SQL for the Windows Environment - Online Course

SQL is the most widely-used database language. Acquiring a good working knowledge of SQL is an important skill for anyone who interacts with databases. Short, focused lessons start with simple data retrieval and progress to complex topics such as using joins, subqueries, stored procedures, and table constraints.

This series is for anyone who wants to use Structured Query Language (SQL) in a Windows Environment. This online course contains 10 lessons and should take approximately 21 hours to complete.

Lesson 1: Introduction to Databases and SQL (2.0) hours

Introduction to Databases and SQL teaches you how to describe the basics of database structure, explain how to use SQL to interact with most database applications, use the SELECT statement to retrieve data, and explain the sorting options available when using the ORDER BY clause. This course explains the basic structure and uses of databases and how to use the SQL SELECT statement to retrieve data. Topics include Understanding databases, Understanding SQL, Retrieving data, Sorting data, and Sorting options.

Lesson 2: Filtering Data (2.0) hours

Filtering Data teaches you how to use the WHERE clause in a SELECT statement, use the AND, OR, IN, and NOT operators in a WHERE clause, use the LIKE operator in a WHERE clause, and use wildcards to create search patterns. This course explains how to filter data from a database with the SQL WHERE clause. Topics include Filtering with the WHERE Clause, Using the WHERE Clause, Combining WHERE Clauses, Using the IN and NOT Operators, The LIKE Operator and Wildcards, and Using Wildcards.

Lesson 3: Calculations and Functions (2.0) hours

Calculations and Functions teaches you how to concatenate fields in your queries, perform mathematical calculations in your queries, use text and numeric functions in your queries, and use date and time functions in your queries. This course shows you how to manipulate data returned from a query using calculated fields and functions. Topics include Understanding calculated fields, Concatenating fields, Performing mathematical calculations, Understanding functions, Using text and numeric functions, and Using date and time functions.

Lesson 4: Summarizing Data (1.0) hour

Summarizing Data teaches you how to explain the purpose of the SQL aggregate functions, use the SUM() and COUNT() functions, use the AVG(), MAX(), and MIN() functions, and use aggregate functions for advanced operations. This course explains how to use the SQL aggregate functions to summarize data from database tables. Topics include Aggregate Functions, Using the SUM() and COUNT() Functions, The AVG(), MAX(), and MIN() Functions, and Using Advanced Aggregate Functions.

Lesson 5: Groups and Queries (2.0) hours

Groups and Queries teaches you how to create data groups using the GROUP BY clause, sort and filter grouped data, understand and filter subqueries, use subqueries as calculated fields, and create combined queries using UNION. This course explains how to use the GROUP BY and ORDER BY clauses to sort and group data. It also explains how to use subqueries and combined queries to add more options to retrievals using the SQL SELECT statement. Topics include Understanding data grouping, Creating groups, Filtering groups, Grouping and sorting, Understanding and filtering subqueries, Using subqueries as calculated fields, Creating combined queries, and Advanced UNION features.

Lesson 6: Joins (3.0) hours

Joins teaches you how to query multiple tables using a join, use table aliases in your queries, perform inner, outer, self, and natural joins, and use aggregate functions with joins. This course shows you how to access data stored in multiple relational tables by using joins in your queries. Topics include Understanding joins, Creating a join, Joining multiple tables, Using table aliases, Self joins, Natural joins, Outer joins, and Using joins with aggregate functions.

Lesson 7: Data and Tables (3.0) hours

Data and Tables teaches you how to insert rows of data into a database table, copy data from one table to another, update and delete data from a database table, create database tables, and modify and delete database tables. This course explains how to insert data into existing database tables and then modify or delete that data. It also explains how to create new database tables and modify or delete existing tables. Topics include Inserting Data, Inserting Partial Rows and Retrieved Data, Copying from One Table to Another, Updating Data, Deleting Data, Guidelines for Updating and Deleting Data, Creating Tables, Working with NULL and Default Values, and Modifying Tables.

Lesson 8: Views and Stored Procedures (2.0) hours

Views and Stored Procedures teaches you how to explain the makeup of views, use views to simplify joins, use views to reformat retrieved data, use filtering and calculated fields within your views, explain the use of stored procedures, execute stored procedures, and describe some of the features involved in creating stored procedures. This course teaches the learner the use of views in SQL and how views can be used to simplify complex operations. It also provides an overview on the use and creation of stored procedures. Topics include Understanding views, Using views to simplify complex joins, Using views to reformat retrieved data, Unwanted data and calculated fields, Understanding stored procedures, Executing stored procedures, and Creating stored procedures.

Lesson 9: Transaction Processing and Cursors (2.0) hours

Transaction Processing and Cursors teaches you how to explain how transaction processing works in SQL code, control transactions, explain how cursors are used to save SQL results, and declare and use cursors in your SQL code. This course shows you how to use transaction processing to execute SQL operations in batches. This enables you to prevent processing errors from corrupting the database. Topics include Understanding transaction processing, Controlling transactions, Setting savepoints, Understanding cursors, and Working with cursors.

Lesson 10: Advanced SQL Functions (2.0) hours

Advanced SQL Functions teaches you how to explain the use of database constraints, define primary and foreign keys, describe the use of unique and check constraints, explain the function of database indexes, describe the function of triggers, and identify the tools used in database security. This course explains the use of constraints in databases. The user will learn about primary and foreign keys, and unique and check constraints. The user will also learn about the use of indexes and triggers within databases. Finally, the user will receive an overview of the tools used to manage database security. Topics include Understanding constraints, Primary and foreign keys, Unique and check constraints, Understanding indexes, Understanding triggers, and Database security.