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Scott Hecht
The Introduction to Dates and Times in SQL Server course details how to use the date, time, smalldatetime, datetime and datetime2 data types as well as the many date- and time-related functions available to the SQL programmer.
The Introduction to Dates and Times in SQL Server course details how to use the date, time, smalldatetime, datetime and datetime2 data types as well as the many date- and time-related functions available to the SQL programmer such as DATEPART(), DATEFROMPARTS(), DATEADD(), as well as many others.
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Date Functions
Time Functions
SQL
DATE Data Type
TIME Data Type
SMALLDATETIME Data Type
DATETIME Data Type
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/fty1gn/introduction
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction
Quick Start Guide
DATE Data Type
TIME Data Type
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction
Quick Start Guide
DATE Data Type
TIME Data Type
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches introduction to dates and times in SQL Server
Covers date, time, smalldatetime, datetime, datetime2 data types
Develops date and time-related functions
Provides quick start guide and essential concepts
Includes additional functions and date/time manipulations
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Reviews summary
Sql server dates & times foundation
According to learners, this course is a highly effective introduction to handling dates and times in SQL Server. Students consistently praise the instructor's clear explanations and engaging teaching style, which demystifies complex concepts. The course is noted for its well-structured content and practical, hands-on examples and demos that can be immediately applied. While many found it an excellent foundational resource, some experienced learners felt the content was too basic or lacked advanced topics like performance optimization, suggesting it primarily caters to those new to the subject.
Effectively clarifies specific data types and conversion functions.
"The conversion functions section alone was worth the price."
"I've always struggled with the nuances of date/time conversions, and this course clarified everything."
"The segment on datetime2 was particularly helpful."
Excellent for building a solid understanding of SQL date/time basics.
"This course delivered exactly what it promised: a solid introduction to dates and times in SQL Server."
"It covers the essential date and time data types and functions in SQL Server very well."
"It's not exhaustive, but it lays a very strong foundation for my work."
Provides valuable hands-on examples for immediate application.
"I especially appreciated the hands-on examples and the logical flow of topics..."
"I found the practical demos immensely valuable. It truly covers a wide range of functions..."
"Every section was clear and concise, with practical examples that I could immediately apply."
Instructor demystifies complex date and time concepts effectively.
"The instructor explains complex concepts with incredible clarity, making it easy to grasp even for beginners."
"As someone who struggles with dates and times in SQL, this course demystified it completely."
"I found the instructor did a great job breaking down what can be a very confusing topic for me."
Primarily caters to beginners, may lack depth for advanced users.
"I was hoping for more advanced topics or optimization techniques... but it stayed very much at an introductory level."
"If I already have some experience, this course might be too basic for me."
"For complete beginners, it's a good starting point, but I'll probably need additional resources to really master the topic."
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 Introduction to Dates and Times in SQL Server with these
activities:
Review SQL Data Types
Show steps
This activity helps review concepts essential to the course, specifically SQl Data Types.
Show steps
-
Go over notes from previous courses or textbooks on data types in SQL.
-
Review online tutorials or documentation on SQL data types.
-
Complete practice exercises on data type conversion and manipulation.
Review DATE data type
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of the DATE data type and its usage in SQL Server to strengthen your foundation for understanding date and time concepts.
Show steps
-
Review the syntax and purpose of the DATE data type.
-
Practice declaring and inserting DATE values into a table.
Explore advanced SQL Server date/time techniques with 'SQL Server Date and Time Functions'
Show steps
Supplement your learning by exploring advanced date/time techniques in this comprehensive reference book
View
T-SQL Querying (Developer Reference)
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Acquire a copy of 'SQL Server Date and Time Functions'
-
Read and study the chapters relevant to the course topics
-
Apply the concepts and techniques to your own projects or practice problems
11 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 14 activities
Follow tutorials on date and time manipulation
Show steps
Seek out and follow guided tutorials to gain a deeper understanding of how to manipulate dates and times in SQL Server, covering advanced functions and techniques.
Browse courses on
Date Manipulation
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online resources or tutorials on date and time manipulation.
-
Follow the instructions and complete the exercises provided in the tutorials.
-
Experiment with different approaches and techniques for date and time manipulation.
