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Using Databases with Python

This course will introduce students to the basics of the Structured Query Language (SQL) as well as basic database design for storing data as part of a multi-step data gathering, analysis, and processing effort. The course will use SQLite3 as its database. We will also build web crawlers and multi-step data gathering and visualization processes. We will use the D3.js library to do basic data visualization. This course will cover Chapters 14-15 of the book “Python for Everybody”. To succeed in this course, you should be familiar with the material covered in Chapters 1-13 of the textbook and the first three courses in this specialization. This course covers Python 3.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Object Oriented Python

To start this class out we cover the basics of Object Oriented Python. We won't be writing our own objects, but since many of the things we use like BeautifulSoup, strings, dictionaries, database connections all use Object Oriented (OO) patterns we should at least understand some of its patterns and terminology.

Basic Structured Query Language

We learn the four core CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, and Delete) to manage data stored in a database.

Data Models and Relational SQL

In this section we learn about how data is stored across multiple tables in a database and how rows are linked (i.e., we establish relationships) in the database.

Many-to-Many Relationships in SQL

In this section we explore how to model situations like students enrolling in courses where each course has many students and each student is enrolled in many courses.

Databases and Visualization

In this section, we put it all together, retrieve and process some data and then use the OpenStreetMaps API to visualize our data.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the basics of Structured Query Language (SQL) and basic database design, which are fundamental skills for data analysts and software engineers

Emphasizes data visualization using D3.js library, a valuable tool for presenting data in an engaging and informative way

Covers advanced database concepts like data models and relational SQL, preparing learners for complex data management tasks

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Reviews summary

Using databases with python

This is a Python course that teaches students how to use Python to interact with databases. The course is part of a five-course specialization in Python for Everybody offered by the University of Michigan on Coursera. The course is taught by Dr. Charles Severance, who is an associate professor of computer science at the University of Michigan. The course is designed for beginners with no prior programming experience. Students will learn the basics of database design, SQL, and Python. They will also learn how to use Python to connect to databases, query data, and perform data analysis. The course is well-structured and engaging. The video lectures are clear and concise, and the assignments are challenging but manageable. The course also includes a number of helpful resources, such as a discussion forum and a set of online notes. Overall, this is an excellent course for beginners who want to learn how to use Python to interact with databases.

learners say the course largely positive

"This course maintains the high standard set in all the preceding courses in the specialization."

"It's great fun, the lectures and assignments are pitched at a good level."

"They're engaging, really informative and make exploring Python a pleasure."

"I found the final assignment a little bit too easy but it was still a useful and interesting exercise."

"And the peer-grading aspect is a good idea, encourages some interaction between students."

the course provides engaging assignments

"There are some great code samples that you can work on."

"The graded materials are unfortunately for paying learners but you can still access the quizzes as a (free) auditing learner."

"I found the assignments were notably harder than previous classes, but that's because they are starting to do real things."

"At the same time, the assignments were sometimes just minor edits to existing code which I thought I wouldn't like, but in the end it taught me the specific point of that lesson without getting frustrated with the surrounding complexity like SQL, etc."

the course involves less homework since the focus is on new content

"This specialization series is a great starting place."

"On the samples, one gets to view what good code looks like, and there is some amount of change correction, tho changing a working program is much easier than creating a whole one from an empty start."

Instructors are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the subject

"Dr. Chuck does a great job of explaining a range of topics."

"He's very kind and enthusiastic, and it comes across in his videos - he makes an effort to ensure the content is interesting."

"I must admit though, that the assignments and quizzes were fairly easy to go through, particularly in the last few weeks."

"It might have been more rewarding if they were a little more challenging."

the course provides examples that are applicable to the real world

"This course had great breadth but not much depth."

"I would NOT recommend this course without first taking the prerequisite courses in the Python for Everybody specialization."

"If you have taken those courses already, this is a GREAT continuation."

some learners found the quizzes difficult

"I would say this whole specialization is a bit weak on practice and more practice."

"In my last assignment I parsed a text file for names of universities, queried a Google API to get location info for each, added all that to a database and then queried the database to produce JSON information to build a worldmap that shows these universities."

"Pretty good going for a short introduction course!"

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 Using Databases with Python with these activities:

Relational Database Concepts Review

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Refresh your understanding of relational database concepts to enhance comprehension of the course.

Browse courses on Relational Databases

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Review materials from previous courses or textbooks
Focus on concepts such as data modeling, normalization, and query optimization
Complete practice exercises or online quizzes
Ensure a strong foundation in relational database principles

Review Python for Everybody, Chapters 1-13

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Review the fundamentals of Python to prepare for the course's Python-based exercises.

View Python for Everybody: Exploring Data in Python 3 on Amazon

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Read through chapters 1-13 of the book
Complete the exercises and activities in the chapters
Review the concepts of data types, variables, and control flow
Practice writing simple Python programs
Ensure understanding of the material before starting the course

Data Visualization with D3.js Tutorial

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Learn the basics of D3.js for data visualization to prepare for the course's visualization exercises.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Find an online D3.js tutorial or course
Follow the tutorial to learn the basics of D3.js
Create a simple data visualization using D3.js
Experiment with different data visualization techniques

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Personalized Review Guide

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Create a comprehensive review guide tailored to your individual needs and learning style.

