Learn SQL (Structured Query Language) for the Web
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to SQL. This course will provide you with a solid foundation if you have very little or no experience in SQL at all. By the end of the course, the student should be able to easily understand all the major aspects of SQL.
This course will suit beginners who are new to databases, experienced database users may also find this course of benefit to update or expand their current knowledge using databases in SQL.
Change is fast and inevitable in the IT industry.
Most courses simply don't keep up to date. Trying to learn specifics in IT is like trying to catch a racing car running after it on foot. If you learn the fundamentals across a wide enough swathe of the industry though, from people who are not only teachers, but also practicing programmers and technicians.
You have the capacity to be part of the changes that are moving the IT industry forward.
Study online at your own pace
Using our modern online portal for study is a simple and effective way of learning.
Once enrolled, you will receive your online account to our login.training system that will give you all the lessons assignments and self-assessment tests so you can start studying straight away.
Lesson Structure
There are 12 lessons in this course:
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1. Introduction to Databases
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What is a database
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DBMS
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The relational model
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Primary keys
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Foreign keys
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Relationships
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Normalisation
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Other normal forms
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De normalisation
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2. Fundamentals of SQL
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Installing a DBMS
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SQL
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The select statement
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Common errors
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Identifiers
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3. Building a database with SQL
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Building a database: RAD tool, CSV file, opening database, commands, etc
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Data types and MS access
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4. Retrieving, Storing, Updating and Deleting Data
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Retrieving data
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Retrieving from tables with relationships
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Creating column aliases Eliminating duplicate rows with DISTINCT
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Filtering rows with WHERE
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Matching patterns with LIKE
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Escaped and unescaped patterns
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Range filtering with BETWEEN
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List filtering with IN
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Evaluating conditional values with CASE
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Sorting rows by ORDER BY
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Storing, updating and deleting data Updating rows with UPDATE
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Deleting rows with DELETE
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5. Advanced SQL database access methods
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Relational databases
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Creating outer joins with OUTER JOIN
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Subqueries
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Summarising data
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Grouping rows
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Using HAVING for filtering rows
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Set operations
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Union
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Intersect
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Except
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Handling duplicates
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6. Database Security
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Security is important
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Triggers
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7. Using SQL in applications
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Using SQL in an application
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Using SQL in web sites
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Using SQL in desk top applications
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Using SQL in mobile devices
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Embedded SQL
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SQL injection
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8. Cursors
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What are cursors
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Preventing updates and deletions
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Scrollable Cursors
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9. Stored procedures
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Introduction
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Compound statements
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Stored functions
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Stored modules
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Views
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Indexes
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Controlled flow statements
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10. Error Handling
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11. Dynamic SQL
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Introduction
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Execution of dynamic SQL
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Single step execution
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Two step execution
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Dynamic cursors
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12. Advice and Tips
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Common mistakes
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Assuming the client knows what they need
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Underestimating project scope
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Only considering technical factors
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Not seeking client feedback
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Skipping beta testing
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
Aims
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Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.
What You Will Do
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Explain the difference between a flat file and relational database.
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Define DBMS.
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Write an SQL statement that will perform a set task.
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Explain the difference between an Integer and Numeric data type.
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Learn what the four DDL commands are.
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Define set function.
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Write the SQL code needed to create a database for a car sales yard.
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What is the importance of a primary key.
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What is a RAD tool?
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Gain an understanding of referential integrity rules.
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Give an example of a logical connective and how it would be used in an SQL select statement.
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Learn the appropriate use of the keyword select.
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Learn about JOINS.
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Explain the access privilege hierarchy.
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Learn how to declare ROLE.
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Write an SQL statement for takes away or grants rights to a member of a particular list.
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Explain Embedded SQL.
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What is 3 tier web database architecture?
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Explain the benefits vs disadvantages of using a web based database application rather than a client based application.
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Develop a list of code needed to send a personalised email out to each customer.
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Explain the benefits of using cursors.
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What clause do you need to use to prevent updates and deletions within the scope of a cursor?
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Develop a stored procedure for creating an employees table.
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Explain the difference between stored procedures, stored functions and stored modules.
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Develop error handling.
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Explain what an exception is and how to handle one with SQL.
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Describe the differences between dynamic and static SQL.
WHAT IS A DATABASE?
A database
is simply a place where you can store data. The most basic form of a
database is
a card file system, where information of different contacts or clients are
written on
cards that are then stored in alphabetical order. Each card is called a
‘record’
and each
record contains ‘fields’ such as ‘name’, ‘address’ and ‘phone number’.
Databases
come in all sizes, from simple collections of a few records to large systems
holding
millions of records. A Personal Database is designed for use by a single person
on a single
computer. Such a database usually has a simple structure and a relatively
small size,
whereas a Departmental or Workgroup database is used by members of a
single
department or workgroups within an organisation. This type of database is
generally
larger than a personal database and far more complex in its structure, by
having the
functionality to enable multiple users to access the same database
simultaneously.
Bigger still, are Enterprise databases, which are used to model critical
information
flow within entire large organisations.
SECURITY IS IMPORTANT
One of the
major roles of a database developer or administrator is database security.
Once a
database is full of information, that information must be protected so that
only
authorised
people have access to it. It is also important to ensure that the right people
have the
right levels of access.
USING SQL IN AN APPLICATION
SQL is all
very well and good for creating and maintaining databases but it lacks any
functionality
to build complete applications. Applications (such as Windows programs or
eCommerce
websites) need to be created in a ‘procedural language’ that uses SQL to
talk to the
databases. Some of the languages used with SQL are C, C++, Visual Basic, C#
ASP.NET.
Database
servers are available in all operating systems, and are being
implemented
in mobile phones, personal computers, business networks, and in very
large
multiprocessor machines.
VALUABLE KNOWLEDGE LIKE THIS IS PRICELESS
When you talk IT, one of the most common things that a business will have is a database of some sort. SQL is the worlds leading database language and learning this will give you the skills to branch out into many different areas. Not all databases are built the same, however when you have a foundation like this, there is very little that you will not be able to accomplish.
In fact the database job growth estimated between 2014 and 2024 is set to grow 11percent, which makes it the fastest growing career in the world!!Having these skills equips you for the future and the growing demand in IT, currently the fastest moving industry in the world. You can take these skills anywhere in the world and find work as SQL is used by every major country across many different industries.
Some of the titles you will find in the IT industry related to databases are:
- Database Administrator(DBA)
- Database Developer
- Database support and maintenance
- Database security
- Data miner
- Data reporting and business integration
Other areas of IT that relate/integrate to databases you can study in future to expand your skills even further include:
- Computer programming
- Computer security
- Web development
- Networking
- Business Analysis
- Marketing
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