Structured Query Language, or SQL, is commonly used to hold and query large, structured datasets. Instead of a single worksheet, a relational database system contains tables that are linked together. We’ll learn how to link those tables together later, but for now we’re going to walk through a simple set of queries on a single table to learn the power and simplicity of SQL syntax.

Reporters use sql-based databases to:

• Query larger datasets that don’t fit comfortably in Excel
• Find tips for further reporting, such as old, forgotten bridges or campaign contributors.
• Merge datasets based on common fields (columns)
• Extract data for further analysis in Excel

… and many other uses.

When you move from spreadsheets to databases, the language changes a little. A filter is called a query; a row is called a record and a column is called a field. You can’t mix data types within a field – if it’s a number, it must always be a number or blank.

NOTE: I moved the filtering tips to the SQL guide

data.world

If you haven’t signed up already, please sign up for data.world now using your ASU email address.

Create a project called “practice data”.
We’re going to walk through data.world’s SQL tutorial, with some adjustments to make it even more powerful:

https://docs.data.world/documentation/sql/concepts/basic/intro.html

1. Add the datasets to your project.
2. Write your queries.
3. When a query works, copy and paste it into a text file, Google doc or Word doc, ending each one with a semicolon. Keep adding interesting queries to your document. This will later become your data diary.

Use the sql guide to remind yourself of the syntax.

For Wednesday, March 14

Practice your sql using the swimming pool inspection data we looked at in Excel. You can use the copy of it in our file.