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Review course materials, notes, and assignments
Identify key concepts and topics
Create summaries, flashcards, or mind maps
Organize materials in a logical and accessible way
Use the guide to reinforce learning and prepare for assessments

Basic SQL Exercises

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Practice writing basic SQL queries to become familiar with the syntax and structure of SQL.

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Access SQLite database management system
Create a new database
Create tables and insert data
Write SELECT queries to retrieve data
Write INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE queries to modify data

Database Design and Optimization Discussion

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Engage in discussions with peers to explore different approaches to database design and optimization.

Browse courses on Database Design

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Find a study group or online forum for the course
Participate in discussions on database design and optimization topics
Share ideas, best practices, and experiences with peers
Learn from others' perspectives and experiences

Mini Data Analysis Project

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Apply the principles of data gathering, analysis, and visualization to a small-scale project.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Choose a dataset of interest
Gather and clean the data
Analyze the data to identify patterns and insights
Visualize the data using D3.js or other tools
Write a brief report summarizing your findings

Volunteer at a Non-profit Organization

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Apply your understanding of data analysis and visualization to real-world problems.

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Identify a non-profit organization that works with data
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Assist the organization with data analysis or visualization projects
Gain practical experience and make a valuable contribution

Career center

Learners who complete Using Databases with Python will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to find patterns and insights. This course will help you develop the skills you need to manage data stored in a database, which is a critical part of the data science process. You will learn how to create, read, update, and delete data, as well as how to establish relationships between different tables in a database. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work to build models and develop insights from data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for maintaining and optimizing databases. This course will help you develop the skills you need to create and manage databases, as well as to troubleshoot and resolve database issues. You will learn about data models and relational SQL, as well as how to establish relationships between different tables in a database. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work to keep databases running smoothly and efficiently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course will help you develop the skills you need to work with databases in a software development environment. You will learn how to use SQL to query and manipulate data, as well as how to establish relationships between different tables in a database. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work to build and maintain software applications that use databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. This course will help you develop the skills you need to manage and analyze data stored in a database. You will learn how to create, read, update, and delete data, as well as how to establish relationships between different tables in a database. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work to identify trends and patterns in data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. This course will help you develop the skills you need to work with databases in a web development environment. You will learn how to use SQL to query and manipulate data, as well as how to establish relationships between different tables in a database. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work to build and maintain websites that use databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation and other materials to help users understand and use technical products. This course will help you develop the skills you need to write clear and concise documentation about databases. You will learn about data models and relational SQL, as well as how to establish relationships between different tables in a database. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work to create documentation that helps users understand how to use databases effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and data to identify opportunities for improvement. This course will help you develop the skills you need to manage and analyze data stored in a database. You will learn how to create, read, update, and delete data, as well as how to establish relationships between different tables in a database. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work to identify opportunities for improvement in business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course will help you develop the skills you need to manage and analyze data stored in a database. You will learn how to create, read, update, and delete data, as well as how to establish relationships between different tables in a database. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access and other threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. This course will help you develop the skills you need to work with databases in a computer systems analysis environment. You will learn how to use SQL to query and manipulate data, as well as how to establish relationships between different tables in a database. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work to design, develop, and implement computer systems that use databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. This course will help you develop the skills you need to manage and analyze data stored in a database. You will learn how to create, read, update, and delete data, as well as how to establish relationships between different tables in a database. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work to manage and maintain computer networks that use databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Information Technology Manager

Information Technology Managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in computer-based information systems. This course will help you develop the skills you need to manage databases in an information technology environment. You will learn how to create, read, update, and delete data, as well as how to establish relationships between different tables in a database. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work to manage and maintain information systems that use databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager

Data Warehousing Engineer

Data Warehousing Engineers design, develop, and maintain data warehouses. This course will help you develop the skills you need to work with databases in a data warehousing environment. You will learn how to use SQL to query and manipulate data, as well as how to establish relationships between different tables in a database. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work to design, develop, and maintain data warehouses that use databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Warehousing Engineer

Database Architect

Database Architects design and develop databases. This course will help you develop the skills you need to design and develop databases. You will learn about data models and relational SQL, as well as how to establish relationships between different tables in a database. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work to design and develop databases that meet the needs of your organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Architect

Database Programmer

Database Programmers write code to interact with databases. This course will help you develop the skills you need to write code to query and manipulate data, as well as to establish relationships between different tables in a database. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work to develop software applications that use databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Programmer

Business Intelligence Analyst

Business Intelligence Analysts use data to help businesses make decisions. This course will help you develop the skills you need to manage and analyze data stored in a database. You will learn how to create, read, update, and delete data, as well as how to establish relationships between different tables in a database. This knowledge will be invaluable as you work to help businesses make decisions based on data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Using Databases with Python:

5 New Specializations that Teach You Future-Proof Skills

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Reading list

We've selected 37 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 Using Databases with Python.

Python for Everybody

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Covers the material in Chapters 1-13 of the textbook and the first three courses in this specialization. It provides a solid foundation in Python programming, which is essential for success in this course.

Using Databases with Python

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Using databases with python

Activities

Career center

Featured in The Course Notes

Reading list

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