Textbook and course material, for the Introduction to SQL course, taught by Daniel Fryer.
This repository includes slides for the full 4-day course.
There is also a 2-day course. If you are attending the 2-day course, we won't cover all of the 4-day material, but you still get access to all of it.
For this course, you do not need to install a database server or editor on your computer. We’ll be using a simple online SQL environment during the course so everyone can immediately start writing and running SQL without worrying about setup.
However, some people prefer to have their own database server and editor installed locally, either for practice or future work. The instructions below explain how to do that if you'd like your own setup.
During the course we’ll also briefly demonstrate SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) for those who already have it installed and want to learn the basics. SSMS is commonly used in environments such as the New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) Data Lab, so it can be useful to become familiar with.
If you're using a Mac, you can install MySQL Workbench, which provides both a database server and an editor. We won’t be covering MySQL Workbench in the course itself, but it is relatively straightforward to use and conceptually similar to SSMS.
If you'd like to run SQL locally on your own machine, you'll need to install a database server (DBMS). This allows you to store data and run SQL queries on your computer.
If you're using a work computer, you may not have permission to install software. In that case, simply use the online environment provided during the course.
If you do want your own local setup, follow one of the guides below.
There are two SQL variants you can install locally — T-SQL and MySQL. They're nearly identical for the purposes of this course, so choose whichever is easier for your system.
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💻 Windows users: Set up T-SQL (Microsoft SQL Server) This is usually the easiest option on Windows and works with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
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🍎 macOS users: Set up MySQL This installs MySQL and allows you to use MySQL Workbench as an editor.
If you decide to install your own database server, please don’t leave setup until the last minute — installation and configuration can take time, especially if you run into permission issues.
If you hit any snags, reach out early — I’m happy to help.
- No installation is required for the course — the online SQL environment will work for everyone.
- If you want the smoothest experience installing locally, use a personal computer with administrator access.
- The setup guides linked above walk through everything step by step.
The textbook and slides are linked below.