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Taught by Meta Staff

In this course, you will be introduced to databases and explore the modern ways in which they are used. Learn to distinguish between different types of database management systems then practice basic creation and data selection with the use of Structured Query Language (SQL) commands.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

- Demonstrate a working knowledge of the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work

- Identify and explain the different types of core technology and management systems used in

databases

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In this course, you will be introduced to databases and explore the modern ways in which they are used. Learn to distinguish between different types of database management systems then practice basic creation and data selection with the use of Structured Query Language (SQL) commands.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

- Demonstrate a working knowledge of the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work

- Identify and explain the different types of core technology and management systems used in

databases

- Identify and interpret basic SQL statements and commands

- Manipulate records in a database with the use of SQL statements and commands

- Outline alternatives to SQL

- and plan and design a simple relational database system

You’ll also gain experience with the following:

• Fundamental concepts in database

• Basic MySQL syntax and commands

• Database management systems

• MySQL software

• Relational databases

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Databases
In this module, you’ll receive an introduction to the course and explore possible career roles that you could follow as a database engineer. You’ll also review some tips on how to take this course successfully and discuss what it is that you hope to learn. As part of your introduction, you’ll learn about the basics of databases and data and how they work. You’ll then receive an introduction to SQL, or Standard Query Language, the coding syntax used to interact with databases. Finally, you’ll explore the basic structure of databases and discover the different types of keys they use.
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Traffic lights

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what should give you pause
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Suitable for aspiring or practicing database administrators to learn SQL
Teaches modern uses and applications of databases
Taught by Meta staff, leading experts in the field of database management
Covers the fundamentals of database systems and concepts
Provides hands-on experience with MySQL and SQL commands
Requires prior knowledge of database concepts and programming

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Reviews summary

Solid introduction to databases and sql

According to students, this course offers a largely positive and well-structured introduction to databases, making it perfect for beginners aspiring to a career in data. Learners particularly appreciate the clear explanations and practical, hands-on exercises with MySQL, which are noted for solidifying understanding and building confidence in basic SQL queries. While it provides a strong foundation, some with prior experience found the pace too basic or wished for more advanced topics and in-depth coverage beyond the introductory scope.
Instructor provides clear communication.
"The instructor explained complex topics very well."
"The instructor's clear communication made learning enjoyable."
Perfect for those with no prior database knowledge.
"It's perfect for beginners wanting to grasp core database concepts for a career in data."
"An absolute gem for beginners. I had zero prior knowledge of databases and now I feel like I have a strong grasp of the fundamentals."
"The course is okay, but... For complete beginners, it's probably fine."
Valuable hands-on labs and exercises aid understanding.
"The practical exercises using MySQL were a game-changer."
"I found the hands-on exercises incredibly useful for solidifying my understanding."
"The labs were particularly helpful, allowing me to apply what I learned immediately."
Provides clear explanations and a logical course progression.
"This course was a fantastic introduction to databases! The explanations were clear, especially the modules on SQL CRUD operations and relational database design."
"This course provided a perfectly structured introduction to databases. The progression from basic concepts to CRUD operations and then design was logical."
"The content was well-structured and the examples were practical."
May be too slow or superficial for those with prior experience.
"If you have any prior experience with databases or SQL, you might find it too slow."
"Found some of the explanations a bit superficial, especially when it came to SQL operators. I had to look up external resources..."
"I wished there were more advanced topics or challenges. Still, it definitely achieved its goal of being an 'introduction'."

