Relational Database Basics from edX

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This course is an introduction to the world of relational databases. You will explore the fundamental concepts of relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS), learn about relational database design, and understand how to transform source data into tables with clearly defined relationships. From there, you will learn how to apply relational database design principles to your own data, and create databases, tables, and load data yourself. You’ll get an introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL) and use it to add the keys and constraints necessary in a relational database.

This course includes hands-on, practical exercises to help you demonstrate your learning. You will work with several industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL. Based on what you’ve learned through the course, you’ll complete a final project in which you’ll design, create, and populate a database instance containing multiple tables.

No prior knowledge of databases or programming is required.

What you'll learn

The objective of this course is to provide you with a solid understanding of relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS).

After completing this course, you will be able to:

Describe a relational database and explain relational database concepts.
Design the schema of a relational database.
Create database objects such as tables, keys, constraints, and views.
Load tables with data from .CSV files.
Demonstrate working knowledge of MySQL, PostgreSQL and IBM Db2.

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1 – Relational Database Concepts

Review of data fundamentals

Information and Data Models

Types of Relationships

Mapping Entities to Tables

Data Types

Relational Model ConceptsRelational Database Architectures and Usage Scenarios

Introduction to Relational Database Products

Db2

MySQL

PostgreSQL

Module 2 – Using Relational Databases

Creating Tables

Loading Data

Exporting Data

Primary Keys and Foreign Keys

Overview of Indexes

Normalization

Relational Model Constraints

Module 3 – MySQL and PostgreSQL

Getting started with MySQL - architecture, design focus

Creating Databases and Tables in MySQL

Loading Data in MySQL

Using Keys and Constraints in MySQL

Getting started with PostgreSQL

Creating Databases and loading data into PostgreSQL

Views

Module 4 – Database Design Project

Approach to Database Design

Final Project

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Meant for beginners, this course develops relational database fundamentals, which are core skills for database administrators and data analysts

Teaches how to create and populate databases using industry-standard tools, such as IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL

Provides hands-on exercises to help learners demonstrate their understanding of the concepts

Through a final project, this course helps learners apply their knowledge to a real-world scenario

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 Relational Database Basics with these activities:

Join a Database Study Group

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Help you learn from and collaborate with other students

Browse courses on Relational Databases

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Find a study group
Attend study group meetings
Participate in discussions

Database Systems: The Complete Book

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Provide you with a comprehensive overview of database systems

View Database Systems: The Complete Book on Amazon

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Read the book
Take notes on the key concepts
Complete the practice exercises

Attend a Database Workshop

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Provide you with hands-on experience in a structured setting

Browse courses on Relational Databases

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Find a database workshop
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop

Five other activities

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SQL Tutorials

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Help you deepen your understanding of SQL

Browse courses on SQL

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Find SQL tutorials online
Follow along with the tutorials
Practice writing SQL queries

SQL Practice Exercises

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Help you improve your SQL skills

Browse courses on SQL

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Find SQL practice exercises online
Solve the practice exercises
Review your answers

Create a Database Schema

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Provide you with hands-on experience in designing a database

Browse courses on Relational Database Design

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Choose a topic for your database
Identify the entities and relationships in your topic
Create a database schema that represents your entities and relationships
Validate your database schema

Create a Database Application

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Give you practical experience in building a database application

Browse courses on Database Development

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Choose a project idea
Design your database schema
Create your database application
Test your database application
Deploy your database application

Participate in a Database Design Competition

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Challenge you to apply your skills and knowledge in a competitive environment

Browse courses on Relational Database Design

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Find a database design competition
Register for the competition
Design and submit your database schema
Attend the competition

Career center

Learners who complete Relational Database Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Database Administrator

Database Administrators set up, operate, and maintain computerized databases. The Relational Database Basics course from IBM can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). You will learn how to design and create databases, as well as load and manage data. This course will also provide you with hands-on experience with industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. The Relational Database Basics course from IBM can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). You will learn how to design and create databases, as well as load and manage data. This course will also provide you with hands-on experience with industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Architect

Database Architects design and implement database systems. The Relational Database Basics course from IBM can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). You will learn how to design and create databases, as well as load and manage data. This course will also provide you with hands-on experience with industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Architect

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. The Relational Database Basics course from IBM can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). You will learn how to design and create databases, as well as load and manage data. This course will also provide you with hands-on experience with industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. The Relational Database Basics course from IBM can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). You will learn how to design and create databases, as well as load and manage data. This course will also provide you with hands-on experience with industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business needs and develop solutions that improve business processes. The Relational Database Basics course from IBM can help prepare you for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). You will learn how to design and create databases, as well as load and manage data. This course will also provide you with hands-on experience with industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. The Relational Database Basics course from IBM may be useful for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). You will learn how to design and create databases, as well as load and manage data. This course will also provide you with hands-on experience with industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation. The Relational Database Basics course from IBM may be useful for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). You will learn how to design and create databases, as well as load and manage data. This course will also provide you with hands-on experience with industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software applications to ensure they meet quality standards. The Relational Database Basics course from IBM may be useful for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). You will learn how to design and create databases, as well as load and manage data. This course will also provide you with hands-on experience with industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. The Relational Database Basics course from IBM may be useful for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). You will learn how to design and create databases, as well as load and manage data. This course will also provide you with hands-on experience with industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain computer programs. The Relational Database Basics course from IBM may be useful for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). You will learn how to design and create databases, as well as load and manage data. This course will also provide you with hands-on experience with industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. The Relational Database Basics course from IBM may be useful for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). You will learn how to design and create databases, as well as load and manage data. This course will also provide you with hands-on experience with industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The Relational Database Basics course from IBM may be useful for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). You will learn how to design and create databases, as well as load and manage data. This course will also provide you with hands-on experience with industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. The Relational Database Basics course from IBM may be useful for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). You will learn how to design and create databases, as well as load and manage data. This course will also provide you with hands-on experience with industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Entry Clerk

Data Entry Clerks enter data into computer systems. The Relational Database Basics course from IBM may be useful for this role by providing you with a solid foundation in relational databases and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). You will learn how to design and create databases, as well as load and manage data. This course will also provide you with hands-on experience with industry standard relational databases, including IBM Db2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Entry Clerk