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
Learn SQL in Classroom Training
Take SQL Classes in Midtown Manhattan, NYC
SQL is the premier coding language for managing and analyzing large datasets. From strategic account managers to digital marketers and analysts, SQL helps professionals tell stories with data, validate business decisions and ideas, and provide insights to grow company revenue.
An Introduction to SQL
SQL stands for Structured Query Language (pronounced like the word "sequel" or as individual letters "S-Q-L") and is used by back-end developers to work with databases. While this may seem complicated, a database is simply a collection of data structured into tables. For example, a school database may include separate data tables for teachers, students, and classes.
When you learn SQL, you'll be able to evaluate and understand trends from large datasets. Careers in software development, digital marketing, database administration, and IT are growing faster than the national average. Whether you are using data to drive social media strategy, learn about your customers, or work with other Microsoft Applications, SQL provides actionable insights to grow your business.
In our SQL classes, you can learn everything you need to know to begin a career in SQL. Go from complete beginner to expert in just a few short weeks. Career Centers also offers specialized training in PostgreSQL and MySQL.
At Career Centers, you'll learn the following tasks with SQL:
- Understanding the basics of relational databases
- Using SQL queries to retrieve data
- Writing Advanced SQL queries
- Working with indexes, tables, and views
- Writing Decision-making code
- Understanding advanced functions
Beginner to Advanced SQL Courses SQL Bootcamp
In our Beginner SQL course, you'll learn the basics of databases, SQL, and working with data. We'll start with an overview of relational database management systems, followed by an introduction to SELECT statements and other basic SQL code. As a beginner, you'll learn the basics of working with data in Microsoft SQL Server. In our Intermediate SQL course, you'll begin to write advanced functions. You'll learn alternative ways of querying data to check your work, such as replacing inner and outer joins with subqueries. The Advanced SQL course is all about streamlining processes and gaining more control over data. You'll learn how to store procedures and connect data to external applications.
Ambitious beginners can take our SQL bootcamp, which covers SQL I, II, and III. We also offer MySQL and PostgreSQL bootcamps for experienced SQL users that want to delve into other relational database management systems. Finally, if you have a strict timeline or scheduling challenges, our instructors are available for private tutoring to develop a personalized SQL training program.
The Benefits of Studying SQL at Career Centers
When you sign up for a SQL course in Midtown Manhattan at Career Centers, the only thing you need to bring to class is yourself. We provide everything you need to master coding in SQL, including the following
- A computer for each student
- A copy of Microsoft SQL Server
- Training manual with step-by-step exercises
- Free course retake within six months
Earn SQL Certification with the Microsoft Database Fundamentals Exam
If you're new to SQL, the best way to prove your expertise to potential employers is by earning a certification. If you take the SQL Bootcamp or our three core SQL courses (SQL I, II, and III), you can take the Microsoft Database Fundamentals Exam (Exam 98-364). Topics covered on the exam include:
- Fundamentals of relational database
- SELECT Statements
- Views, tables, and indexes
SQL Corporate Training and Professional Development
- Do you have a wealth of data that you are not using?
- Does your team rely on a single person to evaluate data and provide insights?
If so, you and your team could benefit from SQL training. Career Centers can hold private SQL classes at our Midtown Manhattan location, or onsite at your location. Our resident SQL expert can create a custom curriculum for your team based on your learning needs. Call us today for a free consultation.
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.
Key Topics:
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.
Key Topics:
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More Querying & Joins
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Saving Queries
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Sub-querying
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Math Functions
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.
Key Topics:
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Importing/Exporting Data
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Control Structures
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Temporary Tables
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Stored Procedures
