This module introduces SQL DDL—the sublanguage used to define, modify, and remove
database structures. Topics span the CREATE, ALTER,
DROP, and TRUNCATE commands, key data types, constraints
that enforce data integrity, and how schemas organise database objects.
Module Artifacts — 9 items
Covers the core SQL DDL concepts—including what DDL is and how it differs from other SQL sublanguages, the CREATE command for databases and schemas, numeric/string/date data types, and key constraints (PRIMARY KEY, FOREIGN KEY, NOT NULL)—serving as the outline that organizes the module’s learning topics for both learners navigating the content and instructors structuring their lessons.
Introduces SQL DDL as a sublanguage of SQL responsible for defining database structure, distinguishing it from other SQL sublanguages, and giving learners a conceptual foundation before studying individual DDL commands.
Explains the CREATE statement’s syntax and purpose for building database objects such as tables, giving learners a reference for writing and understanding CREATE commands within the broader DDL context.
Covers the major SQL data types (numeric, character, date/time, etc.) and how to define columns with appropriate types, helping learners make informed design decisions when creating or modifying tables.
Describes the SQL constraint types—such as PRIMARY KEY, FOREIGN KEY, NOT NULL, UNIQUE, and CHECK—explaining how each enforces data integrity rules at the database level so learners can apply them when defining or altering tables.
Explains the ALTER TABLE command and its operations (adding, modifying, or dropping columns and constraints), giving learners the knowledge to safely modify an existing table’s structure as requirements change.
Compares the DROP and TRUNCATE commands, clarifying that DROP removes a table and its structure entirely while TRUNCATE deletes all rows but preserves the structure, helping learners choose the correct command for a given scenario.
Explains what a database schema is, how it acts as a named namespace to logically group related objects, and how to create, use, and manage schemas, helping learners organise objects in larger, more complex databases.
Explains what a database schema is, how it acts as a named namespace to logically group related objects, and how to create, use, and manage schemas, helping learners organise objects in larger, more complex databases.