Introduction to SQL
The vast majority of applications that use data, are backed by a good relational database system. This course will help to establish a base to those who want to begin learning Structured Query Language (SQL).
What you'll learn
Structured Query Language (SQL) is a special purpose language for interacting with relational databases.
In this course, Introduction to SQL (Update), you will learn the basics of Structured Query Language.
First, you will learn how to query data and shape results.
Next, you will focus on creating and modifying data in your tables.
Finally, you will touch on how actually modify the tables themselves.
By the end of this course, you'll understand the basics of how to create and use a relational database.
Table of contents
Course FAQ
SQL is relatively easy to learn. It's a query language, not a programming language, and it is English-like, so it's fairly easy to understand and write SQL query. Most database engines are compatible with all SQL code.
Opinions will probably vary here. As a whole language, SQL is definitely simpler than Python. The syntax is intuitive, there is less grammar, and there are fewer different concepts to learn. But as a comprehensive tool, SQL may actually be more difficult than Python coding.
While it has the functionality of a mature programming language, SQL is not considered a "programming" language. SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a language that allows us to query, insert, update, and modify data in relational databases.
This is a beginner level SQL tutorial, so no prior SQL experience is required. But it would help to be somewhat familiar with the basic concepts of computer programming.
You will learn:
- Basic SQL syntax
- How to query data with the SELECT statement
- How to filter results with the WHERE clause
- How to shape results with ORDER BY and GROUP BY
- How to match different data tables with JOINs
- How to add, change, and remove data
- How to create database tables
This course is for anyone who is interested in data science and learning how to manipulate data. If you work with large sets of data on a regular basis, SQL can greatly improve your understanding of that data, and greatly improve efficiencies.
A relational database is just what it sounds like: it is multiple sets of data with a well-defined relationship between the tables in those sets of data. Relational databases allow tables to commnicate and share information across these multiple data sets, which helps with data searchability and organization.
About the author
Although Jon spent the first few years of his professional life as an attorney, he quickly found chasing bits more interesting than chasing ambulances. He first worked at the University of Minnesota, building a financial reporting Web site using ASP and SQL Server, specializing in automatic integration between multiple data stores. Since joining the training industry in 1999, Jon has devoted his time to working on various projects while migrating from the world of ASP and COM to the world of .NE... more