Introduction to Databases with MySQL

This 4.5 day course covers the fundamentals of databases and MySQL usage. It is intended for a newer user, and provides the instruction needed to pass the MySQL Core Certification exam (a free certification exam is provided). Students of this course are instructed in the following:

• Understand the fundamentals of relational databases.
• Understand the concept of normalization and be able to create a proper table structure.
• Understand the benefits of MySQL, MySQL licensing and the typical usage scenarios of MySQL.
• Know the major features and road map of MySQL.
• Understand the client/server environment in which MySQL works.
• Perform a MySQL installation on Windows or Linux.
• Use the standard command-line and graphical clients to connect with the MySQL Server and execute commands.
• Be familiar with the graphical clients available to create databases and run queries.
• Be comfortable with the process of creating a database and its structure from ideas or existing data.
• Identify column types and their characteristics, and be able to choose the appropriate type.
• Create and modify databases and tables (Data Definition Language).
• Insert, update and delete data when working with your database tables (Data Manipulation Language).
• Import and export data to and from ODBC applications such as Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel, allowing seamless integration of MySQL.
• Understand and use the most common functions and expressions to help in utilizing MySQL to build efficient database applications.
• Write and execute basic SQL queries including joins and aggregation.
• Create and modify indexes to help MySQL process your queries in a faster and more efficient way.
• Understand the basic concepts of query optimization done by MySQL's optimizer.
• Understand the MySQL storage engine concept and be able to chose the appropriate one for OLTP (On-Line Transaction Processing), OLAP (On-Line Analytical Processing) and memory based computing.
• Find and effectively utilize resources such as the MySQL web site, the online reference manual, mailing lists and others.
• Establish a base for further MySQL training and self study.

Using and Managing MySQL

This 5.0 day course covers basic MySQL usage and advanced server administration tasks. Students of this course should be prepared by the end of the course to take both the Core and Professional certification exams. This course is designed for users with existing practical experience who are looking to advance their skills. After taking the course, students will be able to do the following:

• Find and effectively utilize resources such as the MySQL website, the online reference manual, mailing lists and others.
• Understand the fundamentals of relational databases and the client/server concept.
• List the major features and roadmap of MySQL.
• Perform a basic MySQL installation on Windows or Linux.
• Use the standard command-line and graphical clients to connect with the MySQL Server and execute basic commands.
• Identify column types and their characteristics, choosing the appropriate type.
• Understand automatic type and column conversions.
• Create and modify databases and tables (Data Definition Language).
• Import data from a file or via an ODBC connection.
• Understand and use most common functions and expressions.
• Write and execute basic SQL queries including joins and aggregation.
• Perform operations on data (Data Manipulation Language).
• Establish a basis for further MySQL training.
• Identify the various components of a MySQL Server and their function.
• Identify and navigate elements in the physical structure of a MySQL Server on disk and in memory.
• Understand the differences between MySQL RPM, binary and source distributions.
• Perform a custom installation on Windows or any standard Unix.
• Assess the various upgrade considerations and perform an upgrade.
• Know where to find/create configuration files and understand their structure.
• Set up appropriate logging and interpret log output.
• Understand the concepts of MySQL security, managing user privileges on different levels.
• Adequately and properly secure a default MySQL installation.
• List and describe the different (categories of) storage engines, their specific characteristics, choosing the appropriate type.
• Administer and maintain MyISAM and InnoDB tables on a live server.
• Create and restore backups, recovery of MyISAM and InnoDB tables.
• Understand transactions and concurrency control.
• Tune server settings for different storage engines and environments.
• Install and control replication and multiple servers.
• Describe how the MySQL server optimizes and processes queries, including index usage.
• Analyse query efficiency utilizing different tools and techniques.
• Compare different design decisions and work out the optimial solution.
• Optimize all relevant aspects of the server environment, prioritizing appropriately.

Students of the Using and Managing MySQL course will receive complimentary Core and Professional certification exams. Those looking to become MySQL certified will benefit greatly from these training courses.