Introduction to SQL and Microsoft SQL Server

What is the course about?

Using the free version of Microsoft SQL Server, one of the top 3 Relational Database Management Systems used by 98 of the Fortune 100 companies we will cover all the necessary skills to build, maintain and interrogate a relational database system.

Participants who will attend the full course will receive a City Lit certificate of attendance electronically for their CV or CPD records. The certificate will show your name, course title and dates of the course you have attended.

What will we cover?

The fundamental building block of a relational database is the table. We will use SQL to produce a series of tables and link them to build an efficient storage system for our data that avoids data duplication and redundancy. We will also learn how to maintain data once stored in our database using the Data Manipulation Language components of SQL.

Finally, we will learn how to interrogate our database, an activity central to nearly all organisations, to carry out mission critical tasks such as inventory management, order processing, tracking and booking amongst many others. We also need these skill to for the business intelligence process, data science and analysis.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Define key terminology and concepts related to all RDBMS
• Use the Data Definition Language commands in SQL to create a series of linked database tables that can store data of various data types
• Use the Data Manipulation Language commands in SQL to add, update and delete data stored across related tables
• Use the Data Query Language commands in SQL to interrogate our data, including using:-
• Join operations
• Logical and comparison operations
• Fuzzy Search
• The Null operator
• Date functions
• Created aliases and calculated fields with the data in our tables
• Format currency and dates.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Though the course does not require any previous knowledge of SQL or Relational Database Management Systems it is quite fast paced and you will not only need good computing skills and a high level of typing accuracy, but would also benefit from having some experience in coding, (it doesn’t matter which language), such as having attended one of our many Python or HTML and CSS courses. If you haven’t coded before you might consider our Beginner's Guide to SQL course first as an introduction to the topic.

You should also be able to follow spoken instructions, read written instructions and information, and discuss work with your tutor in English.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

There will be some theoretical underpinning to the course, but it is nearly all practical, through tutor demonstration and practical programming and problem solving activities. There is no official work set outside the class but it is a good idea to practise the skills you have learnt to reinforce classroom learning.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no additional costs. Computers with all software installations will be provided in classroom. Please note that Microsoft SQL Server runs on Windows only; you will need access to a computer that can run it at home if you wish to practice outside class time.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Please click here to view our Programming and Maths courses.

Disclaimer: Use of Third-Party Software
This course might require you to either use your own personal account or create an account for the purposes of this course. City Lit cannot accept any responsibility for any failings of the third party or provide technical support. Whilst using the software you will be responsible for abiding by the providers terms and conditions and maintaining your own work.