Readings and software
The course schedule lists all the learning resources for the class.
Optional Textbook
Many students prefer to have a textbook to rely on and integrate the classroom learning. Others prefer to do their own research on the Internet or using an AI assistant. All approaches are valid. If you prefer the former, please purchase:
Database Systems: Introduction to Databases and Data Warehouses, Edition 2.0 by N. Jukic et al.
Make sure you buy the 2nd edition. The eBook is available on Redshelf or Vitalsource.
Reference materials
- The W3 school has an excellent interactive SQL lab
- The Microsoft reference for Transact SQL (T-SQL), their version of SQL, is WAY more technical.
GenAI tools
You are encouraged to use GenAI tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot unless explicitly forbidden (for example in the in-class tests). However, be warned that these tools often produce incorrect or excessively complicated answers. This means that they are not valid reference sources. In other words, "The AI made me do it", or "That is what the AI said" are NOT valid excuses for incorrect answers or assignments. You are fully responsible for what you hand in.
Hardware and Software
Windows is the most commonly used operating system in business, and for this reason we will use it as the standard in this course. We plan to use several commercial-grade tools: Azure Data Studio, MS SQL Server, Power BI, MySQLWorkbench, and Draw.IO. You will be told in class when and how to access these resources. All software required for the Course is installed in the McIntire lab computers and is maintained by our HelpDesk. Please inform them of any malfunction, should any occur.
Some of the required tools can also be installed on your Mac or Windows PC. We will talk about that in class.
Microsoft Teams
To create a community of learners and keep in touch with each other we will use Microsoft Teams. Early in the course you will receive an email with instructions on connecting. Teams is the fastest way to ask questions about the course, assignments, and technologies. Answer a colleague's question first and you will receive extra participation credit.