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Databases

Slide deck

Overview

In this topic, we will explore the foundational concepts of relational databases and learn how to manage them using SQL (Structured Query Language). Relational databases are powerful systems used to store, organize, and retrieve large amounts of structured data. In particular, we will focus on how data is stored in tables, with each table consisting of rows (records) and columns (fields). Key concepts such as primary keys and foreign keys will be introduced to explain how tables are related to one another, allowing for more efficient and organized data management. This understanding is essential for working with real-world data in a structured, meaningful way.

A major focus of the topic will be learning how to use SQL commands to interact with a relational database. We will practice

  • retrieving data using commands like SELECT, FROM, and WHERE, which allow users to extract specific information from one or more tables.
  • how to sort data using ORDER BY,
  • insert new records with INSERT INTO, and
  • modify or delete existing records using UPDATE and DELETE.

By mastering these commands, we will gain the ability to manipulate data stored in relational databases, which is a critical skill in many areas of computer science and data management.

The final section will look at how to use Python with the sqlite3 database.

This knowledge is important because relational databases and SQL are used in countless industries, from finance to healthcare to social media platforms. As data plays an increasingly important role in decision-making and technology development, having a strong foundation in database management will give us the tools to handle and analyze data efficiently.

Whether working on a small project or managing large datasets in a professional environment, understanding how to use relational databases and SQL is a valuable, practical skill.