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Gerald Britton

Whether you are getting into PostgreSQL for the first time or an experienced developer wanting to explore function-writing more deeply, this course is for you. You will learn foundational knowledge of how to build your own functions in PostgreSQL.

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Whether you are getting into PostgreSQL for the first time or an experienced developer wanting to explore function-writing more deeply, this course is for you. You will learn foundational knowledge of how to build your own functions in PostgreSQL.

At the core of a PostgresSQL database developer's toolkit is a thorough knowledge of how to build correct, efficient functions. In this course, Capturing Logic with Custom Functions in PostgreSQL, you will learn foundational knowledge of how to build your own functions in PostgreSQL. First, you will learn how to move from a basic query to a fully-parameterized function. Next, you will discover how to write your functions using PL/pgSQL, one of the many procedural languages available to the PostgreSQL developer. Finally, you will explore important matters relating to polymorphism, security, defensive programming and error handling. When you are finished, you will be able to solve real-world problems using PostgresSQL functions.

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SQL PostgreSQL Functions PL/pgSQL Polymorphism Error Handling

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Introduction
Creating Your First Function
Creating Functions in PL/pgSQL
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Deepens foundational knowledge for those experienced with PostgreSQL
Develops core skills for correctly and efficiently building PostgreSQL functions
Taught by Gerald Britton, a recognized expert in PostgreSQL function-writing
Builds a strong foundation for beginners in PostgreSQL function-writing
Requires no prior knowledge of function-writing, making it suitable for those new to PostgreSQL
Covers the fundamentals of building custom functions in PostgreSQL

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Reviews summary

Mastering postgresql custom functions

According to students, this course provides a solid and practical foundation for working with custom functions in PostgreSQL. Many learners found the content on PL/pgSQL, polymorphism, security, and error handling to be particularly valuable and clearly presented. The course is praised for its logical structure and clear explanations, making it accessible. While some earlier reviews suggested a desire for more advanced exercises or deeper dives for experienced users, recent feedback indicates it serves both new and experienced developers well, with many noting its immediate applicability to real-world scenarios. The hands-on examples and practical demonstrations are consistently highlighted as a strong point.
Generally good for new learners, varied depth for experienced users.
"Highly recommend for both new and experienced users looking to master functions."
"I found the course assumes more prior knowledge than stated for 'beginners'."
"Not for true intermediates seeking a deep dive. The 'for experienced developer' claim felt misleading."
"As an experienced dev, I found this course useful for solidifying my understanding of advanced PostgreSQL function capabilities..."
Instructor's ability to explain complex topics clearly is praised.
"The instructor's pace was perfect, and the explanations were crystal clear."
"I loved how they broke down complex topics into digestible chunks."
"The structure is logical, and the progression of topics builds naturally."
Covers essential and advanced topics in PostgreSQL functions.
"The instructor explains complex concepts like PL/pgSQL and polymorphism with remarkable clarity."
"I especially appreciated the modules on security and error handling; they're often overlooked but crucial."
"As an experienced dev, I found this course useful for solidifying my understanding of advanced PostgreSQL function capabilities, especially around security and error handling."
Provides hands-on experience for immediate real-world use.
"The practical examples were spot on, really helping to solidify my understanding."
"Found this course incredibly helpful for my daily work. I was able to apply what I learned immediately to a project."
"I liked the practical focus... a great stepping stone for anyone working with Postgres."
Some learners desired more advanced scenarios and challenging exercises.
"I felt it could use more challenging exercises or a deeper dive into performance optimization."
"I struggled with the examples. They seemed overly simplified. I expected more complex challenges."
"Some parts felt a bit rushed, especially the more advanced security topics, but overall a valuable 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 Capturing Logic with Custom Functions in PostgreSQL with these activities:
Review introductory books on PostgreSQL
Review foundational knowledge of PostgresSQL to ensure having the most up-to-date background information.
Browse courses on SQL
Show steps
  • Read "PostgreSQL: Up and Running" by O'Reilly Media
  • Read "The PostgreSQL Manual" by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group
Seek mentorship from experienced PostgreSQL developers
Connect with experts in the field to gain insights, guidance, and support, accelerating learning and career growth.
Browse courses on Mentorship
Show steps
  • Attend industry meetups or conferences
  • Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn or other platforms
  • Ask for guidance and feedback on your work
Create functions for a range of scenarios
Practice building functions for common use cases, improving proficiency and developing mastery of the material.
Show steps
  • Create a function to calculate the area of a circle
  • Create a function to check if a string is a palindrome
  • Create a function to find the mode of a list of numbers
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow online tutorials on PL/pgSQL and function polymorphism
Supplement the course material by seeking additional guidance and examples on specific topics, reinforcing understanding.
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on PL/pgSQL
  • Follow the tutorials and complete exercises
Create a data visualization tool that utilizes PostgreSQL functions
Apply knowledge of PostgreSQL functions to a practical application, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Identify a problem or dataset that can benefit from data visualization
  • Design and build the data visualization tool
  • Use PostgreSQL functions to enhance the functionality of the tool
Create a blog post on PostgreSQL functions best practices
Demonstrate understanding of best practices by applying them to a real-world scenario and sharing insights with the broader community.
Show steps
  • Research PostgreSQL function best practices
  • Write a blog post outlining the best practices
  • Publish the blog post on a relevant platform
Contribute to an open-source PostgreSQL project
Engage with the broader PostgreSQL community, contribute to real-world projects, and expand knowledge and skills.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source PostgreSQL project to contribute to
  • Review the project's documentation and codebase
  • Make a contribution, such as fixing a bug or adding a feature

