Lesson Notes: Language
Course Topic: Language
Program: Cameroon HND
Duration: 3 Hours
1. Introduction to (30 Minutes)
Definition of
(Structured Query Language) is a standard language used to interact with
relational databases.
It allows for:
o Data Definition: Creating and modifying database structures.
o Data Manipulation: Inserting, updating, deleting, and retrieving data.
Key Features of
1. Declarative Nature:
o Focuses on what to do rather than how to do it.
o Example: Retrieve data from a table without specifying algorithms.
2. Standardized Language:
o Supported by most relational database systems like My , Postgre , Oracle, and
Server.
3. Comprehensive:
o Includes commands for querying, updating, and managing data.
Types of Commands
1. Data Definition Language (DDL): Define and modify database structure.
o Commands: CREATE, ALTER, DROP, TRUNCATE.
2. Data Manipulation Language (DML): Work with data in tables.
o Commands: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE.
3. Data Query Language (DQL): Retrieve data from databases.
o Command: SELECT.
4. Transaction Control Language (TCL): Manage database transactions.
o Commands: COMMIT, ROLLBACK, SAVEPOINT.
5. Data Control Language (DCL): Control access to data.
o Commands: GRANT, REVOKE.
2. Core Concepts and Syntax (1 Hour)
2.1 Data Definition Language (DDL)
1. CREATE Command
Used to create databases and tables.
Syntax:
.............Code........
CREATE TABLE TableName (
Column1 DataType Constraint,
Column2 DataType Constraint
);
Example:
.............Code........
CREATE TABLE Students (
StudentID INT PRIMARY KEY,
Name VARCHAR(100),
Age INT CHECK (Age > 0),
Department VARCHAR(50)
);
2. ALTER Command
Used to modify an existing table.
Syntax:
.............Code........
ALTER TABLE TableName
ADD ColumnName DataType;
Example:
.............Code........
ALTER TABLE Students
ADD Email VARCHAR(100);
3. DROP Command
Used to delete an entire database or table.
Syntax:
.............Code........
DROP TABLE TableName;
Example:
.............Code........
DROP TABLE Students;
2.2 Data Manipulation Language (DML)
1. SELECT Command
Retrieve specific data from a table.
Syntax:
.............Code........
SELECT Column1, Column2 FROM TableName
WHERE Condition;
Example:
.............Code........
SELECT Name, Age FROM Students WHERE Department = 'IT';
2. INSERT Command
Add new records to a table.
Syntax:
.............Code........
INSERT INTO TableName (Column1, Column2)
VALUES (Value1, Value2);
Example:
.............Code........
INSERT INTO Students (StudentID, Name, Age, Department)
VALUES (1, 'Alice', 20, 'IT');
3. UPDATE Command
Modify existing data.
Syntax:
.............Code........
UPDATE TableName
SET Column1 = Value1
WHERE Condition;
Example:
.............Code........
UPDATE Students
SET Age = 21
WHERE StudentID = 1;
4. DELETE Command
Remove specific records from a table.
Syntax:
.............Code........
DELETE FROM TableName WHERE Condition;
Example:
.............Code........
DELETE FROM Students WHERE Age < 18;
3. Practical Activities (1 Hour)
Activity 1: Database Creation and Manipulation
1. Task: Create a database for a library system and perform the following operations:
o Create a Books table with fields: BookID, Title, Author, Price.
o Add constraints: BookID as primary key, Price greater than 0.
o Insert 3 sample records.
o Update the price of one book.
Solution:
.............Code........
CREATE TABLE Books (
BookID INT PRIMARY KEY,
Title VARCHAR(100),
Author VARCHAR(100),
Price DECIMAL CHECK (Price > 0)
);
INSERT INTO Books (BookID, Title, Author, Price)
VALUES (1, 'Database Systems', 'John Doe', 50.00),
(2, ' Mastery', 'Jane Smith', 40.00),
(3, 'Advanced Databases', 'Tom Lee', 45.00);
UPDATE Books
SET Price = 55.00
WHERE BookID = 1;
Activity 2: Writing Queries
1. Task: Write queries to:
o Retrieve all books priced above 40.
o Delete a book with a specific BookID.
Solution:
.............Code........
SELECT * FROM Books WHERE Price > 40;
DELETE FROM Books WHERE BookID = 3;
4. Summary and Wrap-Up (30 Minutes)
Key Points Recap
1. is the standard language for interacting with relational databases.
2. It is divided into DDL, DML, DQL, TCL, and DCL commands.
3. Proper use of ensures efficient data handling and integrity.
Homework
1. Design a Students database with fields: StudentID, Name, Age, Department, and
Email.
o Include constraints: StudentID as primary key, Age greater than 0, and unique
Email.
o Write queries to insert data, update a record, and retrieve all students in a
specific department.
