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Intermediate PostgreSQL

Charles Severance

This course covers a wide range of SQL techniques, beyond basic CRUD (Create, Read, Update, and Delete) operations in PostgreSQL. You will learn the specifics of aggregation, transactions, reading and parsing CSV files and inserting data into a database. You’ll also take a look at how PostgreSQL handles and indexes text data.

Specifically, students will do assignments that alter table schemas, create stored procedures, construct advanced queries, explore sorting and grouping query data, and techniques for working with text in databases including regular expressions.

Read more

This course covers a wide range of SQL techniques, beyond basic CRUD (Create, Read, Update, and Delete) operations in PostgreSQL. You will learn the specifics of aggregation, transactions, reading and parsing CSV files and inserting data into a database. You’ll also take a look at how PostgreSQL handles and indexes text data.

Specifically, students will do assignments that alter table schemas, create stored procedures, construct advanced queries, explore sorting and grouping query data, and techniques for working with text in databases including regular expressions.

What you'll learn

  • Utilize SQL commands for editing tables in a PostgreSQL database and produce properly normalized tables from CSV files.

  • Appropriately handle text and dates in databases and create stored procedures.

  • Identify hashtag algorithm and their attributes.

  • Construct regular expressions to select rows that match a pattern.

Enroll now

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces students to a wide range of SQL techniques that are more advanced than basic CRUD operations, which are common to all SQL databases
Provides practical experience by having students complete assignments that involve altering table schemas, creating stored procedures, constructing advanced queries, and working with text in databases including regular expressions
Teaches students how to utilize SQL commands for editing tables in a PostgreSQL database and producing properly normalized tables from CSV files
Ideal for those looking to enhance their understanding of SQL beyond basic operations and gain practical experience with more advanced techniques
Offers insights into working with text and dates in databases, and creating stored procedures
Taught by Charles Severance, an experienced instructor with a strong reputation in the field

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Reviews summary

Intermediate postgresql for data professionals

According to students, this course provides a solid and comprehensive deep dive into PostgreSQL beyond basic operations. Learners frequently praise the practical, hands-on assignments and clear explanations from the instructor, finding the content on transactions, advanced queries, stored procedures, and text handling particularly useful for professional roles. However, some learners noted that certain technical setup instructions feel a bit outdated, leading to troubleshooting challenges. While many found the pace appropriate for intermediate learners, a few felt it assumes strong prior SQL comfort, potentially being too fast for those transitioning from only basic knowledge.
Requires strong foundational SQL knowledge beyond basic CRUD for optimal learning.
"The course assumes too much prior knowledge; I struggled with the initial setup and pace."
"Not suitable if you're not already comfortable with advanced SQL concepts."
"No prior PostgreSQL experience needed, but solid SQL basics are a must."
"I felt the pace was just right for an intermediate level, but I definitely had some prior SQL knowledge."
Instructor explains complex concepts clearly and concisely.
"The instructor explains concepts clearly, though sometimes a bit dry."
"The detailed explanations of stored procedures were eye-opening."
"The explanations are concise and to the point, making complex topics understandable."
Emphasizes practical application through challenging assignments and useful labs.
"The assignments were challenging yet rewarding, forcing me to apply what I learned immediately."
"I appreciated the hands-on labs, though setting up the environment sometimes presented minor challenges."
"The practical assignments solidify the concepts, which really helped in my data analyst role."
"The hands-on coding and projects are the strongest part of the course for me."
Offers comprehensive coverage beyond basic operations, building advanced SQL capabilities.
"This course took my PostgreSQL skills to the next level."
"Excellent and comprehensive for its 'intermediate' designation."
"A very solid course for diving deeper into PostgreSQL."
"I learned a lot about advanced queries and how to handle CSV data efficiently."
One specific module felt out of place or less relevant to core intermediate PostgreSQL.
"The 'hashtag algorithm' section felt a bit out of place and wasn't relevant to my needs."
Technical environment setup can be problematic and requires self-troubleshooting.
"Some parts feel a bit dated, especially the setup instructions for certain tools."
"I had to do a fair bit of troubleshooting on my own to get things running."
"I spent too much time debugging my local machine instead of focusing on the SQL concepts."
"The environment setup sometimes presented minor challenges that required extra effort."

