Databases: Semistructured Data from edX

About the Database Series of Courses

"Databases" was one of Stanford's three inaugural massive open online courses in the fall of 2011. It has been offered in synchronous and then in self-paced versions on a variety of platforms continuously since 2011. The material is now being offered as a set of five self-paced courses, which can be taken in a variety of ways to learn about different aspects of databases.

Relational Databases and SQL is the most popular course in the Databases series. It is applicable to learners seeking to gain a strong understanding of relational databases, and to master SQL, the long-accepted standard query language for relational database systems. Additional courses focus on advanced concepts in relational databases and SQL, formal foundations and database design methodologies, and semistructured data.

All of the courses are based around video lectures and demos. Many of them include quizzes between video segments to check understanding, in-depth standalone quizzes, and/or a variety of automatically-checked interactive exercises. Each course also includes an unmoderated discussion forum and pointers to readings and resources. The courses are described briefly below. Taught by Professor Jennifer Widom, the overall curriculum draws from Stanford's popular longstanding Databases course.

Why Learn About Databases

Databases are incredibly prevalent -- they underlie technology used by most people every day if not every hour. Databases reside behind a huge number of websites; they're a crucial component of telecommunications systems, banking systems, video games, and just about any other software system or electronic device that maintains some amount of persistent information. In addition to persistence, database systems provide a number of other properties that make them exceptionally useful and convenient: reliability, efficiency, scalability, concurrency control, data abstractions, and high-level query languages. Databases are so ubiquitous and important that computer science graduates frequently cite their database class as the one most useful to them in their industry or graduate-school careers.

What you'll learn

Stanford's online offering in Databases is now available as a set of five self-paced courses:

Databases: Relational Databases and SQL

Introduction to the relational model and concepts in relational databases and relational database management systems
Comprehensive coverage of SQL, the long-accepted standard query language for relational database management systems

Databases: Advanced Topics in SQL (prerequisite: Relational Databases and SQL)

Creating indexes for increased query performance
Using transactions for concurrency control and failure recovery
Database constraints: key, referential integrity, and "check" constraints
Database triggers
How views are created, used, and updated in relational databases
Authorization in relational databases

Databases: OLAP and Recursion

Star schemas, the data cube concept, and On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) features in relational databases including the Cube and Rollup operators
The SQL standard for queries over recursively-defined relations

Databases: Modeling and Theory

Relational algebra – the algebraic query language that provides the formal foundations of SQL
Dependency theory and normal forms in relational databases as the basis of schema design
The data-modeling component of the Unified Modeling Language (UML), how UML diagrams are translated to relations

Databases: Semistructured Data

The XML model for semistructured and self-describing data, including DTDs and some features of XML Schema
The JSON model for human-readable structured or semistructured data
The XPath language for processing XML data, and many features of the more advanced XQuery language
An introduction to the XSLT rule-based language for querying and transforming XML data

What's inside

Learning objectives

Introduction to the relational model and concepts in relational databases and relational database management systems
Comprehensive coverage of sql, the long-accepted standard query language for relational database management systems
Creating indexes for increased query performance
Using transactions for concurrency control and failure recovery
Database constraints: key, referential integrity, and "check" constraints
Database triggers
How views are created, used, and updated in relational databases
Authorization in relational databases
Star schemas, the data cube concept, and on-line analytical processing (olap) features in relational databases including the cube and rollup operators

The sql standard for queries over recursively-defined relations
Relational algebra – the algebraic query language that provides the formal foundations of sql
Dependency theory and normal forms in relational databases as the basis of schema design
The data-modeling component of the unified modeling language (uml), how uml diagrams are translated to relations
The xml model for semistructured and self-describing data, including dtds and some features of xml schema
The json model for human-readable structured or semistructured data
The xpath language for processing xml data, and many features of the more advanced xquery language
An introduction to the xslt rule-based language for querying and transforming xml data

Introduction to the relational model and concepts in relational databases and relational database management systems
Comprehensive coverage of sql, the long-accepted standard query language for relational database management systems
Creating indexes for increased query performance
Using transactions for concurrency control and failure recovery
Database constraints: key, referential integrity, and "check" constraints
Database triggers
How views are created, used, and updated in relational databases
Authorization in relational databases
Star schemas, the data cube concept, and on-line analytical processing (olap) features in relational databases including the cube and rollup operators
The sql standard for queries over recursively-defined relations
Relational algebra – the algebraic query language that provides the formal foundations of sql
Dependency theory and normal forms in relational databases as the basis of schema design
The data-modeling component of the unified modeling language (uml), how uml diagrams are translated to relations
The xml model for semistructured and self-describing data, including dtds and some features of xml schema
The json model for human-readable structured or semistructured data
The xpath language for processing xml data, and many features of the more advanced xquery language
An introduction to the xslt rule-based language for querying and transforming xml data

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Assumed background knowledge in Computer Science and Database Systems

Comprehensive coverage of SQL, the industry standard for relational databases

Focus on building a strong foundation in relational database concepts

Interactive exercises and quizzes to enhance learning

Taught by Jennifer Widom, an experienced professor in the field

Provides a solid understanding of data modeling and database design

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 Databases: Semistructured Data with these activities:

Read 'Database Systems: The Complete Book' by Garcia-Molina and Ullman

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Provides a comprehensive overview of database systems, complementing the course material and deepening your understanding.

