Introduction to SQL Databases (55315)

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to databases, focusing on relational database concepts, data modeling, and performance optimization. Designed for data professionals and anyone interested in understanding database fundamentals, this course covers essential topics such as database design, normalization, relationships, and key performance considerations, equipping you with the skills needed to effectively manage and optimize databases.

The course begins with an Introduction to Databases, where you’ll explore the basics of relational databases, other types of databases and storage options, and the role of data analysis. This section also introduces SQL Server database languages, providing a foundational understanding of how databases work and their significance in data management and analysis.

Next, in the Data Modeling module, you’ll learn about data modeling principles, designing databases, and modeling relationships. You’ll gain insights into creating effective data models that represent real-world scenarios, which is crucial for designing robust and scalable databases that meet business needs.

The Normalization section covers the fundamentals of normalization, exploring normal forms and the process of organizing data within a database to reduce redundancy and improve integrity. You’ll also learn about denormalization, understanding when and how to strategically implement it to optimize performance.

In the Relationships module, you’ll delve into the concepts of database relationships and the importance of planning referential integrity. This section focuses on creating and managing relationships between tables, which is essential for maintaining data consistency and supporting complex queries.

The Performance module emphasizes key factors that impact database performance, including indexing, query optimization, and concurrency management. You’ll learn how to create indexes to speed up data retrieval, analyze query performance, and manage concurrency to ensure efficient database operation in multi-user environments.

The course concludes with the Database Objects section, where you’ll explore the creation and management of core database objects, including tables, views, stored procedures, triggers, and functions. You’ll learn how these objects interact within a database, supporting efficient data management, access, and manipulation.

By the end of this course, you will have a solid understanding of database concepts, design principles, and performance optimization techniques. You’ll be equipped with the skills to design, manage, and optimize databases, making you a valuable asset in any data-driven environment.

1. Introduction to databases
   1. Introduction to Relational Databases
   2. Other Databases and Storage
   3. Data Analysis
   4. SQL Server Database Languages
2. Data Modeling
   1. Data Modelling
   2. Designing a Database
   3. Relationship Modeling
3. Normalization
   1. Fundamentals of Normalization
   2. Normal Form
   3. Denormalization
4. Relationships
   1. Introduction to Relationships
   2. Planning Referential Integrity
5. Performance
   1. Indexing
   2. Query Performance
   3. Concurrency
6. Database Objects
   1. Tables
   2. Views
   3. Stored Procedures, Triggers and Functions

Each student receives a comprehensive set of materials, including course notes and all class examples.