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Database Design Fundamentals for Software Engineers

Gain insights into fundamental database concepts, relational databases, and entity-relationship diagrams. Learn about normalization techniques and basics of SQL to enhance database efficiency.

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Overview

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Databases are universal - they underlie the technology you use every day. They're a crucial component of everything from telecommunications systems, banking systems, and video games to just about any other software system that maintains some amount of persistent data. In this course, you'll learn about the fundamental concepts of databases, why and when they're used, what relational databases are, and entity-relationship diagrams. You will also be exposed to techniques like normalization that help to increase the efficiency of databases. You'll wrap up with a look at the basics of Structured Query Language (SQL). After completing this course, you will be able to move onto more advanced courses involving database systems and SQL.

Databases are universal - they underlie the technology you use every day. They're a crucial component of everything from telecom...Show More

TAKEAWAY SKILLS

SQL

Database

Content

74 Lessons17 Quizzes

Introduction

3 Lessons

Get familiar with database essentials, file-based system limitations, and reasons for transitioning to databases.

What to Expect

Before the Advent of Databases

Disadvantages of File-Based System

Fundamental Concepts

6 Lessons

Look at the fundamentals of databases, DBMS functions, and database benefits.

What is a Database?

Database management systems (DBMS)

An Example of a Database

Characteristics of the Database Approach

Benefits of the Database Approach

Quiz!

Data Modeling

6 Lessons

Examine data models, schemas, three-schema architecture, data independence, and DBMS classification.

Introduction to Data Models

Schemas and Instances

The Three-Schema Architecture

Data Independence

Classification of Database Management Systems

Quiz!

Entity-Relationship Data Model

13 Lessons

Grasp the fundamentals of the Entity-Relationship model, its components, and practical applications.

Intro to Entity-Relationship Model

Entities, Entity Sets and Entity Types

Attributes

Keys

Relationships, Relationship Sets and Relationship Types

Degrees of Relationship Types

Binary Relationship Type Constraints

Attributes of Relationship Types

Weak Entity Types

Exercise 1

Solution to Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Solution to Exercise 2

The Relational Data Model

7 Lessons

Dig into the relational data model, keys, integrity constraints, schemas, and fundamental operations.

Relational Model Concepts

Properties of a Table

Introduction to Database Keys

Integrity Rules and Constraints

Relational Database Schemas

Common Relational Database Operations

Quiz!

Functional Dependencies

4 Lessons

Simplify complex topics in functional dependencies to enhance database design and normalization.

Intro to Functional Dependencies

Rules of Functional Dependencies

Dependency Diagrams

Quiz!

Normalization

10 Lessons

Master the steps to normalize database tables by achieving different normal forms, ensuring efficient design.

What Is Normalization?

First Normal Form

Second Normal Form

Third Normal Form

Boyce-Codd Normal Form

Exercise 1

Solution to Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Solution to Exercise 2

Quiz!

Structured Query Language

24 Lessons

Learn how to use SQL for data management, including queries, joins, constraints, and aggregate functions.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

SQL Data Types and Operators

SQL Constraints

CREATE, DROP, and USE Databases

CREATE, DROP, and INSERT Table

The SELECT Clause

The WHERE Clause

The AND & OR Clauses

Aggregate Functions in SQL

Solution to Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Solution to Exercise 2

Exercise 3

Solution to Exercise 3

Exercise 4

Solution to Exercise 4

Conclusion

1 Lessons

Discover the logic behind foundational database design concepts and future learning pathways.

Where to Go from Here

Certificate of Completion

Showcase your accomplishment by sharing your certificate of completion.

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Every Educative lesson is designed by our in-house team of ex-MAANG software engineers and PhD computer science educators, and developed in consultation with developers and data scientists working at Meta, Google, and more. Our mission is to get you hands-on with the necessary skills to stay ahead in a constantly changing industry. No video, no fluff. Just interactive, project-based learning with personalized feedback that adapts to your goals and experience.

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