Introduction to SQL

Learn the fundamentals of Structured Query Language (SQL) through a hands-on introduction using SQLite Online, a free, browser-based environment that requires no software installation. This beginner-friendly workshop will introduce participants to the basic concepts of relational databases and provide practical experience writing and running SQL queries.

Participants will learn how to retrieve, filter, sort, and summarize data using SQL and will work through examples using a sample database. The workshop will also introduce concepts such as tables, fields, records, primary keys, and relationships between tables. By the end of the session, participants will have a foundation for using SQL to explore and analyze structured research data.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Explain basic relational database concepts, including tables, records, fields, and keys.
2. Navigate and use SQLite Online to create and run SQL queries.
3. Write basic SQL queries using SELECT and FROM.
4. Filter and sort data using WHERE and ORDER BY.
5. Use SQL functions to summarize and aggregate data, including COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, and MAX.
6. Group and summarize data using GROUP BY.
7. Combine information from multiple tables using basic JOIN operations.
8. Apply SQL queries to explore and extract information from structured datasets.

Details: Any preparatory work for the session can be found on its information page. This virtual workshop will be recorded and shared on the same page, and discoverable via the Sherman Centre's Online Learning Catalogue.

Certificate Eligibility: This workshop is eligible for the Sherman Centre's certificate program. For more information, visit scds.ca/certificate-program. It is also eligible for the Canadian Certificate for Digital Humanities. To learn more, visit ccdhhn.ca or contact scds@mcmaster.ca.