PostgreSQL fundamentals course

Learn to work with PostgreSQL in this three-day ABIS training.

This course presents a description of PostgreSQL: what it is, what it is intended for, and how it can be used.PostgreSQL logo

The participant will learn

  • the structure of recent versions of the PostgreSQL database software;
  • the use of some popular "client" tools: command line interface, graphical interface, admin interface;
  • the objects for data storage and data manipulation;
  • creating databases, tables, and users;
  • preparing a database for use, especially authorisations and indexes.

Attention is also paid to the use in the context of a web server, to the relation of PostgreSQL to other RDBMS, and to specific topics like models for data storage, integrity, authorisations, and performance.

Moreover, this training will explain how to install the system and use it in practice. After completion, the participants will not only have the necessary theoretical background of PostgreSQL as RDBMS, but also will have had sufficient practical training to start working with it in an independent way.

Together with SQL and relational databases fundamentals this course forms a well-balanced whole, in such a way that after successful conclusion, the participants will have a 'complete overview' of PostgreSQL as a relational database system.

Schedule a training?

Delivered as a live, interactive training – available in-person or online, or in a hybrid format. Training can be implemented in English, Dutch, or French.

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Public training calendar

No public sessions are currently scheduled. We will be pleased to set up an on-site course or to schedule an extra public session (in case of a sufficient number of candidates). Interested? Please let us know.

Intended for

Analysts, developers, and database administrators who will be using PostgreSQL; web server maintainers who are not yet familiar with PostgreSQL; and anybody wanting to gain knowledge of the detailed workings of a relational database system.

Background

The participants must have insight in relational database systems and SQL (see course SQL and relational databases fundamentals).

Knowledge of a programming language is not necessary. The course will however briefly treat - if need exists - the typical ways to access a PostgreSQL database from one of the programming languages PHP (cf. PHP programming: fundamentals course), Python (cf. Python: fundamentals), Java (cf. course Java programming), or Perl (cf. Perl programming: fundamentals course).

You can test for yourself to see whether you have sufficient background by filling out the online self-test "SQL fundamentals".

Main topics

  • Introducing the PostgreSQL setup; the client-server-model; the server and its databases
  • SQL data definition language (DDL): objects (like databases, tables, indexes, views, functions, procedures, ...); schemas; data types; tablespaces; creation of objects, using them, and choice of parameters
  • SQL embedded in a program, esp. for supporting (dynamic) web pages
  • Metadata: the information_schema; displaying object structure
  • Securing the database environment and assigning authorizations
  • PostgreSQL 3rd-party extensions for e.g. data types and functions
  • Utilities: export/import of external data; the pg_dump tool; de-fragmentation; check and repair
  • Use of the "psql" command and of the "pgAdmin" tool; other GUI tools
  • Data integrity, locking and transactions
  • Performance: basic principles; use of indexes to improve performance; the 'EXPLAIN' statement
  • Basic installation and configuration of PostgreSQL; distributions; software catalog

Training method

Classroom instruction with hands-on practice and exercises (about 50% of the time).

Certificate

At the end of the session, the participant receives a "Certificate of Completion".

Duration

3 days.

Course leader

Peter Vanroose (ABIS).


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