SQL Bootcamp

About This Workshop

SQL provides powerful but reasonably simple tools for data analysis and handling. This bootcamp will take absolute beginners through the basics of SQL to an ability to write queries with confidence. We will use a combination of lecture and in-class exercises to ensure that students leave with a working grasp of SQL fundamentals.
Takeaways

Section I: Running a simple query

Basics of setting up a database client and connecting to a database server
Basics of running simple queries
Use of queries to explore data structure

Section II: Running more complex queries

Queries to filter, transform, reorder, group, and analyze a data table
Use of functions to transform and analyze records
Use of aggregate functions to calculate summary information about groups of records. This means counting records with particular values, or calculating sums or averages of values both in total and by some grouping.

Section III: Combining data from several tables

Ability to use JOIN to combine data from two tables into a single table
Conceptual underpinnings of JOIN
Use of simple joins to combine tables
More advanced usage of joins, filtering, grouping, and transforming results of joins
Ability to use subqueries in query expressions
Use of subqueries to combine tables and perform complex analysis and workflow tasks
Use of correlated subqueries

Section IV: Analytic strategies, data organization

Strategies for using joins and subqueries to perform complex tasks
Basics of query optimization (indexing)
Principles for organizing tables for data storage and analysis
Prereqs & Preparation

Basic technical aptitude and orientation to computers, and curiosity to learn new tools. Willingness to learn about a text-based / principle driven analytic tool with little real GUI support, and determination to push through the natural frustration of confronting new concepts.

We will be pausing to let students run and write queries of their own, so students should bring laptops with an installed MySQL or Postgres client program. Examples for MySQL include Navicat for MySQL and MySQL Workbench. Examples for Postgres include Navicat for Postgres. But there are other clients for MySQL and Postgres besides these. Please consult the instructor if you have questions.

The instructor provides a database server for students to use during class. Instructions for installing a dabase server on your own will be provided. This is encouraged, so that students can run the example queries for themselves after the class, and (more importantly) use SQL to analyze their own data. But this installation is not a prerequisite of the class.

About the Instructor

Gordon Agress
Software Engineer,
PelotonCycle

Gordon works in Python and SQL to provide back-end support to the operations of Peloton Cycle, which provides a stationary bike with a tablet over which riders can stream spinning classes into their own homes. He is self-taught on Python and SQL. He has previously worked in the President's Budget Office, on Wall Street, and has an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Refund Policy

Plans change. We get it. But if you can't make it to a class/workshop, please email us at least 7 days before the scheduled event date. No refunds will be given after this timeframe.

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