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Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL

Charles Russell Severance

In this course you will learn more about the historical design of databases and the use of SQL in the PostgreSQL environment. Using SQL techniques and common commands (INSERT INTO, WHERE, ORDER BY, ON DELETE CASCADE, etc) will enable you to create tables, column types and define the schema of your data in PostgreSQL. You will learn about data modeling and how to represent one-to-many and many-to-many relationships in PostgreSQL. Students will do hands-on assignments creating tables, inserting data, designing data models, creating relational structures and inserting and querying relational data in tables.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to SQL
In this first week, you will hear more about the goals of this course. You'll learn about the people and organizations instrumental to building the SQL standard, learn to differentiate between relational databases and flat files, and utilize psql and SQL commands to create, read, update, and delete tables in a PostgreSQL database.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores one-to-many and many-to-many relationships in a relational database environment, helping learners understand the structure of databases
Develops foundational skills in creating tables, inserting data, and performing basic data manipulations in SQL, useful in various fields and industries
Taught by Charles Russell Severance, providing learners access to the expertise and knowledge of an experienced data professional
Introduces the basics of SQL and relational databases, suitable for beginners with little to no prior experience
Offers hands-on assignments to reinforce learning and provide practical experience in working with SQL databases

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Reviews summary

Foundational database design & basic sql

According to learners, this course offers an excellent foundation in database design and basic SQL using PostgreSQL. Many highlight the hands-on assignments as particularly effective for learning, alongside the clear explanations provided by the instructor. While it's considered too basic for those with prior SQL experience, students consistently report it delivers a solid understanding of fundamental concepts like one-to-many and many-to-many relationships. Recent reviews specifically praise its practical approach to PostgreSQL commands, making it an ideal starting point for new learners seeking to grasp database fundamentals.
Generally smooth setup, occasional initial hurdles.
"The setup instructions for PostgreSQL were very clear."
"The only minor hiccup was setting up the environment initially, but once past that, it was smooth sailing."
"I appreciated the consistent use of PostgreSQL... It's a solid foundation for further study."
Instructor effectively clarifies complex topics.
"The instructor's explanations are incredibly clear, breaking down complex concepts like one-to-many and many-to-many relationships into digestible chunks."
"The instructor does a great job of explaining the 'why' behind database design choices."
"The segments on primary and foreign keys were very clear..."
Assignments effectively solidify concepts learned.
"The hands-on assignments were the best part, truly solidifying my understanding and providing practical experience."
"The practical exercises are very helpful. The assignments are practical and reinforce what you learn."
"The hands-on approach, especially with the command-line tools and database creation, was superb."
A strong starting point for new database learners.
"This course is a phenomenal starting point for anyone looking to understand database design and SQL in PostgreSQL... Highly recommended for absolute beginners!"
"Perfect for understanding the basics of SQL and relational database concepts. I came in with zero knowledge... and now I feel confident."
"It's a good starting point for absolute novices... The pace is excellent for new learners."
Course scope is foundational, not advanced.
"If you have any prior experience with databases, you might find it too slow and repetitive... not for intermediates."
"Disappointed with the lack of advanced content. The title 'Basic SQL' is accurate, but I was looking for more."
"It's truly a 'basic' course, so don't expect advanced topics, but it's perfect for what it is."