Practice Date and Time Calculations
Show steps
Practice using SQL Server functions such as DATEPART(), DATEFROMPARTS(), and DATEADD() to perform date and time calculations.
Show steps
-
Practice adding and subtracting days, months, and years to dates.
-
Practice extracting specific parts of dates and times.
-
Practice using DATEADD() to add or subtract intervals from dates and times.
Learn more about DATEPART() function
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of the DATEPART() function through tutorials
Show steps
-
Find tutorials on DATEPART() function
-
Follow the tutorials to learn the usage and syntax of DATEPART()
Test your understanding of DATEADD()
Show steps
Sharpen your skills in using DATEADD() through practice exercises
Show steps
-
Find practice problems on DATEADD()
-
Solve the practice problems to apply your knowledge
Design a Database Schema with Date and Time Columns
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by designing a database schema that effectively handles date and time data.
Show steps
-
Identify the specific requirements for storing and manipulating date and time data in your project.
-
Research and select appropriate data types and constraints for your date and time columns.
-
Create a logical and normalized database schema that meets the requirements.
Create a visual representation of date and time concepts
Show steps
Create a visual representation, such as a flowchart or diagram, that illustrates the relationships between different date and time data types and functions, enhancing your understanding and retention.
Browse courses on
Visual Representation
Show steps
-
Plan the layout and structure of your visual representation.
-
Use appropriate colors, symbols, and text to represent different concepts.
-
Present your visual representation to others and gather feedback.
Create a Date and Time Conversion Tool
Show steps
Build a simple tool or application that converts dates and times between different formats or time zones.
Show steps
-
Design the interface of your tool or application.
-
Implement the conversion logic using SQL Server functions.
-
Test and debug your tool or application.
Create summaries of datetime functions
Show steps
Deepen your understanding by creating summaries of the various datetime functions covered in the course
Show steps
-
Review the datetime functions covered in the course
-
Create a summary for each function, including its purpose, syntax, and examples
Volunteer at a Non-Profit Organization
Show steps
Find a non-profit organization that works with dates and times, such as a historical society or a scheduling service, and volunteer your time to help them manage their data.
Show steps
-
Research non-profit organizations in your area that work with dates and times.
-
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Work with the organization to manage their date and time-related data.
Deepen understanding of datetime2 data type
Show steps
Expand your knowledge on datetime2 data type through external tutorials
Show steps
-
Search for advanced tutorials on datetime2 data type
-
Follow the tutorials to gain in-depth knowledge of its features and usage
Develop a data visualization tool for date/time data
Show steps
Apply your learning by creating a tool that visualizes date/time data, enhancing your understanding of their manipulation and interpretation
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
-
Identify a specific date/time data analysis problem to solve
-
Design and develop a data visualization tool to address the identified problem
-
Test and refine the tool to ensure accurate and effective visualization
Review SQL Data Types
Show steps
This activity helps review concepts essential to the course, specifically SQl Data Types.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Go over notes from previous courses or textbooks on data types in SQL.
- Review online tutorials or documentation on SQL data types.
- Complete practice exercises on data type conversion and manipulation.
Review DATE data type
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of the DATE data type and its usage in SQL Server to strengthen your foundation for understanding date and time concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the syntax and purpose of the DATE data type.
- Practice declaring and inserting DATE values into a table.
Explore advanced SQL Server date/time techniques with 'SQL Server Date and Time Functions'
Show steps
Supplement your learning by exploring advanced date/time techniques in this comprehensive reference book
View
T-SQL Querying (Developer Reference)
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Acquire a copy of 'SQL Server Date and Time Functions'
- Read and study the chapters relevant to the course topics
- Apply the concepts and techniques to your own projects or practice problems
11 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 14 activities
Follow tutorials on date and time manipulation
Show steps
Seek out and follow guided tutorials to gain a deeper understanding of how to manipulate dates and times in SQL Server, covering advanced functions and techniques.
Browse courses on
Date Manipulation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online resources or tutorials on date and time manipulation.
- Follow the instructions and complete the exercises provided in the tutorials.
- Experiment with different approaches and techniques for date and time manipulation.
Practice Date and Time Calculations
Show steps
Practice using SQL Server functions such as DATEPART(), DATEFROMPARTS(), and DATEADD() to perform date and time calculations.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Practice adding and subtracting days, months, and years to dates.
