Training activity information
Details
Connect to and control a relational database using code
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Object model, relationship between database and code concepts
- Application programming interfaces (APIs) to database
- Good programming practice including version control system, appropriate software tools etc.
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What specific programming language and relational database system will you be using? What kind of control (e.g., querying, data manipulation) needs to be achieved through your code?
- What specific database operations (e.g., SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) do you aim to practice and understand better? What potential challenges might arise when connecting to and programmatically controlling the database (e.g., connection errors, SQL syntax issues)?
- Do you have the necessary database credentials and connection details? Are you familiar with the required libraries or APIs in your chosen programming language for database interaction (e.g., SQL syntax, ORM frameworks)? Have you considered any security implications of connecting to and controlling a clinical database?
In action
- Pay attention to your actions. How are you approaching the task of establishing a connection and executing commands? What libraries or methods are you using? Why have you chosen them?
- What decisions are you making regarding connection parameters, query construction, and error handling?
- What aspects of database interaction through code feel intuitive, and what requires more conscious effort, such as writing specific SQL queries or handling different database errors?
- How successfully are your actions allowing you to connect to the database and retrieve or manipulate data?
- What challenges are you facing, such as connection errors, incorrect syntax, or unexpected query results?
- What can you learn from this process as it unfolds about database connectivity and control using code?
- How does this activity connect to your knowledge of relational databases and programming?
- Are there alternative ways you could be trying to connect or control the database?
- What support or guidance might you need in this moment if you are having trouble connecting or executing commands?
- Are you following best practices for database interaction, such as secure connection methods?
On action
- Describe the process you followed to connect to and control the database with code, noting any key observations.
- What new skills or knowledge did you gain in database connectivity and control?
- Did you encounter any unexpected issues or successes?
- How is this relevant to working with clinical information systems in the future?
- How did any adjustments you made to your code during the activity impact your interaction with the database?
- What aspects of database interaction using code do you need to improve? How will you apply this learning to future tasks involving databases? What specific actions will you take to develop these skills further, and are there any resources you require?
Beyond action
- Have you connected to and controlled other databases since this activity? Did you encounter different types of databases or connection methods? Have you discussed database interaction techniques with colleagues?
- How has this skill supported you in other training activities involving data manipulation or analysis? Has it improved your understanding of how clinical information systems manage data? How might this experience support your understanding in case-based discussions related to data management?
- What transferable skills, such as logical thinking and problem-solving, did you develop? What clear actions can you identify to deepen your understanding of database technologies and secure coding practices for database interactions?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 3 |
Outcome
Design a relational database system for a clinical information system including data normalisation. |
| # 6 |
Outcome
Apply good software design and programming practice. |
| # 9 |
Outcome
Practice in accordance with legislation, ethics and best practice. |