EXIN SQL Foundation study plan

Explain the relational model and identify tables, rows, columns, and keys in a sample schema.

Write and execute SELECT statements that retrieve specific columns and apply column aliases.

Use WHERE with comparison and logical operators (AND, OR, NOT) to filter rows.

Distinguish between NULL and empty values and predict how comparisons with NULL behave.

Describe the purpose of SQL as a declarative language and the role of a DBMS.

Create tables using CREATE TABLE with appropriate column names and data types.

Choose between numeric, character, date/time, and boolean types for given business requirements.

Apply PRIMARY KEY, FOREIGN KEY, NOT NULL, UNIQUE, and CHECK constraints correctly.

Alter existing tables with ALTER TABLE to add, modify, or drop columns and constraints.

Drop and recreate tables safely using DROP TABLE and TRUNCATE TABLE, explaining the difference.

Insert, update, and delete rows using INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE with WHERE clauses.

Normalize a denormalized dataset to third normal form and explain each normalization step.

Use ORDER BY, DISTINCT, and LIMIT to control result sets.

Apply built-in string, numeric, and date functions in SELECT and WHERE clauses.

Write INSERT statements that copy rows from one table to another using SELECT.

Write inner joins across two and three tables using explicit JOIN syntax.

Write left, right, and full outer joins and explain which rows are preserved.

Use aggregate functions (COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX) with GROUP BY.

Filter grouped results with HAVING and explain how it differs from WHERE.

Combine joins with aggregation to answer multi-table reporting questions.

Write subqueries in WHERE, FROM, and SELECT clauses and predict their results.

Use IN, EXISTS, ANY, and ALL with subqueries and compare their behavior.

Apply set operators UNION, UNION ALL, INTERSECT, and EXCEPT correctly.

Use CASE expressions to implement conditional logic in queries.

Identify and fix common query errors such as ambiguous column names and missing join conditions.

Create and use views to simplify complex queries and restrict column access.

Explain the purpose of indexes and predict when an index will improve query performance.

Write simple stored procedures or functions with parameters and invoke them.

Describe transactions and use COMMIT and ROLLBACK to manage atomic changes.

Explain the difference between a view and a base table and when to use each.

Review core SQL concepts and write a one-page summary of relational terminology.

Explain database object dependencies (views on tables, foreign keys between tables).

Describe user privileges and the GRANT and REVOKE statements at a conceptual level.

Identify which domain each practice question belongs to and justify the classification.

Complete a timed mixed-topic practice set covering all four domains.

Re-attempt all previously missed questions and explain why each correct answer is correct.

Write a cheat sheet of syntax for DDL, DML, joins, subqueries, and database objects.

Complete two full-length timed mock exams under exam conditions.

Review data type and constraint edge cases that are frequently confused.

Finalize a personal weak-spot list and confirm each item is resolved.