SQL is an industry-standard language for accessing mainframe, midrange and LAN-based, multi-user relational databases. This Lab will teach the delegate how to read and write good SQL for querying, updating and maintaining SQL databases. The Lab progresses through the elements of the language to build a thorough appreciation and understanding of SQL's capabilities and power. It covers ANSI-standard SQL and some of the common extensions.
This lab is made up of a mix of theory and practical sessions. You will complete a series of exercises that cover all the important components of the language and allow you to practice your SQL.
Please Note: The Lab will use a Microsoft SQL Server platform and T-SQL to illustrate the use of the SQL language
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this lab you will be able to:
- Describe where the SQL language came from and its set-based mode of operation
- Write SQL statements to create and manipulate database objects and data
- Read SQL effectively
- Write queries to join many related tables
- Use the features of the language to safeguard the data and its value to the user
- Recognize the dangers inherent in the language that may return the right result but would be fatally flawed with different data
Intended Audience
This lab is intended for:
- Anyone wishing to use SQL to access data. This Lab is a common prerequisite for those going on our client/server or database courses.
Prerequisites
You should possess:
- A level of computer literacy is needed.
- Typically delegate skills will include a working familiarity with the Windows graphical environment but no prior knowledge of SQL.
- The most successful students on this Lab are those who can type accurately and consistently, and can cope with 'syntax' as SQL is a syntactically 'fussy' language.
- Typically delegates will have coded in some other language but it is not necessary to have done so to be successful on this Lab as the range of exercises allow students to work at the most appropriate pace for them.
Updates
July 9th, 2020 - Enabled direct browser RDP connection for a streamlined experience
March 12th, 2020 - Included a student guide to provide reference material to aid in completing the exercises and understanding the solutions
January 13th, 2020 - Updated lab to use a newer version of Windows and increased default SSMS output font size for readability
Mark is a veteran of the IT industry, with experience that ranges from mainframes, help desk and MIS systems. Mark has experience developing business applications in a range of products which enhance and distribute accurate, timely information within organisations. Mark has been with QA since 2000, and in 2003 & 2006 he won QA’s Trainer of the Year Award. Mark’s enthusiasm knows no bounds and training sessions often spill into breaks, lunch times and early evenings if not interrupted!