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Essential Foundations for Databases and Data Warehousing

    Overview​

    Coalesce provides the "T" or transform, component of an extract, load, and transform, or ELT approach to data integration and data warehousing. With an ELT approach, the transform activities are completed directly on the database in which the data has been previously loaded and use the power of the database rather than servers proprietary to the transformation tool to complete the transformations.

    To optimize your experience with Coalesce, it is crucial that you have a good understanding of databases, data warehousing, and SQL.

    Learning Resources

    This article links out to learning resources created, maintained, and owned by third party resources not affiliated with Coalesce.

    Databases and Data Warehousing​

    What Is a Database?​

    A database is a structured collection of data that is stored and accessed electronically. It is designed to manage, store, and retrieve information efficiently. Databases support the operations and management of data in various forms, such as text, numbers, and multimedia.

    Databases are essential for a wide range of applications, from simple systems that store user information for websites to complex data warehousing solutions that aggregate vast amounts of information from multiple sources for business intelligence and analytics purposes. They are managed through database management systems (DBMS), which provide the tools and functionalities needed for data insertion, querying, update, and administration, ensuring data integrity, security, and performance.

    If you are new to databases or just need to brush up on your core knowledge of them, the video tutorial and resources linked below provide foundational insights that serve as stepping stones to deepen your knowledge of this area.

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    What Is Data Warehousing?​

    Data warehousing refers to the process of consolidating data from multiple sources into a single, centralized repository designed for analysis. It is a foundational component of business intelligence systems, enabling organizations to aggregate vast amounts of data in a structured format to support decision-making processes. By integrating data from various operational databases, data warehouses provide a unified view of the information, facilitating advanced analytics, reporting, and data mining.

    The architecture of a data warehouse is optimized for fast data retrieval and analysis, rather than transaction processing, making it an ideal environment for identifying trends, patterns, and insights that can drive strategic business decisions. Through the use of data warehousing, businesses can improve their operational efficiency, understand customer behavior more deeply, and gain a competitive edge by leveraging data-driven strategies.

    If you are new to data warehousing, or are looking for a refresher on the practice, we encourage you to check out the video tutorial and resources linked below.

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    SQL​

    SQL is the standard language for managing and querying data in relational databases, like Snowflake. To maximize your productivity within Coalesce, a solid understanding of Structured Query Language (SQL) is essential.

    What Is SQL?​

    Structured Query Language, or SQL, is a standardized programming language specifically designed for managing and manipulating relational databases. It is used for tasks such as querying data, updating records, and managing database schemas, making it an essential tool for database administrators and developers.

    SQL enables users to create, read, update, and delete database records through its various commands, clauses, and syntax. This language provides a powerful and efficient means to retrieve and organize data across multiple tables, implement data security measures, and ensure data integrity within databases.

    Given its wide adoption, SQL is the core language of virtually all relational database management systems (RDBMS), including popular platforms like Snowflake, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and Oracle.

    Learn SQL​

    If you are new to SQL, or just need to brush up on your knowledge of it, the video tutorial and resources linked below provide a great foundational introduction as well as advanced insights into SQL.

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