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 Databases with these activities:
Review Database Systems: The Complete Book
Review a seminal text on databases to build a stronger foundational understanding.
Show steps
  • Read the first three chapters to establish a foundation.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
  • Summarize the key concepts in each chapter.
Join a study group to discuss database concepts and projects
Engage with peers to enhance understanding and collaboration.
Browse courses on Databases
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course material.
  • Work together on projects and assignments.
Practice SQL queries on W3Schools
Practice SQL queries to gain proficiency and improve understanding.
Browse courses on SQL
Show steps
  • Choose a topic to practice.
  • Complete the exercises provided.
  • Challenge yourself with more advanced queries.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow tutorials on Coursera to learn advanced SQL techniques.
Expand your SQL skills by following guided tutorials.
Browse courses on SQL
Show steps
  • Identify areas where you need to improve your SQL skills.
  • Find relevant tutorials on Coursera.
  • Complete the tutorials and practice the techniques.
Attend a workshop on database optimization
Sharpen your skills and learn best practices for database optimization.
Browse courses on Database Optimization
Show steps
  • Find a relevant workshop.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate.
  • Implement the techniques learned in your own projects.
Create a database schema for a real-world scenario.
Design a database schema to apply your understanding of database concepts.
Browse courses on Database Design
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world scenario that requires a database.
  • Determine the entities and relationships involved.
  • Create an ER diagram to represent the schema.
  • Implement the schema in a database management system.
Build a simple database application using Python and MySQL
Apply your knowledge to build a practical database application.
Browse courses on Database Applications
Show steps
  • Design the database schema.
  • Create the database and tables.
  • Write Python code to interact with the database.
  • Test the application and refine as needed.
Participate in a hackathon focused on database technologies
Challenge yourself and gain practical experience in database technologies.
Browse courses on Databases
Show steps
  • Find a relevant hackathon.
  • Form a team or work individually.
  • Develop a database-related solution.
  • Present your solution and compete for prizes.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Databases will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Database Engineer
A Database Engineer designs, builds, and maintains databases. This is the ideal career for someone who wants to work as a Database Engineer because it provides a deep understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work, leading to the ability to design, build, and maintain databases effectively. The course also provides experience with the fundamental concepts in database, basic MySQL syntax and commands, database management systems, MySQL software, relational databases, and provides hands-on experience with Create, Read, Update and Delete (CRUD) operations, SQL Operators, and sorting and filtering data.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst collects, cleans, and analyzes data to identify trends and patterns. This course may be useful for someone who wants to work as a Data Analyst because it provides a foundation in the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work, as well as experience with CRUD operations, SQL Operators, and sorting and filtering data.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist uses data to build models that can be used to make predictions and decisions. This course may be useful for someone who wants to work as a Data Scientist because it provides a foundation in the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work, as well as experience with CRUD operations, SQL Operators, and sorting and filtering data.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, builds, and maintains software systems. This course may be useful for someone who wants to work as a Software Engineer because it provides a foundation in the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work, as well as experience with CRUD operations, SQL Operators, and sorting and filtering data.
Web Developer
A Web Developer designs, builds, and maintains websites. This course may be useful for someone who wants to work as a Web Developer because it provides a foundation in the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work, as well as experience with CRUD operations, SQL Operators, and sorting and filtering data.
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases. This course may be useful for someone who wants to work as a Database Administrator because it provides a foundation in the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work, as well as experience with CRUD operations, SQL Operators, and sorting and filtering data.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and identifies opportunities for improvement. This course may be useful for someone who wants to work as a Business Analyst because it provides a foundation in the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work, as well as experience with CRUD operations, SQL Operators, and sorting and filtering data.
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. This course may be useful for someone who wants to work as a Project Manager because it provides a foundation in the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work, as well as experience with CRUD operations, SQL Operators, and sorting and filtering data.
Systems Analyst
A Systems Analyst analyzes and designs business systems. This course may be useful for someone who wants to work as a Systems Analyst because it provides a foundation in the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work, as well as experience with CRUD operations, SQL Operators, and sorting and filtering data.
IT Consultant
An IT Consultant provides consulting services to businesses on how to use technology to improve their operations. This course may be useful for someone who wants to work as an IT Consultant because it provides a foundation in the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work, as well as experience with CRUD operations, SQL Operators, and sorting and filtering data.
Data Architect
A Data Architect designs and builds data architectures. This course provides a foundation in the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work, as well as experience with CRUD operations, SQL Operators, and sorting and filtering data. This makes it a great option for someone who wants to work as a Data Architect.
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst protects computer systems and data from unauthorized access or damage. This course may be useful for someone who wants to work as an Information Security Analyst because it provides a foundation in the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work, which contain critical data.
Computer Systems Analyst
A Computer Systems Analyst analyzes and designs computer systems. This course may be useful for someone who wants to work as a Computer Systems Analyst because it provides a foundation in the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work, and how databases interact with other computer systems.
Information Technology Project Manager
An Information Technology Project Manager plans, executes, and closes information technology projects. This course may be useful for someone who wants to work as an Information Technology Project Manager because it provides a foundation in the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work, as well as experience with CRUD operations, SQL Operators, and sorting and filtering data.
Software Test Engineer
A Software Test Engineer tests software to ensure that it meets requirements. This course may be useful for someone who wants to work as a Software Test Engineer because it provides a foundation in the concepts and principles that underpin how databases work, which are an important component of software.

Reading list

We've selected 11 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 Databases.
A comprehensive guide to deep learning that covers all aspects of the topic, from neural networks to reinforcement learning. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about deep learning.
A comprehensive textbook that covers all aspects of database systems, from basic concepts to advanced topics. It valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in the field.
A classic book that provides a comprehensive overview of data on the Web. It covers a wide range of topics, including data models, query languages, and data integration.
A practical guide to natural language processing with Python that covers all aspects of the topic, from text preprocessing to machine learning models. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about natural language processing with Python.
A comprehensive guide to Spark that covers all aspects of the platform, from installation and configuration to data processing and analysis. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Spark.
A comprehensive guide to data mining that covers all aspects of the topic, from data preprocessing to model evaluation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about data mining.
A practical guide to machine learning for data science that covers all aspects of the topic, from data preparation to model deployment. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about machine learning for data science.
A comprehensive guide to Hadoop that covers all aspects of the platform, from installation and configuration to data processing and analysis. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Hadoop.
A practical guide to database design and implementation. It covers all the steps involved in designing and implementing a database, from requirements analysis to deployment.
A comprehensive guide to big data that covers all aspects of the topic, from data collection and storage to analysis and visualization. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about big data.
A practical guide to SQL that is perfect for beginners. It covers all the basics of SQL, from data types to queries.

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