SQL Fundamentals & Content Overview
What is SQL?
SQL stands for Structured Query Language and is a programming language used to manage data held in a relational database management system.
What is Microsoft SQL Server?
Microsoft’s database management application, comparable to many other database management tools made by many other software developers.
Relational Databases
Relational databases break up huge data sets into component elements called tables. Tables are designed to only hold elements pertaining to one specific topic.
For example, consider a scenario where customers are buying products. Storing the data in in a large single table would lead to redundant data (same customer with multiple order, same product sold multiple time, etc.). Instead, we break up the large table into its component parts (i.e. one table for customers, one table for products, one table for transactions, etc.). This reduces redundant data, facilitates data entry, allows for easy searching within the databases, and ability to summarize data. The tables contain certain fields that are common to other tables, thereby allowing them to be queried, or searched from, as if it were all in one table.
What can SQL be used for?
SQL is useful for database management, including storing databases, building databases, managing databases, analyzing databases, and communicating with other data management tools and reporting tools.
SQL Topics & Terms
- Query: Extracting data and analyzing it (like a search request from the database)
- Data normalization: Structuring tables to prevent duplication of data
- Data integrity: Preventing records from being scrambled or matching up with incorrect items
- Client server architecture: Server-side processing to facilitate rapid distribution of data
- Aggregations: Summarizations via common functions
- Set Theory: Branch of mathematics upon which SQL is based
- One to many relationships: Connecting tables so one record can access many records in another table
- Primary keys: Unique record identifier
- Foreign keys: Fields in tables that connect to primary keys in other tables and enforce data integrity rules
- Indexes: Sort orders & constraints that are placed on fields to enhance speed and prevent data duplication
- Efficiencies and Execution Plans: writing code in a manner to promote speed and accuracy
- Views: Programmatically stored queries made available to other users and to enable layered queries
- Stored Procedures: Queries that can create automation for repetitive tasks and complex processes
- Transactions: Creating undo levels for various processes
What You'll Learn in Our SQL Classes
Beginner SQL Class
Review the basics of coding to extract data from an existent database and basic theory behind database technology.
Intermediate SQL Class
Continue the extraction concepts into more complex scenarios. Introducing code that will also manage the structure of the database and concepts on security.
Advanced SQL Class
Build databases and the tables and other structures required for the management of databases: exporting, importing, editing and deleting data. Build automation to archive data and facilitate flow of data through the database.