📚 Learning Progression Timeline
Weeks 1-2
Module 1: Foundations
Install MySQL, understand RDBMS, master data types and basic CRUD operations
Weeks 3-5
Module 2: Database Design
Learn normalization (1NF, 2NF, 3NF), design ER models, implement constraints
Weeks 6-8
Module 3: Intermediate Querying
Master JOINs, subqueries, CTEs, and window functions for complex analysis
Weeks 9-11
Module 4: Performance & Optimization
Understand indexing strategies, read EXPLAIN plans, optimize queries
Weeks 12-14
Module 5: Programmability
Create stored procedures, functions, triggers, and views
Weeks 15-18
Module 6: Administration
Manage transactions, setup replication, implement backup and recovery
Weeks 19-20
Module 7: Security
Implement RBAC, setup encryption, prevent SQL injection, enable auditing
🛠️ Recommended Practice Projects
Project 1: E-Commerce Database
Design a normalized database for an online store with customers, products, orders, and payments. Covers Modules 1-2.
Project 2: Sales Analytics Dashboard
Create complex queries with JOINs and CTEs, build window functions for ranking and trends, optimize using EXPLAIN. Covers Modules 3-4.
Project 3: Production Database System
Build stored procedures for business logic, implement triggers for audit trails, setup replication and security. Covers Modules 5-7.
🔗 Advanced Resources for Continuous Learning