- Practice extracting specific parts of dates and times.
- Practice using DATEADD() to add or subtract intervals from dates and times.
Learn more about DATEPART() function
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of the DATEPART() function through tutorials
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find tutorials on DATEPART() function
- Follow the tutorials to learn the usage and syntax of DATEPART()
Test your understanding of DATEADD()
Show steps
Sharpen your skills in using DATEADD() through practice exercises
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice problems on DATEADD()
- Solve the practice problems to apply your knowledge
Design a Database Schema with Date and Time Columns
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by designing a database schema that effectively handles date and time data.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the specific requirements for storing and manipulating date and time data in your project.
- Research and select appropriate data types and constraints for your date and time columns.
- Create a logical and normalized database schema that meets the requirements.
Create a visual representation of date and time concepts
Show steps
Create a visual representation, such as a flowchart or diagram, that illustrates the relationships between different date and time data types and functions, enhancing your understanding and retention.
Browse courses on
Visual Representation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Plan the layout and structure of your visual representation.
- Use appropriate colors, symbols, and text to represent different concepts.
- Present your visual representation to others and gather feedback.
Create a Date and Time Conversion Tool
Show steps
Build a simple tool or application that converts dates and times between different formats or time zones.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Design the interface of your tool or application.
- Implement the conversion logic using SQL Server functions.
- Test and debug your tool or application.
Create summaries of datetime functions
Show steps
Deepen your understanding by creating summaries of the various datetime functions covered in the course
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the datetime functions covered in the course
- Create a summary for each function, including its purpose, syntax, and examples
Volunteer at a Non-Profit Organization
Show steps
Find a non-profit organization that works with dates and times, such as a historical society or a scheduling service, and volunteer your time to help them manage their data.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research non-profit organizations in your area that work with dates and times.
- Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Work with the organization to manage their date and time-related data.
Deepen understanding of datetime2 data type
Show steps
Expand your knowledge on datetime2 data type through external tutorials
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for advanced tutorials on datetime2 data type
- Follow the tutorials to gain in-depth knowledge of its features and usage
Develop a data visualization tool for date/time data
Show steps
Apply your learning by creating a tool that visualizes date/time data, enhancing your understanding of their manipulation and interpretation
Browse courses on
Data Visualization
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific date/time data analysis problem to solve
- Design and develop a data visualization tool to address the identified problem
- Test and refine the tool to ensure accurate and effective visualization
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Dates and Times in SQL Server will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts commonly investigate and analyze data from a variety of sources to provide insights that drive decision-making. In this role, you can leverage your understanding of date and time data types, conversion functions, and date/time manipulations to effectively manage and interpret temporal data. The course's coverage of additional functions, such as DATEPART() and DATEFROMPARTS(), will equip you with the skills to extract specific date and time components and construct custom date values, providing a foundation for accurate data analysis.
Database Administrator
Database Administrator
Database Administrators ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of database systems, including managing data integrity and security. The course's focus on date and time data types, conversion functions, and date/time manipulations will enhance your ability to handle temporal data effectively. Understanding how to use functions like DATEADD() and additional functions will be instrumental in performing database maintenance tasks, such as managing backups and restoring data to specific points in time.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business Intelligence Analysts gather, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights for business decision-making. The course's coverage of date and time data types, conversion functions, and date/time manipulations will equip you with the skills to effectively manage and analyze temporal data. Understanding how to use functions like DATEPART() and DATEFROMPARTS() will be particularly valuable in extracting specific date and time components to uncover trends and patterns in business data.
Data Engineer
Data Engineer
Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines to ensure data integrity and accessibility. The course's coverage of date and time data types, conversion functions, and date/time manipulations will provide you with a solid understanding of how to manage and manipulate temporal data. Understanding how to use functions like DATEADD() and additional functions will be essential for building data pipelines that can handle temporal data efficiently and accurately.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. While the course's focus on date and time data types and functions may not be directly applicable to all software development roles, it can provide a foundation for building applications that involve temporal data management. Understanding how to use functions like DATEPART() and DATEFROMPARTS() can be beneficial in developing features that require date and time calculations or manipulations.
