The tutorial provides a general explanation of SQL beginning with the definition of the term to the activities that are carried out in a database with the use of SQL. Most websites and other journals and articles have a definition for structured Query Language, according to the tutorial SQL is used as a communication tool or an interface between the user and the database.
The tutorial provides an explanation of the different operations that can be done in a database and the commands and operators that can be used in the manipulation of the data in the database. The statements are mainly used to access the data in the database or to retrieve the data from the database.
Structured Query Language is used in information management systems, to carry out database manipulation processes. Such systems include; Oracle, Microsoft SQL server, Access, Ingress, Sybase and many more. These systems may have their own standardised extension used in the individual systems, however the common SQL commands used include the Select, Insert, Update, Delete, Create, and Drop which could be used to carry out any task within a database.
According toa table is the basic unit of a database this is where all the records and data for the data base are stored. In the tutorial the salient features of a table are explained and an example of the layout of a table is given. Data and information in a table are arranged in rows and columns. The columns contain column names, data type and any other relevant attributes. The columns are sometimes referred to as fields. The rows hold the data or the field records for the table. The data in these tables are manipulated by use of SQL statements and commands. The manipulation tasks as explained in the tutorial include:
Creating a table
The statement used to create a table in SQL is the CREATE TABLE statement; the statement will create a table with the specified name and columns. The table name should always be unique and related to the data in holds.
Selecting data from a table (Querying);
The database can be queried for particular set of data and information. The SELECT statement is used to query data from a table. The statement is used in conjunction with other commands to perform different querying tasks in the database. The where clause is a command that is used with the SELECT statement to query the data base following a specified criteria.
Dropping a table
The DROP TABLE statement is used to delete entire rows or records and delete the table form a database.
drop table "tablename"
Additional information is provided in the tutorial on advanced commands for advanced learning of how to manipulate data in the data base.
Usability
The tutorial is structured in a simple and easy to understand format. The reader begins from the simple basics and is guided with examples in each step from the beginning to the end. More importantly the tutorial provides an SQL interpreter where beginners can try out the exercise to test their understanding of the course. The tutorial is useful for both beginners and advanced users but more so to the beginners due to its step by step guide on the use of SQL and how to manipulate data in the database using the basic statements. It also provides database links to online materials for database administrators and finally provides information on available information technology jobs. The tutorial basically creates a complete recipe for database users and developers.
Accessibility
Easily accessed from the website without the need for registration and use of passwords and s. Thus making it accessible by many users and learners.
Works Cited
Clarity Media Inc. (2012). Website review process. Retrieved June 7, 2012, from Clarity Media: http://www.clarity-media.co.uk/websitereview.php
Dudeney, G. (2007). Reviewing a Website. In G. Dudeney, The Internet and the Language Classroom (pp. 114-115). Cambridge University Press.
Oppel, A., & Sheldon, R. (2008). SQL: Beginner's Guide. McGraw-Hill Professional.
QuinStreet Inc. (2012). Database journal: the knowledge center for database professionals. Retrieved June 7, 2012, from IT business Edge: http://www.databasejournal.com/links/
Quinstreet Inc. (2012). SQLcourse-interactive online SQL training. Retrieved june 7, 2012, from ItBusiness Edge: http://www.sqlcourse.com
