NCERT Class 12 Informatics Practices Informatics Practices: Chapter 1 — 1 Introduction
This chapter, "Functions in SQL," builds upon Class XI knowledge of database concepts and MySQL. It focuses on advanced SQL commands for performing various database queries. Students will learn about single-row and multiple-row functions, ordering records, grouping data based on criteria, and querying multiple tables. The chapter introduces a sample database called CARSHOWROOM, detailing its schema with four relations: INVENTORY, CUSTOMER, SALE, and EMPLOYEE. It illustrates the structure and sample data for the INVENTORY relation. This chapter aims to enhance students' ability to manipulate and retrieve data efficiently using SQL, crucial for CBSE Informatics Practices.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Informatics Practices |
| Book | Informatics Practices |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — 1 Introduction |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 391 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the purpose and usage of functions in SQL.
- Learn to use the GROUP BY clause for data aggregation.
- Perform operations on database relations.
- Query data from multiple tables simultaneously.
- Apply advanced SQL commands for database manipulation and retrieval.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| SQL | Structured Query Language, used for managing and manipulating databases. |
| Database | An organized collection of structured information, or data, typically stored electronically. |
| Query | A request for data or information from a database. |
| Functions | Pre-defined formulas that perform calculations or operations on values in a database. |
| GROUP BY | An SQL clause that groups rows that have the same values in specified columns into summary rows. |
| Relations | Tables in a relational database. |
| Schema | The blueprint or structure of a database. |
| Inventory | A complete list of items such as property, goods in stock, or the contents of a building. |
| Customer | A person or organization that buys goods or services from a store or business. |
| Sale | The exchange of a commodity for money; the rendering of service for wages. |
| Employee | A person employed for wages or salary. |
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Practice questions
- What is the primary purpose of SQL functions? Answer: SQL functions are used to perform calculations or operations on values within a database, often simplifying complex queries.
- Explain the role of the GROUP BY clause in SQL. Answer: The GROUP BY clause is used to group rows that have the same values in specified columns, allowing for aggregate functions to be applied to each group.
- Name the four relations in the CARSHOWROOM database as described in the chapter. Answer: The four relations are INVENTORY, CUSTOMER, SALE, and EMPLOYEE.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is NOT a relation in the CARSHOWROOM database?
Explanation: The chapter explicitly lists INVENTORY, CUSTOMER, SALE, and EMPLOYEE as the four relations in the CARSHOWROOM database. VEHICLE is not mentioned.
Q2. What information does the INVENTORY relation store?
Explanation: According to the text, the INVENTORY relation stores the name, price, model, year of manufacturing, and fuel type for each car.
Q3. The GROUP BY clause in SQL is used for:
Explanation: The GROUP BY clause is essential for applying aggregate functions (like SUM, AVG, COUNT) to subsets of rows that share common values in one or more columns.
Q4. Which relation stores the invoice number and selling price of a car?
Explanation: The SALE relation is described as storing the invoice number, car ID, customer ID, sale date, payment mode, employee ID, and selling price.
Q5. What does the chapter suggest is the main challenge today regarding data, according to Lev Manovich?
Explanation: The quote by Lev Manovich states, 'The problem today is no longer how to create the right image, but how to find an already existing one,' implying the challenge is finding data.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the CARSHOWROOM database introduced in this chapter?
The CARSHOWROOM database is used as an example to demonstrate various SQL commands and concepts, including functions, grouping, and querying multiple tables.
What prior knowledge is assumed for this chapter?
This chapter assumes students have understood database concepts and learned how to create, populate, manipulate, and retrieve data using MySQL and SQL queries from Class XI.
What are the main areas of SQL functions covered in this chapter?
The chapter will cover single-row functions and multiple-row functions in SQL.
Besides functions, what other SQL operations will be discussed?
The chapter will also cover the GROUP BY clause, operations on relations, and how to use multiple tables in a single query.
What are the four tables (relations) in the CARSHOWROOM database?
The four relations are INVENTORY, CUSTOMER, SALE, and EMPLOYEE.
Related resources
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NCERT Class 12 Informatics Practices — Informatics Practices — Chapter 1 — 1 Introduction. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.