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 Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL with these activities:
Follow along with the PostgreSQL Tutorial by TutorialsPoint
Familiarize yourself with the basics of SQL and PostgreSQL.
Browse courses on SQL
Show steps
  • Go through the tutorial's sections on data types, tables, and basic SQL commands.
  • Try out the examples provided in the tutorial.
Read Database Design and Relational Theory by C.J. Date
Understand the fundamentals of database design and the relational model.
View Logic and Databases: The Roots of Relational... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book's introduction and first three chapters.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Join a study group for the course
Connect with other students taking the course and collaborate on learning.
Show steps
  • Find a study group on platforms like Discord or Slack.
  • Meet with the group regularly to discuss course material and work on projects.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Solve SQL practice problems on LeetCode
Practice solving SQL problems and improve your problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on SQL
Show steps
  • Sign up for a LeetCode account.
  • Start solving the easy SQL problems.
Attend a workshop on PostgreSQL
Deepen your understanding of PostgreSQL and learn from experienced professionals.
Browse courses on PostgreSQL
Show steps
  • Search for PostgreSQL workshops in your area.
  • Register for a workshop that fits your schedule and interests.
Create a database for a small project
Gain hands-on experience in designing and creating a database.
Browse courses on Database Design
Show steps
  • Identify a small project that you can work on.
  • Design the database schema for your project.
  • Create the database and tables in PostgreSQL.
  • Insert data into the tables.
Help other students in the course by answering questions in the discussion forum
Reinforce your learning by helping others understand the material.
Show steps
  • Participate in the course discussion forum.
  • Answer questions that other students post.

