Relational Databases & Data Modelling Overview — A 2 day course

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Synopsis

This course is designed to give delegates practical experience in data modelling using entity relationship diagrams and data normalisation, and designing relational databases using the normalised entity model.

Delegates are not expected to have any prior knowledge of systems analysis, and the course includes a brief introduction to the principles of analysis.

Objectives

To provide an understanding of the structure of a RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) and the underlying principles of relational analysis. The delegates will gain knowledge and practise in:

• The database approach
• Database Management Systems
• The logic of database architectures
• Entity modelling
• Constraints and assumptions
• Data normalisation to the third normal form
• Logical data structures
• The relational schema
• Database constraints
• The concept of views
• De-normalisation techniques
• An introduction to simple queries in Structured Query Language (SQL)

Suitable For

Developers moving into the area of relational databases who need an understanding of the principles and logic of the relational database; programmers who are to start programming in SQL and need to know the principals on which it is built and any others who need to know the principles of relational analysis but do not need a complete systems analysis course.

Prerequisites

An understanding of Information Technology concepts and computer terms is required.

Publicly scheduled dates, locations, and prices

Contents

Introduction to Relational Databases

• The Database Approach
• Database Management Systems
• The function of a Database Management System
• The Processing Architecture
• The Schema Architecture
• The Storage Architecture
• An overview of Database System Development

Conceptual Data Models

• Entities and how to identify them
• Attributes and how to identify them
• Relationships
• Sub-type and Super-type Relationships
• Arc Relationships
• Recursive Relationships
• Constraints and Assumptions
• Normalisation to the First Normal Form (1NF)
• Normalisation to the Second Normal Form (2NF)
• Normalisation to the Third Normal Form (3NF)
• Exercises: Analysing a specification
• • Creating an Entity Relationship Diagram from it

• Exercises: Data Normalisation exercise
• • Normalisation producing Entity Diagrams

The Relational Model

• Relational Structure
• Relational Terminology
• Domains
• A Relational schema
• Candidate and Primary Keys
• Foreign Keys
• Key Constraints
• Attribute Constraints
• Implementing Sub-type/Super-type Relationships
• Views
• Denormalisation using Pre-joined Tables
• Denormalisation using Derived Data
• An Introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL)
• Simple Queries
• Simple Updates of the Data
• Exercise: Data Modelling from an Invitation to Tender