Database Fundamentals/Functions

This lesson introduces functions.

Objectives and Skills

Objectives and skills for the functions portion of Microsoft Exam 98-364 Database Fundamentals include:^[1]

• Create database objects
  • Create stored procedures and functions
    • Select, insert, update, or delete data

Readings

1. Read Wikipedia: Function (computer science).

Multimedia

1. Watch Microsoft Virtual Academy: Creating Databases and Database Objects.
2. Watch YouTube: SQL Functions.

Activities

1. Use SQL Server to create built-in functions to calculate data in the Student table in your College database.
2. Create the following built-in functions:
   • Apply the AVG function in a query to display the average number of course credit hours in the Course table.
   • Apply the MAX function in a query to display the maximum number of course credit hours in the Course table.
   • Apply the SUM function in a query to display the total number of course credit hours in the Course table.

Lesson Summary

• A user-defined function (UDF) is a function provided by the user of a program or environment, in a context where the usual assumption is that functions are built into the program or environment. ^[2]
• An aggregate function is a function where the values of multiple rows are grouped together as input on certain criteria to form a single value of more significant meaning or measurement such as a set, a bag or a list.). ^[3]

Key Terms

function

See Also

• Microsoft: Aggregate Functions (Transact-SQL)
• W3Schools.com: SQL Functions
• Tutorials Point:SQL Useful Functions

References

Resource type: this resource is a lesson.