View Database Systems: The Complete Book on Amazon

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Read through the chapters relevant to the course topics
Take notes and summarize key concepts
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises

Review Database Management Concepts

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Solidifies foundational knowledge of database management concepts, preparing you for a smoother learning experience in the course.

Browse courses on Database Management Systems (DBMS)

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Review lecture notes and textbooks from previous database courses
Complete online quizzes and exercises on basic database concepts
Practice writing simple SQL queries

Assist Peers in Database Concepts

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Strengthens your understanding of database concepts by explaining them to others and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Join online forums or study groups related to databases
Identify opportunities to answer questions and provide guidance to fellow learners
Create your own study materials or resources to support your peers

Five other activities

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Explore Advanced SQL Features

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Enhances your understanding of SQL's capabilities, enabling you to tackle more complex database tasks.

Browse courses on Advanced SQL

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Find online tutorials on advanced SQL features
Follow along with the tutorials, practicing the concepts
Apply the learned techniques to sample databases

Solve Database Design Problems

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Sharpens your ability to design efficient and effective databases, a crucial skill for database professionals.

Browse courses on Database Design

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Find online resources or textbooks with database design problems
Attempt to solve the problems on your own
Check your solutions against provided answers or consult with experts

Develop a Database Project Proposal

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Provides hands-on experience in planning and designing a database project, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Browse courses on Project Planning

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Identify a real-world problem that can be addressed with a database
Define the project scope, objectives, and deliverables
Design the database schema and create a detailed plan for implementation
Write a project proposal outlining your plan

Contribute to Open-Source Database Projects

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Enhances your practical skills and contributes to the broader database community, fostering professional growth and collaboration.

Browse courses on Database Development

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Identify open-source database projects aligned with your interests
Review the project documentation and contribute bug fixes or feature enhancements
Engage with the project community through forums or mailing lists

Design a Database for a Real-World Scenario

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Provides a comprehensive and practical project that integrates the knowledge and skills acquired in the course, showcasing your abilities to design, implement, and evaluate a database solution.

Browse courses on Database Design

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Identify a business or personal scenario that requires a database solution
Develop a detailed requirements document outlining the data entities, relationships, and functional needs
Design and implement the database schema in a suitable DBMS
Create sample data and test the database functionality
Write a report summarizing your design decisions and the outcome of the project

Career center

Learners who complete Databases: Semistructured Data will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting large amounts of data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Data Scientist by providing a comprehensive overview of databases, including relational databases and SQL, as well as semistructured data. The course also covers topics such as data modeling, theory, and OLAP, which are all essential for Data Scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases, ensuring that they are available, secure, and performant. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Database Administrator by providing a comprehensive overview of databases, including relational databases and SQL, as well as semistructured data. The course also covers topics such as database design, performance tuning, and security, which are all essential for Database Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Software Engineer by providing a comprehensive overview of databases, including relational databases and SQL, as well as semistructured data. The course also covers topics such as data modeling, theory, and OLAP, which are all essential for Software Engineers who work with data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Data Analyst by providing a comprehensive overview of databases, including relational databases and SQL, as well as semistructured data. The course also covers topics such as data modeling, theory, and OLAP, which are all essential for Data Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Business Analyst by providing a comprehensive overview of databases, including relational databases and SQL, as well as semistructured data. The course also covers topics such as data modeling, theory, and OLAP, which are all essential for Business Analysts who work with data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Information Architect

Information Architects are responsible for designing and managing the structure and organization of information within an organization. This course can help build a foundation for a career as an Information Architect by providing a comprehensive overview of databases, including relational databases and SQL, as well as semistructured data. The course also covers topics such as data modeling, theory, and OLAP, which are all essential for Information Architects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Data Engineer

Data Engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure that supports data storage and processing. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Data Engineer by providing a comprehensive overview of databases, including relational databases and SQL, as well as semistructured data. The course also covers topics such as data modeling, theory, and OLAP, which are all essential for Data Engineers who work with data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Database Designer

Database Designers are responsible for designing and developing the structure of databases. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Database Designer by providing a comprehensive overview of databases, including relational databases and SQL, as well as semistructured data. The course also covers topics such as data modeling, theory, and OLAP, which are all essential for Database Designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Designer

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Web Developer by providing a comprehensive overview of databases, including relational databases and SQL, as well as semistructured data. The course also covers topics such as data modeling, theory, and OLAP, which are all essential for Web Developers who work with data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Systems Analyst by providing a comprehensive overview of databases, including relational databases and SQL, as well as semistructured data. The course also covers topics such as data modeling, theory, and OLAP, which are all essential for Systems Analysts who work with data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Software Tester

Software Testers are responsible for testing software to ensure that it meets requirements and is free of defects. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Software Tester by providing a comprehensive overview of databases, including relational databases and SQL, as well as semistructured data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester

Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for writing documentation for software and other technical products. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Technical Writer by providing a comprehensive overview of databases, including relational databases and SQL, as well as semistructured data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for managing the development and launch of new products. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Product Manager by providing a comprehensive overview of databases, including relational databases and SQL, as well as semistructured data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Project Manager by providing a comprehensive overview of databases, including relational databases and SQL, as well as semistructured data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers are responsible for generating new business for a company. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Business Development Manager by providing a comprehensive overview of databases, including relational databases and SQL, as well as semistructured data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager