Databases / SQL
Previous knowledge
My previous knowledge of Databases is limited to some projects I did to prove that I had the skill set to be able to undertake a PGCE in Computer Science. Prior to that I had no knowledhge of databases whatsoever and have never heard of SQL.
Areas of strength
- I had used Microsoft Excel a great deal, this has given me a good foundation knowledge of the workings of how to input data and how to use formulas to prduce information.
Areas of weakness
- No subject knowledge.
Current Knowledge
I understand the basics of databases and what they do and how usefull they are.
The concepts of Primary and Foriegn Keys.
Relational Databases
I understand the practical examples of how to use databases to:
- Track orders
- Send mailouts
- Allow the user to input information but not have access to the database
- How online shops work
- How to use information from several different tables
I understand that databases can protect information and how you can show relevent information to relevent people. For example an online shop would not want to show it's customers the wholesale price and suppliers details, but would want to show the sale price and ordering information.
I feel I have a good understanding of most of the important commands in SQL.
- SELECT - extracts data from a database
- UPDATE - updates data in a database
- DELETE - deletes data from a database
- INSERT INTO - inserts new data into a database
- CREATE DATABASE - creates a new database
- ALTER DATABASE - modifies a database
- CREATE TABLE - creates a new table
- ALTER TABLE - modifies a table
- DROP TABLE - deletes a table
- CREATE INDEX - creates an index (search key)
- DROP INDEX - deletes an index
SQL is quite intuitive which makes it easier to understand.
I can apply the knowledge that i learned from databases to SQL.
I understand the advantage of SQL over Microsoft Access. In that Access is good for one user but is limited or slow with multiple users. SQL is much better for use in online shops or where there are multiple users of the same database.
Strategies For teaching
w3schools website is very useful for teaching SQL.
Teach ICT website
For information about what was covered in the course please follow the appendix 8 link below.