Skip to main content

CST 363 - Week 4

This week involved a lot of work finishing up our group project, completing the exam, and brushing up on our SQL skills before the final exam.

 I had to learn much about OLAP queries, the type of user that would require them, and how to implement them into our existing project database this week. An OLAP approach to database queries is directly related to business intelligence and other types of metrics-based intelligence, so it was important to understand OLAP principles in order to incorporate them into our project. 

 Additionally, I also learned about how to effectively refactor/redesign a database using a star schema, and when it is most effective. Our artists and records database is a perfect example of an application that can utilize a star schema well because it is an internal application that benefits from simplified queries (who was the best selling artist of the year?) and fast aggregations. Data integrity is an issue, but it is not quite as serious as if the app was used by external customers. 

 It was a tough and long week with a lot of work, and I still feel like I am a novice at SQL, but I am looking forward to the next few weeks of the class and hopefully finishing it on a high note.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CST 300 - Week 4

Educational Goals My current educational goals are to finish my bachelor's degree in computer science while also gaining a deep understanding of the fundamentals along the way. I have always believed that a solid understanding of the fundamentals goes a long way in any skill since you always refer back to them. When I have gotten stuck on a problem or some skill in the past, I have always taken a step back, broken down things into smaller pieces and remembered my fundamentals, and doing so has helped me through a lot of academic and professional work so far. Although I already know basic programming and data structures, I want to learn more about them and discover new ways of thinking in order to solve complex problems.  Career Goals I started a career as a full-time software test analyst about two months ago. Even though my job doesn't involve a lot of programming, getting a degree in computer science would be really helpful in all aspects of my career, such as identif...
3 comments
Read more

CST 300 - Week 2

Introduction This was a busy week for class! I started writing the first draft of my paper and got it done in a few days. It took a lot of thinking and research to get it done, but I'm glad I didn't procrastinate. Revising the first draft might take quite and effort as well. In the past when I would write geological reports, I found revising them was the hardest part. Part I. Speaking of hardest part, time management is something I am still getting used to, especially with this week's workload. Out of the items in the time management article, the top 3 things I feel like I am best at are: Creating a good study space Taking notes Reading  However, I could use some work on: Sticking to a schedule Revising lecture notes (on time) Studying within 30 min. of going to sleep Part II. Here's the activity log I filled out. It documented one of my Mondays at work. Part III. Project management skills are something I feel like I don't have enoug...
2 comments
Read more

CST 300 - Week 3

This week, we learned about ethics, ethical frameworks, and held a discussion about an infamous contemporary ethical scenario. After reading through this week's material I feel as if I have a much better understanding of ethics in society, and the motives behind people's decisions whether good or bad.  I'll admit I didn't pay much as much in depth discussion to Edward Snowden when he originally leaked all that information back in 2013, but after this week's discussion it really got me thinking about proper ethical behaviors in society and made me question much privacy I actually have as a US citizen.  Note: NSA, if you're reading this, say hi to my friend Chris for me. He's around the DC area somewhere and I'm sure you've run into him a couple of times. I swear he's a nice guy and doesn't bite.  Time Management and Studying I am getting much better at concentrating while working on papers and studying material. Unfortunately, I shoul...
2 comments
Read more