Career center

Learners who complete Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Database Designer
A Database Designer designs and develops databases. The Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL course provides a foundation in database design and SQL, which are essential skills for Database Designers. The course covers topics such as creating tables, inserting data, designing data models, creating relational structures, and inserting and querying relational data in tables.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Designer
Data Warehouse Architect
A Data Warehouse Architect designs and builds data warehouses. The Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL course provides a foundation in database design and SQL, which are essential skills for Data Warehouse Architects. The course covers topics such as creating tables, inserting data, designing data models, creating relational structures, and inserting and querying relational data in tables.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Warehouse Architect
Data Architect
A Data Architect designs and builds the architecture for data systems. The Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL course provides a foundation in database design and SQL, which are essential skills for Data Architects. The course covers topics such as creating tables, inserting data, designing data models, creating relational structures, and inserting and querying relational data in tables.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect
Data Engineer
A Data Engineer builds and maintains data pipelines and infrastructure. The Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL course provides a foundation in database design and SQL, which are essential skills for Data Engineers. The course covers topics such as creating tables, inserting data, designing data models, creating relational structures, and inserting and querying relational data in tables.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. The Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL course provides a foundation in database design and SQL, which are essential skills for Software Engineers. The course covers topics such as creating tables, inserting data, designing data models, creating relational structures, and inserting and querying relational data in tables.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Computer Scientist
A Computer Scientist designs and develops computer systems and applications. The Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL course provides a foundation in database design and SQL, which are essential skills for Computer Scientists. The course covers topics such as creating tables, inserting data, designing data models, creating relational structures, and inserting and querying relational data in tables.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist
Systems Analyst
A Systems Analyst designs and develops computer systems and applications. The Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL course provides a foundation in database design and SQL, which are essential skills for Systems Analysts. The course covers topics such as creating tables, inserting data, designing data models, creating relational structures, and inserting and querying relational data in tables.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst identifies and analyzes business needs and develops solutions to improve business processes. The Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL course provides a foundation in database design and SQL, which are essential skills for Business Analysts. The course covers topics such as creating tables, inserting data, designing data models, creating relational structures, and inserting and querying relational data in tables.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst plans and implements security measures to protect an organization's information systems. The Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL course provides a foundation in database design and SQL, which are essential skills for Information Security Analysts. The course covers topics such as creating tables, inserting data, designing data models, creating relational structures, and inserting and querying relational data in tables.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical and analytical techniques to solve business problems. The Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL course provides a foundation in database design and SQL, which are essential skills for Operations Research Analysts. The course covers topics such as creating tables, inserting data, designing data models, creating relational structures, and inserting and querying relational data in tables.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst
Information Technology Manager
An Information Technology Manager plans and implements the use of information technology in an organization. The Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL course provides a foundation in database design and SQL, which are essential skills for Information Technology Managers. The course covers topics such as creating tables, inserting data, designing data models, creating relational structures, and inserting and querying relational data in tables.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist uses data to build models that can be used to make predictions or recommendations. The Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL course introduces you to SQL, the language used to query and manage databases. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to expand their knowledge of SQL, as it can help you learn how to create, update, and manage databases using SQL in the PostgreSQL environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Statistician
A Statistician collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data. The Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL course introduces you to SQL, the language used to query and manage databases. This course may be useful for Statisticians who want to expand their knowledge of SQL, as it can help you learn how to create, update, and manage databases using SQL in the PostgreSQL environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator is responsible for the installation, configuration, maintenance, and performance of databases. The Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL course provides a foundation in database design and SQL, which are essential skills for Database Administrators. The course covers topics such as creating tables, inserting data, designing data models, creating relational structures, and inserting and querying relational data in tables.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst collects, processes, and analyzes data to extract meaningful insights and identify trends. The Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL course introduces you to SQL, the language used to query and manage databases. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who want to expand their knowledge of SQL, as it can help you learn how to create, update, and manage databases using SQL in the PostgreSQL environment. It also covers data modeling and how to represent one-to-many and many-to-many relationships in PostgreSQL.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL.
Cover image
Database Systems: The Complete Book
Save
This comprehensive textbook provides a thorough foundation in database systems, covering concepts such as data modeling, query processing, and transaction management. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
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
Database Design and Relational Theory
Save
This classic work on database design and relational theory provides a comprehensive and rigorous treatment of the subject. It must-read for anyone interested in the foundations of database systems.
Database Design and Relational Theory: Normal Forms...
Paperback
$$
Database Design and Relational Theory: Normal Forms...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Deep Learning
Save
This comprehensive textbook provides a thorough introduction to deep learning. It covers topics such as neural networks, convolutional neural networks, and recurrent neural networks. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about deep learning or using deep learning for practical applications.
Deep Learning
Paperback
$$$
Deep Learning (Adaptive Computation and Machine...
Hardcover
$$$
Deep Learning (Adaptive Computation and Machine...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
SQL Performance Explained
Save
Provides a deep dive into SQL performance optimization techniques. It covers topics such as query planning, indexing, and performance monitoring. It valuable resource for database developers and administrators looking to improve the performance of their SQL queries.
SQL Performance Explained Everything Developers...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Query Store for SQL Server 2019
Save
This beginner-friendly guide provides a comprehensive introduction to SQL, covering fundamental concepts, data manipulation, and query optimization. It is an excellent resource for those new to SQL or looking to refresh their knowledge.
Query Store for SQL Server 2019: Identify and Fix...
Paperback
$$
Query Store for SQL Server 2019: Identify and Fix...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Data Science from Scratch
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to data science using Python. It covers topics such as data wrangling, data analysis, and machine learning. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about data science or using Python for data science.
Data Science from Scratch: First Principles with...
Paperback
$$
Data Science from Scratch: First Principles with...
Kindle Edition
$$
Data Science from Scratch: First Principles with...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
NoSQL Distilled
Save
Provides a concise introduction to NoSQL databases. It covers the different types of NoSQL databases, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose the right NoSQL database for a particular application. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about NoSQL databases.
NoSQL Distilled: A Brief Guide to the Emerging...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Effort
Approx. 13 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Michigan
Instructor
Charles Russell Severance
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called PostgreSQL for Everybody. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Database Design and Basic SQL in PostgreSQL (viewing)
  2. Intermediate PostgreSQL
  3. Database Architecture, Scale, and NoSQL with Elasticsearch
  4. JSON and Natural Language Processing in PostgreSQL
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores one-to-many and many-to-many relationships in a relational database environment, helping learners understand the structure of databases
Develops foundational skills in creating tables, inserting data, and performing basic data manipulations in SQL, useful in various fields and industries
Taught by Charles Russell Severance, providing learners access to the expertise and knowledge of an experienced data professional
Introduces the basics of SQL and relational databases, suitable for beginners with little to no prior experience
Offers hands-on assignments to reinforce learning and provide practical experience in working with SQL databases
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