Introduction to SQL Queries Live Online Learning Courses

Course Overview

This online workshop runs from 9.30am to approximately 4.30pm with regular breaks. It is possible to split the workshop into 2x ½ days. Please let us know your preference. A maximum of six attendees means there is plenty of opportunity for you to ask questions.

What you will learn

By the end of this course you will be able to write SQL SELECT statements confidently. You will be able to retrieve data from one or more tables, using a variety of criteria. You will be able to sort the data and perform row and summary calculations.

Session 1 - Getting Started and Writing Basic SQL Statements

We start with an overview of relational databases whilst examining the training database. We will get comfortable with the tool we use during the training to write the queries (the training course typically uses Microsoft SQL Server and SSMS).

This session practices writing queries that select data from one table.  We learn how to specify the columns we need and how to sort the data.  We then focus on the WHERE clause to limit the data returned.

The key topics trained are:

• The syntax of the SELECT statement
• Using the Distinct keyword
• Order by
• Examples of WHERE criteria including wildcards, comparison operators and
  BETWEEN, LIKE and IN

Session 2 – SQL Joins

There are a number of different ways that data from different tables can be queried using JOINs. We look at how and when to use the various JOIN commands.

The key topics trained include:

• Joining multiple tables in the FROM clause
• Different join types including INNER and OUTER joins and SELF joins

Session 3 - Single Row Functions

This session is an introduction to including mathematical calculations in your queries, for example how to multiply a quantity by a price, or how to calculate how old someone is. We also look at some of the useful date functions and how to use the functions to change the format of data.

The key topics include:

• Performing mathematical calculations
• The types of functions available in SQL
• Date functions including GetDate( ), DateADD( ), DateDIFF( )
• Conversion functions and their uses
• Column aliases

Session 4 – Aggregate Queries

SQL offers a number of ways to consolidate and aggregate the output of your queries. We begin by learning how to calculate the SUM, COUNT AVERAGE, MIN and MAX across the whole dataset and then look at how to write GROUP BY queries and limit these with the HAVING clause.

The key topics trained include:

• How to write aggregate queries
• COUNT vs Count(*)
• GROUP BY
• HAVING

Information for Mac users

If you are a Mac user, please let us know when booking. If the course is held in the classroom at Happy, the training is held on PCs so we recommend that you bring your Macbook with you (we are not able to provide an additional monitor). For online training, please let us know when booking and you can use your Mac as normal. We provide a PDF with shortcuts for Mac users and your trainer will refer to this throughout the training.

The Small Print

This online workshop runs from 9.30am to approximately 4.30pm with regular breaks. It is possible to split the workshop into 2 x ½ days. Please let us know your preference.

The workshop typically uses MS SQL Server and SSMS, so it is important that you have this set up on your own computer prior to the training. It is possible to adapt the workshop for MySQL, for Access or for BigQuery. Please let us know the version you use before booking. A free version of MS SQL Server Express and Tools can be downloaded here.

All learners will need to install Zoom on their machines. Full technical requirements are on the Zoom website. Your link will be included in your joining instructions once you have booked your place — if you haven't received this email then please contact our team.

Your active participation is expected. We recommend you have a headset with a microphone so you can speak to the trainer. It is also important to have a large computer screen, or even two screens, so you can comfortably work whilst referring to the manual or the trainer’s shared screen.

Please ensure you read our Terms and Conditions before booking for our payment terms and cancellation policy.

The happy Guarantee

We want everyone to go away from our courses feeling as though they have learnt useful, practical skills that they can use straight away when they go back to work.

If you don’t feel that your training has been useful or if you are unhappy in any way, just get in touch with our Customer Services team within 30 days of the course. We will be happy to offer you additional support and training free of charge to help you to gain the skills you need, or if you’d prefer, a full refund.