundamental building blocks: tables, columns, primary keys, and foreign keys

Module 2: Building the Database Schema

Creating tables and columns

• Building tables with CREATE TABLE

• Modifying table structure with ALTER TABLE

• Adding columns to an existing table

• Removing tables with DROP TABLE

Protecting data integrity with constraints

• Guaranteeing uniqueness with primary key constraints

• Enforcing integrity with foreign key constraints

• Imposing business rules with check constraints

Improving performance with indexes

• Expediting data retrieval with indexes

• Recommending guidelines for index creation

Module 3: Manipulating Data

Modifying table contents

• Adding table rows with INSERT

• Changing row content with UPDATE

• Removing rows with DELETE

Applying transactions

• Controlling transactions with COMMIT and ROLLBACK

• Deploying BEGIN TRANSACTION in SQL Server

Module 4: Working with the SELECT Statement

Writing Single Table queries

• Retrieving data with SELECT

• Specifying column expressions

• Sorting the result with ORDER BY

• Handling NULL values in expressions

Restricting rows with the WHERE filter

• Testing for equality or inequality

• Applying wildcard characters

• Avoiding NULL value pitfalls

Module 5: Querying Multiple Tables

Applying the ANSI/ISO standard join syntax

• Matching related rows with INNER JOIN

• Including nonmatched rows with OUTER JOIN

• Creating a Cartesian product with CROSS JOIN

Combining results with set operators

• Stacking results with UNION

• Identifying matching rows with INTERSECT

• Utilising EXCEPT to find nonmatching rows

Module 6: Employing Functions in Data Retrieval

Processing data with row functions

• Conditional formatting with the CASE expression

• Utilising the CASE expression to simulate IF tests

• Dealing with NULL values

Performing analysis with aggregate functions

• Summarising data using SUM, AVG and COUNT

• Finding the highest/lowest values with MAX and MIN

• Defining the summary level with GROUP BY

• Applying filter conditions with HAVING

Module 7: Constructing Nested Queries

Applying subqueries in filter conditions

• Creating correlated vs. noncorrelated subqueries

• Testing the existence of rows

Including subqueries in expressions

• Placing subqueries in the column list

• Creating complex expressions containing subqueries

• Handling subqueries that return no rows

Module 8: Developing In-Line and Stored Views

Breaking down complex problems

• Selecting data from a query result set

• Using subqueries in the FROM clause

Creating views in a database

• Building reusable code

• Creating updateable vs. non-updateable views