Databases: OLAP and Recursion from edX

About the Database Series of Courses

"Databases" was one of Stanford's three inaugural massive open online courses in the fall of 2011. It has been offered in synchronous and then in self-paced versions on a variety of platforms continuously since 2011. The material is now being offered as a set of five self-paced courses, which can be taken in a variety of ways to learn about different aspects of databases.

Relational Databases and SQL is the most popular course in the Databases series. It is applicable to learners seeking to gain a strong understanding of relational databases, and to master SQL, the long-accepted standard query language for relational database systems. Additional courses focus on advanced concepts in relational databases and SQL, formal foundations and database design methodologies, and semistructured data.

All of the courses are based around video lectures and demos. Many of them include quizzes between video segments to check understanding, in-depth standalone quizzes, and/or a variety of automatically-checked interactive exercises. Each course also includes an unmoderated discussion forum and pointers to readings and resources. The courses are described briefly below. Taught by Professor Jennifer Widom, the overall curriculum draws from Stanford's popular longstanding Databases course.

Why Learn About Databases

Databases are incredibly prevalent -- they underlie technology used by most people every day if not every hour. Databases reside behind a huge number of websites; they're a crucial component of telecommunications systems, banking systems, video games, and just about any other software system or electronic device that maintains some amount of persistent information. In addition to persistence, database systems provide a number of other properties that make them exceptionally useful and convenient: reliability, efficiency, scalability, concurrency control, data abstractions, and high-level query languages. Databases are so ubiquitous and important that computer science graduates frequently cite their database class as the one most useful to them in their industry or graduate-school careers.

What you'll learn

Stanford's online offering in Databases is now available as a set of five self-paced courses:

Databases: Relational Databases and SQL

Introduction to the relational model and concepts in relational databases and relational database management systems
Comprehensive coverage of SQL, the long-accepted standard query language for relational database management systems

Databases: Advanced Topics in SQL (prerequisite: Relational Databases and SQL)

Creating indexes for increased query performance
Using transactions for concurrency control and failure recovery
Database constraints: key, referential integrity, and "check" constraints
Database triggers
How views are created, used, and updated in relational databases
Authorization in relational databases

Databases: OLAP and Recursion

Star schemas, the data cube concept, and On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) features in relational databases including the Cube and Rollup operators
The SQL standard for queries over recursively-defined relations

Databases: Modeling and Theory

Relational algebra – the algebraic query language that provides the formal foundations of SQL
Dependency theory and normal forms in relational databases as the basis of schema design
The data-modeling component of the Unified Modeling Language (UML), how UML diagrams are translated to relations

Databases: Semistructured Data

The XML model for semistructured and self-describing data, including DTDs and some features of XML Schema
The JSON model for human-readable structured or semistructured data
The XPath language for processing XML data, and many features of the more advanced XQuery language
An introduction to the XSLT rule-based language for querying and transforming XML data

What's inside

Learning objectives

Introduction to the relational model and concepts in relational databases and relational database management systems
Comprehensive coverage of sql, the long-accepted standard query language for relational database management systems
Creating indexes for increased query performance
Using transactions for concurrency control and failure recovery
Database constraints: key, referential integrity, and "check" constraints
Database triggers
How views are created, used, and updated in relational databases
Authorization in relational databases
Star schemas, the data cube concept, and on-line analytical processing (olap) features in relational databases including the cube and rollup operators

The sql standard for queries over recursively-defined relations
Relational algebra – the algebraic query language that provides the formal foundations of sql
Dependency theory and normal forms in relational databases as the basis of schema design
The data-modeling component of the unified modeling language (uml), how uml diagrams are translated to relations
The xml model for semistructured and self-describing data, including dtds and some features of xml schema
The json model for human-readable structured or semistructured data
The xpath language for processing xml data, and many features of the more advanced xquery language
An introduction to the xslt rule-based language for querying and transforming xml data

Introduction to the relational model and concepts in relational databases and relational database management systems
Comprehensive coverage of sql, the long-accepted standard query language for relational database management systems
Creating indexes for increased query performance
Using transactions for concurrency control and failure recovery
Database constraints: key, referential integrity, and "check" constraints
Database triggers
How views are created, used, and updated in relational databases
Authorization in relational databases
Star schemas, the data cube concept, and on-line analytical processing (olap) features in relational databases including the cube and rollup operators
The sql standard for queries over recursively-defined relations
Relational algebra – the algebraic query language that provides the formal foundations of sql
Dependency theory and normal forms in relational databases as the basis of schema design
The data-modeling component of the unified modeling language (uml), how uml diagrams are translated to relations
The xml model for semistructured and self-describing data, including dtds and some features of xml schema
The json model for human-readable structured or semistructured data
The xpath language for processing xml data, and many features of the more advanced xquery language
An introduction to the xslt rule-based language for querying and transforming xml data