Statistician
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights and make predictions. The course's coverage of date and time data types, conversion functions, and date/time manipulations will equip you with the skills to effectively manage and analyze temporal data. Understanding how to use functions like DATEPART() and DATEFROMPARTS() will be particularly valuable in extracting specific date and time components to uncover patterns and trends in statistical data.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts evaluate and interpret financial data to make investment recommendations and assess financial risks. The course's focus on date and time data types, conversion functions, and date/time manipulations will provide you with a foundation for understanding and analyzing temporal financial data. Understanding how to use functions like DATEADD() and additional functions will be beneficial in performing financial modeling and forecasting, where time-based calculations are crucial.
Actuary
Actuary
Actuaries assess and manage financial risks and uncertainties. The course's coverage of date and time data types, conversion functions, and date/time manipulations will provide you with a foundation for understanding and analyzing temporal financial data. Understanding how to use functions like DATEADD() and additional functions will be beneficial in performing actuarial calculations and modeling, where time-based factors play a critical role.
Market Researcher
Market Researcher
Market Researchers gather and analyze data to understand consumer behavior and market trends. The course's coverage of date and time data types, conversion functions, and date/time manipulations will equip you with the skills to effectively manage and analyze temporal data. Understanding how to use functions like DATEPART() and DATEFROMPARTS() will be particularly valuable in identifying trends and patterns in consumer behavior over time.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate and analyze the distribution and patterns of health events and diseases in populations. The course's coverage of date and time data types, conversion functions, and date/time manipulations will provide you with a foundation for understanding and analyzing temporal health data. Understanding how to use functions like DATEADD() and additional functions will be beneficial in performing epidemiological studies and modeling, where time-based factors are crucial.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use statistical methods and machine learning techniques to extract insights from data. The course's coverage of date and time data types, conversion functions, and date/time manipulations will provide you with a foundation for understanding and analyzing temporal data. Understanding how to use functions like DATEPART() and DATEFROMPARTS() can be beneficial in developing machine learning models that can handle temporal data effectively.
Healthcare Analyst
Healthcare Analyst
Healthcare Analysts collect and analyze data to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. The course's coverage of date and time data types, conversion functions, and date/time manipulations will provide you with a foundation for understanding and analyzing temporal healthcare data. Understanding how to use functions like DATEADD() and additional functions will be beneficial in performing healthcare analytics and modeling, where time-based factors play a critical role.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. The course's focus on string literals, conversion functions, and date/time manipulations can provide a foundation for understanding and documenting technical concepts involving dates and times. Understanding how to use functions like DATEPART() and DATEFROMPARTS() can be beneficial in creating clear and concise documentation that accurately conveys temporal information.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and deliver projects within defined constraints. While the course's focus on date and time data types and functions may not be directly applicable to all project management roles, it can provide a foundation for managing projects that involve temporal constraints. Understanding how to use functions like DATEADD() and additional functions can be beneficial in scheduling tasks, tracking progress, and managing deadlines.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts gather and analyze business requirements to improve business processes and systems. While the course's focus on date and time data types and functions may not be directly applicable to all business analysis roles, it can provide a foundation for understanding and analyzing temporal business data. Understanding how to use functions like DATEPART() and DATEFROMPARTS() can be beneficial in identifying trends and patterns in business data over time.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fty1gn/introduction
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
Introduction to Dates and Times in SQL Server.
Provides a deep dive into the internals of SQL Server 2012. It includes a section on date and time data types and functions that good resource for additional reading for someone who wants to learn more about the topic.
Is considered to be one of the best general references for SQL Server 2012. It has a section on date and time data types and functions that good resource for additional reading.
Provides a comprehensive overview of execution plans in SQL Server 2012. It includes a section on date and time data types and functions that good resource for additional reading for someone who wants to learn more about the topic.
More general book about SQL server administration, but it has a good chapter that details date and time data types in SQL Server 2012. It provides a good background for the concepts that the course offers.
Contains a collection of articles on a variety of SQL Server topics, including date and time data types and functions. It good resource for additional reading for someone who wants to learn more about the topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of SQL Server 2012 programming, including a section on date and time data types and functions.
Save
Is another more general book about T-SQL fundamentals, but like the previous book, it has a few sections covering date and time data types and functions.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fty1gn/introduction
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