MaxDB is a relational database system with an SQL interface. The data in MaxDB is organized in the form of tables. You can use a set of simple SQL (Structured Query Language) statements based on English to perform a wide range of operations on data and tables in MaxDB.
This SQL tutorial is designed to introduce you to the SQL language using the MaxDB database system.
See the Download section and the Installation Manual for information on where to find the MaxDB software and how to install it.
For more information about the database system, see Concepts of the Database System. For quick access to all documentation and an explanation of the most important terms, use the alphabetical Glossary.
For a detailed explanation of SQL syntax, see the Reference Manual. For more information about the database system, see Concepts of the Database System and Variables and Examples.
To work through the examples in this SQL tutorial, you need the HOTEL Demo Schema for the SQL Tutorial.
This HOTEL demo schema was developed for practice and testing purposes and contains several predefined demo users and demo data.
Do not use this demo schema in a production system.
The SQL statements that are described in the examples throughout this tutorial can be grouped in the following categories:
·
The SELECT statement enables data to be selected
from a table by row or column. Rows in several tables can be linked together.
Data can be sorted, grouped, and calculated.
For examples, see Data
Query.
·
An
additional group of statements is used to define and redefine the table
structure and other database objects.
For examples, see Data
Definition.
·
The INSERT statement can be used to insert rows and
the DELETE statement to delete rows. The UPDATE statement can be used to make
changes.
For examples, see Data
Manipulation.
·
An
additional group of statements is used to control data access authorizations
for users and user groups.
For examples, see Authorization.
·
When performing checks, it is often helpful to
evaluate the system tables.
For examples, see Evaluating System
Tables (Examples).
To make SQL statements more readable, the keywords are written in upper-case letters and the SQL statements are structured. Upper and lower-case spellings of syntax elements and blank characters or line breaks are not relevant for executing SQL statements.
Upper and lower-case letters, however, may be important when choosing identifiers for the database objects and entering values in the form of literals.