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

A great fit for people new to SQL and students ramping up for entry-level work in data analysis or database administration

A great fit for students training for entry-level work in data analysis or database administration

Taught by Jennifer Widom, who is a renowned professor in the field of databases

Taught by Stanford University, who are recognized for their research and curriculum in databases

Conducts courses over video, quizzes, and exercises

Covers the industry-standard SQL query language

Provides unmoderated discussion forums for student engagement

Offers readings and resources for supplemental learning

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Databases: OLAP and Recursion with these activities:

Read 'Database Systems: The Complete Book'

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This comprehensive text provides an in-depth understanding of database systems and their applications.

View Database Systems: The Complete Book on Amazon

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Read the assigned chapters and take notes
Work through the exercises and examples
Participate in online discussions or forums related to the book

Review relational database concepts

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Brush up on the basics of relational databases to ensure a solid foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Relational Database

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Review key concepts such as tables, rows, columns, and primary keys
Practice creating and modifying sample tables
Test your understanding with online quizzes or exercises

Volunteer at a local data-driven organization

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the community by volunteering at an organization that utilizes databases.

Browse courses on Database

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Research local organizations that align with your interests
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Attend training sessions and familiarize yourself with the organization's database systems
Assist with data entry, database maintenance, or other tasks as assigned

Five other activities

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Practice SQL queries

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Regular SQL practice will enhance your proficiency in writing efficient queries.

Browse courses on SQL

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Use online platforms or textbooks to find practice exercises
Start with basic queries and gradually increase complexity
Review your answers and identify areas for improvement

Attend a workshop on database optimization

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Learn from experts and gain practical tips on how to optimize database performance.

Browse courses on Database

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Research and identify relevant workshops in your area
Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning goals
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions
Apply the techniques and strategies learned to your own database projects

Explore advanced SQL features

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Expand your SQL knowledge by learning advanced techniques that can enhance your query performance and data manipulation capabilities.

Browse courses on SQL

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Identify specific areas you want to improve in
Find tutorials or courses that cover those topics
Follow the instructions and practice the techniques
Apply your new skills to real-world scenarios

Design a database schema for a real-world scenario

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Applying your knowledge to a practical scenario will reinforce your understanding of database design principles.

Browse courses on Database

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Choose a real-world scenario that interests you
Identify the entities involved and their relationships
Create a conceptual model using ER diagrams or other tools
Translate the conceptual model into a physical schema using SQL
Evaluate and refine your schema based on feedback

Build a personal database management system

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Creating your own database management system will provide a deep understanding of database concepts and technologies.

Browse courses on Database

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Define the scope and requirements of your database system
Choose appropriate data structures and database technologies
Design and implement the database schema
Develop user interfaces for data entry and retrieval
Test and refine your system based on user feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Databases: OLAP and Recursion will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help organizations make informed decisions. They use statistical techniques to identify trends and patterns in data, and they communicate their findings to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner. This course can help you become a successful Data Analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in relational databases and SQL, as well as knowledge of advanced topics such as data modeling and theory. This course may also be helpful for Data Analysts who want to learn more about OLAP and recursion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Intelligence Analyst

A Business Intelligence Analyst uses data to help businesses make better decisions. They work with businesses to identify their goals and objectives, and they develop data-driven solutions to help businesses achieve their goals. This course can help you become a successful Business Intelligence Analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in relational databases and SQL, as well as knowledge of advanced topics such as OLAP and recursion. This course may also be helpful for Business Intelligence Analysts who want to learn more about data modeling and theory.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses data to solve business problems. They work with businesses to identify their goals and objectives, and they develop data-driven solutions to help businesses achieve their goals. This course can help you become a successful Data Scientist by providing you with a strong foundation in relational databases and SQL, as well as knowledge of advanced topics such as data modeling and theory. This course may also be helpful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about OLAP and recursion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Warehouse Engineer

A Data Warehouse Engineer designs and implements data warehouse solutions. They work with businesses to identify their needs, and they develop and implement data warehouse solutions to meet those needs. This course can help you become a successful Data Warehouse Engineer by providing you with a strong foundation in relational databases and SQL, as well as knowledge of advanced topics such as data modeling and theory. This course may also be helpful for Data Warehouse Engineers who want to learn more about OLAP and recursion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Warehouse Engineer

