To create databases that are effective, usable, and more secure, it’s necessary for you to choose the types of data, properties, and constraints you implement in your database tables. This module covers why it’s essential to use schemas and views to improve organization and security as you grow your database.

Lessons

• Identify and use Microsoft SQL Server data types
• Create tables with SQL
• Altering and dropping a table
• Collect information from multiple tables by using joins and views

Lab 1: Create and alter a table in Microsoft SQL Server

• Create and alter a table in Microsoft SQL Server
• Create and retrieve a view that uses the JOIN statement in Microsoft SQL Server

Lab 2: Create and alter a table in Microsoft SQL Server

• Create and alter a table in Microsoft SQL Server

Lab 3: Create and retrieve a view that uses the JOIN statement in Microsoft SQL Server

• Create and retrieve a view that uses the JOIN statement in Microsoft SQL Server

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Data types in Microsoft SQL Server
• Choose the correct data type
• NULL values
• Create a table with SQL
• Control values allowed in columns using constraints
• Create a surrogate primary key by using the IDENTITY property
• Group tables by using a schema
• Add a column to a table using the ALTER TABLE statement
• Change a column using the ALTER TABLE statement
• Drop a column using the ALTER TABLE statement
• Remove a table using the DROP TABLE statement
• Describe the key features, editions, and hardware requirements of Windows 7.
• Use JOIN to obtain data from multiple tables
• JOIN statement types
• Create views

This module covers using statements to add, alter, and remove rows in a table. It also covers creating stored procedures and using input parameters in stored procedures.

Lessons

• Insert, update, and delete information

Lab 1: Add and change data in SQL Server

• Add and change data in SQL Server

Lab 2: Create and use stored procedures in Microsoft SQL Server

• Create and use stored procedures in Microsoft SQL Server

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Add information to a table using the INSERT keyword
• Add multiple rows to a table at once
• Update values in a table
• Use DELETE to delete rows in a table
• Define a stored procedure
• Use multiple statements in a stored procedure
• Use input parameters in a stored procedure
• Describe the uses of stored procedures

This module covers entities and the relationships between them. It also discusses using the various types of referential integrity.

Lessons

• Model entity relationships
• Design for referential integrity What is referential integrity?

Lab 1: Create an entity relationship diagram in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio

• Create an entity relationship diagram in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• What is an entity?
• Entity keys
• Candidate keys
• Entity relationships and cardinality
• Join tables
• Compare optional and mandatory relationships
• Entity relationship modeling
• Ensure declarative referential integrity by using key constraints
• Ensure procedural referential integrity by using triggers
• Cascading referential integrity

This module covers normalization and denormalization in a database, their benefits, and when each should be used.

Lessons

• Normalization
• Denormalization

Lab 1: Denormalize a table by adding a redundant column of computed data

• Denormalize a table by adding a redundant column of computed data

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• What is normalization?
• First normal form
• Second normal form
• Third normal form
• Defining denormalization
• Adding redundant columns
• Saving computed data
• Potential issues

This module covers writing effective and performant queries and using clustered and non-clustered indexes. It also discusses concurrency issues and the transactions and isolation levels you can use to address them.

Lessons

• Indexes
• Write performant SQL code
• Concurrency

Lab 1: Create indexes and consult execution plans in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio

• Create indexes and consult execution plans in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio

After completing this module, students will be able to:

• Clustered indexes
• Nonclustered indexes
• Indexes and performance
• Limit data referenced and returned
• Use indexes
• Use SARGable queries
• What is concurrency?
• Problems caused by concurrency
• Isolating transactions
• Limiting concurrency

A: This 55356AC: Introduction to SQL Databases course is designed for beginners who have little to no prior experience with SQL databases. It is suitable for individuals interested in learning the basics of SQL databases, including aspiring database administrators, developers, data analysts, and anyone who wants to gain a foundational understanding of SQL and database management.

A: No prior experience or technical knowledge is required for this course. It is designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of SQL databases from scratch. Familiarity with general computer usage and basic database concepts would be helpful but is not necessary.

A: The course covers a range of topics, including an introduction to SQL and relational databases, creating and managing databases, basic SQL querying and data manipulation, retrieving data with SELECT statements, filtering and sorting data, working with multiple tables, and an overview of essential database management tasks.

A: The course is typically instructor-led and combines lectures, demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and discussions. Participants will have access to course materials, practical exercises, and sample databases to reinforce their learning. The course provides a step-by-step learning path to help participants build their SQL skills gradually.

A: This 55356AC: Introduction to SQL Databases course focuses on introducing the concepts and fundamentals of SQL databases and can be applied to various versions of SQL Server, including SQL Server 2019, SQL Server 2017, and earlier versions. The emphasis is on core concepts that are applicable across different SQL Server versions.

A: While this course does not directly provide a certification, it serves as a solid foundation for individuals who may want to pursue Microsoft certifications related to database administration or development. The knowledge gained from this course will be valuable for those planning to pursue certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate or Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate.

A: Yes, this course is available in both online and traditional classroom formats. Online courses offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace and convenience, while traditional classroom courses provide a more interactive and collaborative learning experience.

A: By completing this course, participants will gain a foundational understanding of SQL databases and be equipped with the essential skills to work with SQL Server. This knowledge is crucial for individuals who want to pursue careers in database administration, database development, or data analysis.

A: After completing this course, participants can explore more advanced topics related to SQL Server, such as database administration, database development, or business intelligence. Microsoft offers a range of specialized courses and certifications for different SQL Server disciplines.