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 Intermediate PostgreSQL with these activities:
Review SQL Alter Table Syntax
Get up-to-speed by refreshing your knowledge of SQL Alter Table syntax, a fundamental skill that lays the foundation for successful database management.
Browse courses on SQL
Show steps
  • Read up on ALTER TABLE command
  • Go through examples of common use cases
  • Try out the syntax in practice exercises
Organize Course Notes and Assignments
Stay organized by compiling course notes, assignments, and materials in a central location, ensuring you have easy access to important resources throughout the learning process.
Show steps
  • Gather all course materials
  • Create a system for organizing the materials
  • Store the materials in an accessible location
Discuss Advanced SQL Techniques
Connect with fellow learners to discuss advanced SQL techniques covered in the course, fostering a deeper understanding through shared perspectives and collective problem-solving.
Browse courses on SQL
Show steps
  • Identify a specific SQL technique
  • Prepare talking points and examples
  • Join a peer session and engage in discussions
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Aggregate Functions Exercise
Strengthen your understanding of SQL aggregate functions through targeted practice, enabling you to effectively summarize and analyze data in your database.
Browse courses on SQL aggregate functions
Show steps
  • Review common aggregate functions (e.g., SUM, COUNT, AVG)
  • Work through a series of exercises involving data aggregation
  • Check your answers and identify areas for improvement
Sorting and Grouping Query Data Exercises
Sharpen your skills in sorting and grouping query data through targeted practice exercises, enabling you to organize and retrieve data in a meaningful way.
Browse courses on SQL
Show steps
  • Review concepts of sorting and grouping in SQL
  • Complete a series of exercises involving sorting and grouping data
  • Analyze results and identify patterns
Develop a PostgreSQL Stored Procedure
Enhance your practical skills by creating a PostgreSQL stored procedure, gaining hands-on experience with automating complex database operations and improving code reusability.
Browse courses on SQL
Show steps
  • Design the stored procedure
  • Write the SQL code for the stored procedure
  • Test the stored procedure
Visualize Data with a Bar Chart
Gain hands-on experience in presenting data visually by creating a bar chart using SQL. This activity will enhance your ability to communicate insights effectively.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Choose a dataset and identify relevant variables
  • Use SQL to generate the data for the bar chart
  • Select a visualization tool and create the bar chart
Explore Regular Expressions in PostgreSQL
Delve deeper into the use of regular expressions in PostgreSQL by following guided tutorials, equipping yourself with powerful tools for manipulating and extracting data from text.
Browse courses on Regular Expressions
Show steps
  • Understand the basics of regular expressions
  • Follow tutorials on using regular expressions in PostgreSQL
  • Practice using regular expressions on sample data