Career center

Learners who complete Capturing Logic with Custom Functions in PostgreSQL will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Database Administrator
Database Administrators handle the setup, maintenance, and monitoring of databases. They work in many different industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, and technology. A solid understanding of PostgreSQL functions is essential for database administrators, and this course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this role. The course covers topics that are essential for database administrators, such as creating functions, securing functions, and handling errors.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. They use a variety of tools and techniques to extract insights from data, and PostgreSQL functions can be a valuable tool for data analysts. This course will teach you how to create and use PostgreSQL functions to automate tasks, improve performance, and gain insights from your data.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use scientific methods to extract knowledge from data. They use a variety of tools and techniques, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, to solve business problems and create new insights. PostgreSQL functions can be a valuable tool for data scientists, as they allow them to automate tasks, improve performance, and develop new algorithms. This course will teach you how to create and use PostgreSQL functions to succeed in the field of data science.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, and technology. PostgreSQL is a popular database management system, and software engineers who are familiar with PostgreSQL functions are in high demand. This course will teach you how to create and use PostgreSQL functions to develop more efficient and effective software applications.
Backend Developer
Backend Developers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of the server-side of web applications. They work with databases, servers, and other backend technologies to ensure that applications run smoothly and efficiently. PostgreSQL is a popular database management system, and backend developers who are familiar with PostgreSQL functions are in high demand. This course will teach you how to create and use PostgreSQL functions to develop more efficient and effective web applications.
Full-Stack Developer
Full Stack Developers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of both the front-end and back-end of web applications. They work with a variety of technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PostgreSQL. PostgreSQL is a popular database management system, and full stack developers who are familiar with PostgreSQL functions are in high demand. This course will teach you how to create and use PostgreSQL functions to develop more efficient and effective full stack web applications.
Web Developer
Web Developers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of websites. They work with a variety of technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PostgreSQL. PostgreSQL is a popular database management system, and web developers who are familiar with PostgreSQL functions are in high demand. This course will teach you how to create and use PostgreSQL functions to develop more efficient and effective websites.
Data Engineer
Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines. They work with a variety of tools and technologies to ensure that data is collected, cleaned, and analyzed efficiently. PostgreSQL is a popular database management system, and data engineers who are familiar with PostgreSQL functions are in high demand. This course will teach you how to create and use PostgreSQL functions to develop more efficient and effective data pipelines.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help businesses understand their data and make better decisions. They work with a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data, identify trends, and develop recommendations. PostgreSQL is a popular database management system, and business analysts who are familiar with PostgreSQL functions are in high demand. This course will teach you how to create and use PostgreSQL functions to analyze data more efficiently and effectively.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They work with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to specification. PostgreSQL is a popular database management system, and project managers who are familiar with PostgreSQL functions are in high demand. This course will teach you how to create and use PostgreSQL functions to manage projects more efficiently and effectively.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with a variety of stakeholders to identify market opportunities, define product requirements, and develop marketing plans. PostgreSQL is a popular database management system, and product managers who are familiar with PostgreSQL functions are in high demand. This course will teach you how to create and use PostgreSQL functions to develop and launch new products more efficiently and effectively.
Database Architect
Database Architects design and develop database systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders to understand business requirements and develop database solutions that meet those requirements. PostgreSQL is a popular database management system, and database architects who are familiar with PostgreSQL functions are in high demand. This course will teach you how to create and use PostgreSQL functions to design and develop more efficient and effective database systems.
Software Architect
Software Architects design and develop software systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders to understand business requirements and develop software solutions that meet those requirements. PostgreSQL is a popular database management system, and software architects who are familiar with PostgreSQL functions are in high demand. This course will teach you how to create and use PostgreSQL functions to design and develop more efficient and effective software systems.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts analyze and design business systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders to understand business requirements and develop system solutions that meet those requirements. PostgreSQL is a popular database management system, and systems analysts who are familiar with PostgreSQL functions are in high demand. This course will teach you how to create and use PostgreSQL functions to analyze and design more efficient and effective business systems.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's information systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders to identify security risks and develop security solutions that mitigate those risks. PostgreSQL is a popular database management system, and information security analysts who are familiar with PostgreSQL functions are in high demand. This course will teach you how to create and use PostgreSQL functions to protect your organization's information systems more efficiently and effectively.

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 Capturing Logic with Custom Functions in PostgreSQL.
Complete guide to PostgreSQL, covering everything from basic installation to advanced topics like replication and performance tuning. It's written in a clear and concise style, and it's packed with practical examples and tips.
Collection of recipes that show you how to perform common PostgreSQL administration tasks. It's a great resource for both beginners and experienced administrators.
Serves as a comprehensive guide for PostgreSQL database developers, covering advanced concepts that complement the topics covered in the course.
Collection of recipes that show you how to perform common PostgreSQL tasks. It's a great resource for both beginners and experienced administrators.
Guide to PostgreSQL performance tuning. It covers everything from basic optimization techniques to advanced topics like query optimization and hardware tuning.
Provides a detailed overview of SQL injection attacks and defense techniques, offering valuable insights that complement the course's focus on securing PostgreSQL functions.
Gentle introduction to PostgreSQL. It's written in a clear and concise style, and it's perfect for beginners.

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