Introduction to SQL with M/SQL

Course Length: Approximately 40 hours
Prerequisites: The student should have a good understanding of computers and programming techniques

The M/SQL course is intended as a guide to ANSI SQL (Structured Query Language) and to serve as an introduction to the Open M/SQL implementation. Initially, the basic uses of M/SQL are discussed through a series of example database definitions, queries and updates. The fundamentals of relational databases are shown, including base tables, and views.

The user is taken through the relational operations such as Cartesian products, restrictions, projections and joins. The understanding of these operations is then used as a tool to further understand the relationships between tables. Once the theory is mastered, the M/SQL syntax is explored. Each of the three categories of M/SQL commands is covered separately: Data Definition Language, Data Manipulation Language and Data Control Language. In the DDL section, data definition is explained by creating, altering and deleting base tables. The structural table elements are also discussed. The DML section is organized around the selection and manipulation of data. The process of changing and selecting data in base tables and the resulting virtual tables is shown. Cursor and non-cursor operations are discussed, showing how they are used, along with Insert, Update, and Delete. Data control is an important component of M/SQL. The granting of privileges both in base and virtual tables is discussed, along with its implications. The unit on queries and views is built based upon previously learned concepts. The effect of data manipulation and selection of views is discussed. Changing data according to views and its effect on other views and the base tables is shown. Open M/SQL language and database extensions are covered, including implicit joins and relationships. Multi-line fields and other extensions are covered. Its reporting abilities are demonstrated. The use and implications of M/SQL embedded in M code are discussed as well as the tools provided by M/SQL.

Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Understand fundamental relational database concepts
• Explain the overall usage of the M/SQL language
• Describe and use the Data Definition Language to create, delete and alter base tables
• Describe and use the Data Manipulation Language to select data from base tables to form virtual tables as well as manipulate that data
• Describe and use the Data Control Language and control access to that data
• Understand the M/SQL implementation relative to the standard language as well as key differences

Note: All computer based training courses are Y2K (Year 2000) compliant.