What is SQL?
SQL, which stands for Structured Query Language, is a standard language for accessing and manipulating relational datasets. SQL works on data that is in a tabular format consisting of rows and columns. SQL uses queries to extract information, combine data, and perform aggregation. SQL is great due to its practically unlimited storage of data, and speed of accessing and processing data. Another advantage is how SQL can be integrated with other software and programming languages. This integration allows a user to access and process large data in a server, then bring it into their favourite analysis software. This makes SQL a powerful tool for anyone that works with data. There are many “flavours” of SQL which follow the same base syntax but have subtitle differences.
SQL vs R or Python
R and Python are popular programming languages that are often used to work with data. The use cases of SQL to R and Python are different, with some overlap. SQL is primarily a database language that is good at manipulating data. R and Python are used for doing things with the data, such as analysis and visualisations. SQL and R/Python are used together more than being interchangeable. This is particularly true for projects with large datasets. SQL is used to access and manipulate some data, which is then moved to R or Python for the next step of that project, such as an analysis. You can use R or Python for data access and processing, but SQL is generally better for this when your data gets very large.
SQL Fundamentals Workshop series
Workshop series
This workshop series provides you with the primary tools and concepts for writing queries in SQL, including data wrangling, aggregation, and joining datasets.
SQL 1 - Selecting columns and filtering rows
In SQL 1 you will start using SQL to filter data to create subsets of data with relevant information by filtering columns and rows, all the while getting used to SQL syntax.
SQL 2 - Calculations and aggregations
In this workshop you will learn how to use SQL to perform calculations and aggregations on data. You will also learn how to tidy up your data by changing column names and categorising variables.
SQL 3 - Grouped aggregation
In SQL 3 you will use SQL to perform grouped aggregations to summarise your data into succinct tables. You will also start to work with dates in SQL, an often challenging data type to work with.
SQL 4 - Aggregation continued
In SQL 4 you will be building on SQL 1-3, using SQL to perform aggregation on multiple groups and doing more advanced data wrangling.
SQL 5 - Relational data
In SQL 5 you are introduced to using multiple tables for your SQL queries, aggregations, and data wrangling. This includes exploring the different types of join and some best practices involved in joining tables.
SQL 6 - Subqueries
In SQL 6 you will start using subqueries to filter your data which allows for more complication and elegant data wrangling solutions. You will also revisit concepts covered in SQL 1-5 and try a few new techniques like combining your queries.
Location
These workshops take place in LBR.R.08 located on the lower ground floor of the library. Computers are provided.
Book your place
Click on the link below to check availability and book your place:
SQL Fundamentals Workshop series
Technical Requirements
We will be using Google BigQuery to write SQL queries. Please see information below on how to gain access prior to the start of the workshop.
Access to BigQuery
IMPORTANT: To gain access to Google BigQuery, please open the survey to request a Google BigQuery account. We aim to provide you with access within 1-2 working days.