Fundamentals of SQL Querying

Many organizations use databases to store their most critical information: the information that manages their day-to-day operations. After the data is stored in databases, however, it is useless unless you can retrieve it for further business analysis. One example of a database management system is Microsoft SQL Server. The language you use to retrieve information from SQL Server databases is the Structured Query Language (SQL). This course, SQL Querying: Fundamentals, will teach you to use SQL as a tool to retrieve the information you need from databases.

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• connect to the SQL Server database and execute a simple query
• include a search condition in a simple query
• use various functions to perform calculations on data
• organize data obtained from a query before it is displayed on-screen
• retrieve data from tables
• format an output, save a result, and generate a report

Lesson 1: Executing a Simple Query

Topic A: Connect to the SQL Database

Topic B: Query a Database

Topic C: Save a Query

Topic D: Modify and Execute a Saved Query

Lesson 2: Performing a Conditional Search

Topic A: Search Using One or More Conditions

Topic B: Search for a Range of Values and NULL Values

Topic C: Search Data Based on Patterns

Lesson 3: Working with Functions

Topic A: Perform Date Calculations

Topic B: Calculate Data Using Aggregate Functions

Topic C: Manipulate String Values

Lesson 4: Organizing Data

Topic A: Sort Data

Topic B: Rank Data

Topic C: Group Data

Topic D: Filter Grouped Data

Topic E: Summarize Grouped Data

Topic F: Use PIVOT and UNPIVOT Operators

Lesson 5: Retrieving Data from Multiple Tables

Topic A: Combine the Results of Two Queries

Topic B: Compare the Results of Two Queries

Topic C: Retrieve Data by Joining Tables

Lesson 6: Exporting Query Results

Topic A: Generate a Text File

Topic B: Generate an XML File

Before attending this course, students should have:

• Basic end-user computer skills and some familiarity with database terminology and structure are required
• The following courses or equivalent knowledge and skills are highly recommended:
  • Windows
  • Relational Databases Design (Second Edition)
  • Access: Designing a Database

Individuals with basic computer skills, familiar with concepts related to database structure and terminology, and who want to use SQL to query databases.