Career center

Learners who complete Intermediate PostgreSQL will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Engineer
Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines and infrastructure to support data analysis and machine learning applications. This course can equip Data Engineers with the necessary skills to work with PostgreSQL, including handling CSV files, creating stored procedures, and optimizing database performance, which are essential for building robust and efficient data pipelines.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer
Data Analyst
Data Analysts use data to identify trends and patterns, solve problems, and make informed decisions. This course can benefit Data Analysts by enhancing their SQL skills and providing them with advanced techniques for data analysis, such as aggregation, sorting, and grouping query data, which can help them extract meaningful insights from complex datasets.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Operations Analyst
Operations Analysts analyze business processes and data to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. This course can provide Operations Analysts with a strong understanding of PostgreSQL, enabling them to effectively collect, manage, and analyze operational data, which is essential for process optimization and decision-making.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Analyst
Database Administrator
Database Administrators (DBAs) are responsible for the day-to-day administration and maintenance of database systems, including performance tuning, security, and backup and recovery. This course can provide DBAs with a strong foundation in PostgreSQL, enabling them to effectively manage and optimize database performance and ensure data integrity.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business Intelligence Analysts use data analysis techniques to help businesses understand their operations and make informed decisions. This course can equip Business Intelligence Analysts with advanced SQL skills, such as data aggregation and grouping, which are essential for extracting meaningful insights and developing actionable recommendations from complex datasets.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. This course can provide Data Scientists with a solid understanding of PostgreSQL, enabling them to effectively retrieve, manipulate, and analyze data for data modeling, machine learning, and predictive analytics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Market Researcher
Market Researchers conduct research to understand consumer behavior and market trends. This course can benefit Market Researchers by providing them with advanced SQL techniques for data analysis, such as sorting and grouping query data, which can help them extract meaningful insights from market research data and identify opportunities for businesses.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, interpret, and present data to provide insights and make informed decisions. This course can provide Statisticians with a strong foundation in PostgreSQL, enabling them to effectively manage and manipulate data for statistical analysis, modeling, and forecasting.
See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician
Database Manager
Database Managers are responsible for the planning, implementation, and maintenance of database systems, including database design, performance monitoring, and security. This course can help individuals in this role by providing them with a deeper understanding of SQL techniques and how to handle and index text data in PostgreSQL, which can aid in data management and analysis tasks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Manager
Web Developer
Web Developers design, build, and maintain websites and web applications. This course can help Web Developers create dynamic and data-driven web applications by providing them with a deeper understanding of PostgreSQL and advanced SQL techniques for data manipulation and retrieval, which can enhance the functionality and performance of their web applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer
IT Auditor
IT Auditors evaluate the security and effectiveness of IT systems and processes. This course can benefit IT Auditors by providing them with a deeper understanding of PostgreSQL, including data security, access control, and auditing techniques, which are essential for ensuring the integrity and compliance of IT systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts use financial data and analysis to make investment recommendations and advise clients on financial matters. This course can equip Financial Analysts with the necessary SQL skills to effectively analyze financial data, perform financial modeling, and make data-driven investment decisions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. This course can be beneficial for Software Engineers who work with PostgreSQL in their projects, as it provides them with advanced SQL techniques, such as stored procedures and regular expressions, which can help them optimize database interactions and enhance software performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can equip Information Security Analysts with the necessary SQL skills to analyze security logs, identify vulnerabilities, and investigate security incidents in PostgreSQL databases.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
Information Architect
Information Architects design and organize information systems to meet the needs of users. This course can provide Information Architects with a solid understanding of PostgreSQL, enabling them to effectively structure and manage data, ensuring that it is accessible, consistent, and easily retrievable for users.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Intermediate PostgreSQL.
Cover image
PostgreSQL: Up and Running
Save
This guide comprehensive introduction to PostgreSQL. It covers the basics of PostgreSQL, including installation, configuration, and basic SQL commands.
PostgreSQL: Up and Running
Paperback
Check
PostgreSQL: Up and Running
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
PostgreSQL 16 Administration Cookbook
Save
Provides a collection of recipes for PostgreSQL administration. It covers all aspects of PostgreSQL administration, from backups to security.
PostgreSQL 16 Administration Cookbook: Solve real...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Azure Strategy and Implementation Guide
Save
Teaches you how to use PostgreSQL for DevOps. It covers all aspects of DevOps, from continuous integration to continuous delivery.
Azure Strategy and Implementation Guide: The...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Database Systems: The Complete Book
Save
A comprehensive textbook on database systems, covering all aspects of database design, implementation, and management. It provides theoretical background and practical examples.
Database Systems: The Complete Book
Kindle Edition
$$$
Database Systems The Complete Book
Paperback
$$
Database Systems: The Complete Book
Hardcover
$$$$
Goal Student Access Code Card for Database Systems:...
Printed Access Code
$$
Cover image
SQL Performance Explained
Save
A guide to SQL performance optimization, covering topics such as query tuning, index design, and data modeling. It provides practical tips and techniques.
SQL Performance Explained Everything Developers...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
SQL and Relational Theory
Save
A guide to relational theory and SQL, covering topics such as data modeling, query optimization, and database normalization. It provides theoretical background and practical examples.
SQL and Relational Theory
Paperback
Check
SQL and Relational Theory
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Pragmatic Programmer
Save
A guide to software development best practices, covering topics such as design patterns, testing, and refactoring. It provides practical advice and insights for software developers of all levels.
The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey To Mastery,...
Hardcover
$$
Pragmatic Programmer, The: From Journeyman to Master
Kindle Edition
$$
(Italiano) Pragmatic Programmer - Edizione del 20°...
Kindle Edition
$$
(Italiano) Il Pragmatic Programmer: Guida per manovali del...
Kindle Edition
$$
(中文) The Pragmatic Programmer: access to the highest...
Paperback
$$
Pragmatic programmer (Korean Edition)
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Regular Expressions Cookbook
Save
A cookbook of regular expressions for various tasks, including text parsing, data validation, and pattern matching. It provides practical examples and explanations.
Regular Expressions Cookbook: Detailed Solutions in...
Paperback
$$
Regular Expressions Cookbook
Paperback
$$
Regular Expressions Cookbook: Detailed Solutions in...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Effort
2 to 4 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
The University of Michigan
Instructor
Charles Severance
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces students to a wide range of SQL techniques that are more advanced than basic CRUD operations, which are common to all SQL databases
Provides practical experience by having students complete assignments that involve altering table schemas, creating stored procedures, constructing advanced queries, and working with text in databases including regular expressions
Teaches students how to utilize SQL commands for editing tables in a PostgreSQL database and producing properly normalized tables from CSV files
Ideal for those looking to enhance their understanding of SQL beyond basic operations and gain practical experience with more advanced techniques
Offers insights into working with text and dates in databases, and creating stored procedures
Taught by Charles Severance, an experienced instructor with a strong reputation in the field
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