Sql Fundamentals, Week 4

Meeting Purpose

Weekly algorithm practice session for WOSCAN Code program, focusing on string manipulation challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Two string reversal algorithms were presented: reverse words (letters within words) and reverse word order
• Participants demonstrated solutions using both built-in methods (split, trim) and custom implementations without built-ins
• Emphasis on problem-solving skills and different approaches to string manipulation in coding

Meeting Purpose

Introduce SQL module and database design concepts to WOS CanCode students.

Key Takeaways

• SQL module is short (2 days of material) with exam window opening on Wednesday
• MySQL Server and MySQL Workbench need to be installed (version 8.0.43 recommended)
• Database design focuses on entities, relationships, and normalization
• Three key relationship types: one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many

Meeting Purpose

Introduce Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) and database design concepts using MySQL Workbench

Key Takeaways

• ERDs visually represent database structure, including tables, fields, and relationships
• One-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many relationships were covered with practical examples
• MySQL Workbench used to create ERDs; .mwb files required for assignment submissions
• Three assignments due today: Users ERD, BingeBuddy (one-to-many), and Scribbles app (many-to-many)

Meeting Purpose

To review and discuss two algorithm challenges: "parens valid" and "braces valid" for the WOS CanCode program.

Key Takeaways

• Two algorithms were presented: "parens valid" (validating parentheses) and "braces valid" (validating multiple types of braces)
• Both challenges focus on ensuring proper matching and ordering of opening/closing symbols in strings
• Students successfully implemented solutions using stacks and counters, demonstrating understanding of data structures and string manipulation

Meeting Purpose

Introduce SQL concepts and practice writing basic SQL queries.

Key Takeaways

• SQL (Structured Query Language) is used to interact with MySQL databases
• Key SQL operations: SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY, GROUP BY, HAVING, and aggregate functions
• Practice writing queries for selecting, filtering, ordering, and grouping data
• Importance of understanding clause order and syntax in SQL queries

Meeting Purpose

Review SQL concepts including joins, subqueries, and aggregations to prepare students for upcoming assessment.

Key Takeaways

• Inner joins combine tables based on matching values, while left joins preserve all rows from the left table
• Subqueries allow creating temporary result tables to query from, useful for complex aggregations
• Group by affects how aggregate functions like AVG() are processed, sometimes requiring subqueries
• Focus on understanding core concepts like joins and basic queries rather than overly complex SQL

Meeting Purpose

To discuss the SQL Fundamentals Assessment rules, guidelines, and rubric for the 2025 ACE Academics program.

Key Takeaways

• Assessment passing score lowered to 70% (14/20 points), down from previous 75%
• 8-hour time limit, open-book, no collaboration or AI assistance allowed
• Three deliverables required: MWB file, SQL generation file, and queries SQL file
• Highest emphasis on database design from wireframe (6 pts) and basic SQL operations (4 pts)

Meeting Purpose

Demonstrate the SQL Fundamentals practice assessment "Rate My Whip" and provide guidance on completing it.

Key Takeaways

• Created an ERD with users, cars, and ratings tables, including proper relationships and constraints
• Populated tables with sample data, ensuring varied scenarios for querying
• Walked through basic to advanced SQL queries, covering CRUD operations, joins, and aggregations
• Emphasized best practices like saving work frequently and double-checking query results

Meeting Purpose

Review algorithm problems and solutions for string rotation in a coding class.

Key Takeaways

• Two algorithms discussed: rotateString and isRotation
• Students successfully implemented solutions using various approaches (slice method, for loops, one-liners)
• Key concepts: string manipulation, modulo operation for handling rotations larger than string length, early exit conditions

Meeting Purpose

To introduce terminal usage, Git, and GitHub fundamentals to the class as they wrap up the SQL module.

Key Takeaways

• The terminal, shell, and command line are distinct concepts often used interchangeably
• Basic terminal commands (cd, ls, mkdir, touch) and navigation techniques were demonstrated
• Git and GitHub are separate but complementary tools for version control and collaboration
• Students should install Git, configure it, and familiarize themselves with basic commands before the afternoon session

Meeting Purpose

Review Git/GitHub workflow and introduce branching concepts to the class.

Key Takeaways

• The basic Git workflow involves initializing a repo, adding files, committing changes, and pushing to GitHub
• Branching allows for separate development timelines that can be merged later
• VS Code provides both terminal and GUI options for Git operations, but terminal is recommended for learning
• Practice Git commands regularly, contribute to open source projects, and use tools like GitLens for enhanced functionality