This chapter introduced the concepts required to understand the basics of relational database management systems. It introduced you to foundational topics such as understanding SQL, what SQL can do, and its basic components. You learned that there are three subdivisions of SQL called DML, DDL, and DCL, and that the SQL language is comprised of several elements that make up a statement. We walked through a description of the relational model, what a database is, and what is in a database, including what a table, row, column, and field are.
We followed with an explanation of data integrity, including the different types of data integrity, such as entity, referential, and domain integrity, and looked at how to use keys and constraints. This understanding of data integrity helped you understand database normalization, including the different forms of normalization, 1NF, 2NF, and 3NF.
Lastly, you learned about the types of relational database management systems, including Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL, and their advantages and disadvantages. You also learned what makes these RDMS different from each other in terms of SQL syntax.
In the next chapter, we will look at how to install MySQL Workbench on Windows and Mac, and go through step-by-step instructions to help you walk through each part of the installation process. The instructions will also include the configuration of MySQL Workbench on both Windows and Mac. We will walk through some examples of how to connect to your local MySQL and set up connections to other MySQL servers. We'll conclude with a step-by-step explanation of how to restore a database to MySQL.
