Testing SQL Operations
Design and interpret tests that show SQL operations work correctly.
How to study National 5 Computing Science
Move from functional requirements to designs and implementation, trace data and code carefully, and support testing and evaluation with evidence.
Core concepts
Concept 1
A database test identifies the operation, starting data and expected output or data change.
Exam cue: Predict the exact rows, fields and order before executing a query.
Concept 2
SELECT tests should distinguish included, excluded and ordered records.
Exam cue: Inspect stored data after INSERT, UPDATE or DELETE rather than relying only on a success message.
Concept 3
Change-operation tests should confirm intended records change while unrelated records remain unchanged.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Using the SQL statement itself as the expected result.
Guardrail: Check option route, data type, valid boundary, loop condition, array index, identifier and expected output before committing to the response.
Checking one changed row without checking unintended side effects.
Guardrail: Check option route, data type, valid boundary, loop condition, array index, identifier and expected output before committing to the response.
Memory anchors
Query test
State starting records, SQL operation and exact expected rows, fields and order.
Boundary record
Include data at or near a search criterion boundary.
AND test
Use records that satisfy both conditions and records that satisfy only one.
OR test
Use records that satisfy either condition plus a record satisfying neither.
Change test
Confirm the intended record changes and other records do not.
Join test
Use known linked and unlinked key values to verify the equi-join result.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
Which statement raises product 9's price to 12.50?
Which statement removes all records with Archived=true?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
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