Fundamentals of SQL Querying

In this 2-day instructor led course students will learn what SQL is and how it can help them query a database to answer business questions. This course will combine instructor-led, group-paced, classroom-delivery learning model with structured hands-on activities. Students will learn how to use SQL statements to query a database. Lesson objectives help students become comfortable with the course, and also provide a means to evaluate learning.

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 1A: Connect to the SQL Database
• Topic 1B: Query a Database
• Topic 1C: Save a Query
• Topic 1D: Modify a Query
• Topic 1E: Execute a Saved Query

Lesson 2: Performing a Conditional Search

• Topic 2A: Search Using a Simple Condition
• Topic 2B: Compare Column Values
• Topic 2C: Search Using Multiple Conditions
• Topic 2D: Search for a Range of Values and Null Values
• Topic 2E: Retrieve Data Based on Patterns

Lesson 3: Working with Functions

• Topic 3A: Perform Date Calculations
• Topic 3B: Calculate Data Using Aggregate Functions
• Topic 3C: Manipulate String Values

Lesson 4: Organizing Data

• Topic 4A: Sort Data
• Topic 4B: Rank Data
• Topic 4C: Group Data
• Topic 4D: Filter Grouped Data
• Topic 4E: Summarize Grouped Data
• Topic 4F: Use PIVOT and UNPIVOT Operators

Lesson 5: Retrieving Data from Tables

• Topic 5A: Combine Results of Two Queries
• Topic 5B: Compare the Results of Two Queries
• Topic 5C: Retrieve Data by Joining Tables
• Topic 5D: Check for Unmatched Records
• Topic 5E: Retrieve Information from a Single Table Using Joins

Lesson 6: Presenting Query Results

• Topic 6A: Save the Query Result
• Topic 6B: Generate an XML Report

Appendix A: The OGCBooks Database

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