Learning SQL
By Mike Chapple, About.com Guide to Databases
The Structured Query Language (SQL) forms the backbone of all relational databases. This language offers a flexible interface for databases of all shapes and sizes and is used as the basis for all user and administrator interactions with the database.
Introducing SQL
Learning SQL is an important step in developing your database skills. In this section, you'll learn the basics of the Structured Query Language and discover resources helpful to advance your skills
Retrieving Data
Once you have your data in a SQL database, it's important to know how to retrieve it properly. In this section, you'll learn how to retrieve data with basic SELECT statements. You'll also discover how you can leverage the power of SQL to perform advanced table joins and other complex queries.
- Retrieving Data with SQL Queries: Introducing the SELECT Statement
- Retrieving Data from Multiple Tables with SQL Joins
- Using Self-Joins in SQL
- NULLs and JOINs
- Using the GROUP BY Clause to Group SQL Query Results
- Aggregate Functions in SQL
- Summarizing Data with CUBE and ROLLUP
Manipulating Databases
The Data Manipulation Language (DML) is a subset of SQL allowing you to manipulate the underlying structure of your database. In this section, you'll learn how to create databases and tables, delete data from your database and understand the complexities of NULL values.
