Course Overview: SQL
Course Description
This course provides an in-depth introduction to SQL, the standard language for managing and manipulating relational databases. Students will learn how to create, read, update, and delete data using SQL commands, as well as how to design and maintain databases. The course combines theoretical concepts with practical exercises to build a strong foundation in database management.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Understand the fundamentals of relational database systems.
Write SQL queries to retrieve and manipulate data.
Design normalized database schemas.
Create and manage database tables, views, indexes, and constraints.
Perform complex queries involving multiple tables.
Use advanced SQL features such as subqueries, joins, and set operations.
Implement basic database security and user management.
Optimize query performance.
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Databases and SQL
Overview of relational database concepts
Introduction to SQL and its role in databases
Setting up a database environment
Basic SQL syntax
Module 2: Basic SQL Commands
Creating and managing tables (CREATE, DROP, ALTER)
Inserting data into tables (INSERT)
Retrieving data (SELECT)
Updating data (UPDATE)
Deleting data (DELETE)
Module 3: Querying Data
Basic SELECT statements
Filtering data using WHERE clause
Sorting data with ORDER BY
Using LIMIT and OFFSET for pagination
Aggregate functions (COUNT, SUM, AVG, MAX, MIN)
Grouping data with GROUP BY
Filtering groups with HAVING
Module 4: Advanced SQL Techniques
Joining tables (INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN, RIGHT JOIN, FULL JOIN)
Subqueries and nested queries
Using set operations (UNION, INTERSECT, EXCEPT)
Working with dates and times
String functions and pattern matching (LIKE)
Module 5: Database Design and Normalization
Database design principles
Entity-Relationship (ER) modeling
Normalization (1NF, 2NF, 3NF, BCNF)
Creating and enforcing constraints (PRIMARY KEY, FOREIGN KEY, UNIQUE, CHECK)
Module 6: Advanced Topics
Views and materialized views
Indexes and performance optimization
Transactions and concurrency control
Stored procedures and functions
Triggers and event-driven programming
Module 7: Database Security and Management
User management and permissions
Backup and recovery strategies
Monitoring and maintaining databases
Introduction to database administration
Assessment
Quizzes and assignments to reinforce learning.
Mid-course project to design and implement a database schema.
Final project: Develop a comprehensive database application.
Prerequisites
No prior knowledge of SQL is required.
Basic understanding of computer systems and familiarity with using a text editor.
Resources Provided
Course textbook and supplementary materials.
Access to a database management system (DBMS) and tools.
Online forums for discussion and support.