Database Developer

A Database Developer designs and develops database systems. They work with businesses to identify their needs, and they develop database solutions to meet those needs. This course can help you become a successful Database Developer by providing you with a strong foundation in relational databases and SQL, as well as knowledge of advanced topics such as data modeling and theory. This course may also be helpful for Database Developers who want to learn more about OLAP and recursion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Developer

Database Designer

A Database Designer designs the structure and organization of databases. They work with businesses to identify their needs, and they develop database design solutions to meet those needs. This course can help you become a successful Database Designer by providing you with a strong foundation in relational databases and SQL, as well as knowledge of advanced topics such as data modeling and theory. This course may also be helpful for Database Designers who want to learn more about OLAP and recursion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Designer

Data Architect

A Data Architect designs and manages the architecture of data systems. They work with businesses to identify their needs, and they develop and implement data architecture solutions to meet those needs. This course can help you become a successful Data Architect by providing you with a strong foundation in relational databases and SQL, as well as knowledge of advanced topics such as data modeling and theory. This course may also be helpful for Data Architects who want to learn more about OLAP and recursion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator supervises database systems to ensure that they are reliable, efficient, and secure. They work with database administrators to design and implement database systems, and they monitor the performance of databases to identify and resolve problems. This course can help you become a successful Database Administrator by providing you with a strong foundation in relational databases and SQL, as well as knowledge of advanced topics such as indexing, transactions, and constraints. This course may also be helpful for Database Administrators who want to learn more about OLAP and recursion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Data Warehouse Architect

A Data Warehouse Architect designs and implements data warehouse solutions. They work with businesses to identify their needs, and they develop and implement data warehouse solutions to meet those needs. This course can help you become a successful Data Warehouse Architect by providing you with a strong foundation in relational databases and SQL, as well as knowledge of advanced topics such as data modeling and theory. This course may also be helpful for Data Warehouse Architects who want to learn more about OLAP and recursion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Warehouse Architect

Information Systems Manager

An Information Systems Manager plans and manages the implementation of information systems for organizations. They work with businesses to identify their needs, and they develop and implement information systems solutions to meet those needs. This course can help you become a successful Information Systems Manager by providing you with a strong foundation in relational databases and SQL, as well as knowledge of advanced topics such as data modeling and theory. This course may also be helpful for Information Systems Managers who want to learn more about OLAP and recursion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Systems Manager

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. They work with businesses to identify their needs, and they develop software solutions to meet those needs. This course can help you become a successful Software Engineer by providing you with a strong foundation in relational databases and SQL, as well as knowledge of advanced topics such as data modeling and theory. This course may also be helpful for Software Engineers who want to learn more about OLAP and recursion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Governance Analyst

A Data Governance Analyst develops and implements data governance policies and procedures. They work with businesses to identify their needs, and they develop and implement data governance solutions to meet those needs. This course can help you become a successful Data Governance Analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in relational databases and SQL, as well as knowledge of advanced topics such as data modeling and theory. This course may also be helpful for Data Governance Analysts who want to learn more about OLAP and recursion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Governance Analyst

Data Security Analyst

A Data Security Analyst develops and implements data security policies and procedures. They work with businesses to identify their needs, and they develop and implement data security solutions to meet those needs. This course can help you become a successful Data Security Analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in relational databases and SQL, as well as knowledge of advanced topics such as data modeling and theory. This course may also be helpful for Data Security Analysts who want to learn more about OLAP and recursion.

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Data Privacy Analyst

A Data Privacy Analyst develops and implements data privacy policies and procedures. They work with businesses to identify their needs, and they develop and implement data privacy solutions to meet those needs. This course can help you become a successful Data Privacy Analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in relational databases and SQL, as well as knowledge of advanced topics such as data modeling and theory. This course may also be helpful for Data Privacy Analysts who want to learn more about OLAP and recursion.

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Data Integration Architect

A Data Integration Architect designs and implements data integration solutions. They work with businesses to identify their needs, and they develop and implement data integration solutions to meet those needs. This course can help you become a successful Data Integration Architect by providing you with a strong foundation in relational databases and SQL, as well as knowledge of advanced topics such as data modeling and theory. This course may also be helpful for Data Integration Architects who want to learn more about OLAP and recursion.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Integration Architect