First, you gain a clear understanding of how an RDBMS is structured, which data structures underlie it, and how information is stored efficiently. Next, you learn the key SQL commands: from simple SELECT statements to using JOINs to combine data from multiple tables. During the hands-on sessions, you will write your own queries to filter, sort, and group data. By the end of the course, you will have the skills to independently query relational databases using SQL.

At the end of this training, participants:

• will have a good knowledge of the relational database model
• will know the basic SQL syntax
• will have effectively explored a database by means of the SQL SELECT statement
• will be able to read and write SQL queries to interrogate any database

During the exercises the DML aspects of the SQL language are treated (especially the SELECT statement). The emphasis lies on writing queries. This course precedes the more advanced courses SQL workshop, SQL advanced course, and other courses treating specific databases like Oracle, SQL Server, Db2, and MySQL/MariaDB.

• Principles of the relational model: tables, data types, and domains; keys; design; normalisation; nulls
• Relational database management: client-server model; global organisation (catalog, optimizer); integrity guarantees (primary & foreign keys, checks)
• Data Querying with SQL (DQL): the SELECT statement - with exercises on each topic:
  • basic syntax: SELECT - FROM - WHERE
  • filtering results: basic WHERE predicates
  • combining predicates with AND / OR / NOT
  • the issue of NULL values
  • operators and expressions — scalar functions
  • column functions — GROUP BY & HAVING
  • ORDER BY
  • combining tables: INNER JOIN and OUTER JOIN
• Data Manipulation (DML): modifying data with INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE

Classroom training with emphasis on practical exercises. You can choose the database system to be used during the exercises: Oracle, Db2 (z/OS or LUW), SQL Server, MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL. (Indicate your choice on the registration form). After the training, you get access to our on-line database environment, so you can practise at home/work!

Delivered as a live, interactive training – available in-person or online, or in a hybrid format. Training can be implemented in English, Dutch, or French.

No specific background is required - some familiarity with informatics is an advantage.

This training is intended for those who have (almost) never worked with SQL. You can test for yourself to see whether this course contains enough new information for you by filling out the online self-test. If not, you can go straight on to our course SQL Workshop.