SQL Learning - Part 1 - Topics to Learn in SQL

I wanted to learn SQL and unsure of where to start, I asked ChatGPT (preview version fed on data till 2021) to help me. This is what ChatGPT had to say.

1. SQL Basics:

  - Understand the basic syntax and structure of SQL queries.

  - Learn about different data types (e.g., numeric, string, date) and how to use them.

  - Familiarize yourself with essential SQL keywords, such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and JOIN.

2. Database Design:

  - Learn about database normalization principles (e.g., 1NF, 2NF, 3NF) to create efficient and scalable database schemas.

  - Understand primary keys, foreign keys, and relationships between tables.

  - Grasp the concept of indexing for optimizing query performance.

3. Data Manipulation Language (DML):

  - Learn how to retrieve data from a database using SELECT statements with filters, sorting, and grouping.

  - Understand how to insert new records into tables using INSERT statements.

  - Learn how to update existing records using UPDATE statements.

  - Understand how to delete records using DELETE statements.

4. Data Definition Language (DDL):

  - Learn how to create tables and define their columns, data types, and constraints using the CREATE TABLE statement.

  - Understand how to alter table structures using ALTER TABLE statements.

  - Learn how to create indexes and manage constraints (e.g., primary key, foreign key) using DDL statements.

5. Joins:

  - Understand different types of joins, such as INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN, RIGHT JOIN, and FULL JOIN.

  - Learn how to combine data from multiple tables using join statements based on common columns.

6. Aggregation and Grouping:

  - Learn how to use aggregate functions like SUM, COUNT, AVG, MIN, and MAX to perform calculations on data.

  - Understand how to group data using the GROUP BY clause.

7. Subqueries:

  - Learn how to use subqueries to nest one query within another, allowing for more complex and dynamic queries.

8. Views:

  - Understand how to create views, which are virtual tables that can simplify complex queries or provide data security.

9. Indexing and Performance Optimization:

  - Learn about indexing strategies to improve query performance.

  - Understand how to analyze query execution plans and optimize queries using appropriate indexing techniques.

10. Transactions and Concurrency:

  - Learn about transaction management and how to ensure data consistency.

  - Understand concepts such as ACID properties (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) and locking mechanisms.