Building Database Applications in Elixir with Ecto

Gain insights into building efficient database applications with Ecto in Elixir. Learn about repos, queries, schemas, changesets, and transactions, and master Ecto syntax to create robust applications.

Intermediate

164 Lessons

60h

Certificate of Completion

AI-POWERED

Explanations

AI-POWERED

Explanations

This course includes

92 Playgrounds

17 Quizzes

This course includes

92 Playgrounds

17 Quizzes

Course Overview

Ecto is a database library that ships natively with Phoenix, and is an important component of the Elixir ecosystem. This course is both an introduction and a comprehensive guide into the functionality of Ecto. You’ll start with the basic functions of relational databases—repos, queries, schemas, changesets, and transactions—to build your knowledge of Elixir and Ecto. You’ll apply these concepts on increasingly complex challenges to master Ecto’s syntax, and consequently build a sample application. You’ll t...Show More

What You'll Learn

Learn to connect your Elixir applications with relational databases using Ecto

Gain mastery over core modules of Ecto

Learn to speed up your test suite by writing concurrent tests

Learn the use of nested associations to handle complex table relationships

Learn to add streams to handle large result sets with ease

What You'll Learn

Learn to connect your Elixir applications with relational databases using Ecto

Course Content

Introduction to This Course

Get familiar with Ecto, a powerful library for simplifying Elixir database access.

Why Ecto?

Course Plan

Part I: Ecto Fundamentals

Look at the fundamental features of Ecto, including schemas, queries, changesets, and transactions.

Overview of Part I

Get Started with Repo

Explore using Ecto in Elixir for database applications with hands-on examples and Repo module setup.

Ecto and Elixir

Characteristics of Ecto

Ecto Modules

Set Up the Sample Application

Running the Examples

Data Model of the Sample Application

The Repository Pattern

Wrapping Up: Get Started with Repo

Exercise: Customize Your Repo Module

Solution: Customize Your Repo Module

Quiz: Get Started with Repo

Query Your Database

Enhance your skills in writing efficient and secure queries using Ecto in Elixir.

Introduction to the Query Module

Query Basics

Refine Our Results with the Where Expression

Protect Against SQL Injection

Dynamic Values and Their Types

Query Bindings

Insert Raw SQL

Combine Results with union and union_all Options

Order and Group

Work With Joins

Why Use the Composing Queries

Named Bindings

Compose Queries with Functions

Combine Queries with or_where

Other Ways to Use Queries

Wrapping Up: Query Your Database

Exercise: Create Queries in Ecto

Solution: Create Queries in Ecto

Quiz: Query Your Database

Connect Tables to Elixir Structs with Schemas

Take a closer look at efficiently integrating Elixir structs with database tables using Ecto schemas.

Introduction to Schemas

Create Schemas

How to Write Queries with Schemas

Insert with Schemas

Delete with Schemas

Add Associations to Schemas

Many-to-Many Associations

Work with Associations in Queries

Optimize Associations With Embedded Schemas

Delete Records With Associations

Use Schemas to Seed a Database

Wrapping Up: Connect Tables to Elixir Structs with Schemas

Exercise: Create Schemas in Ecto

Solution: Create Schemas in Ecto

Quiz: Connect Tables to Elixir Structs with Schema

Make Changes with Changesets

15 Lessons

Investigate creating and managing Changesets in Ecto for data integrity and efficient updates.

Make Multiple Changes with Transactions and the Multi Module

12 Lessons

Master the steps to handle multiple database changes with Ecto transactions and the Multi module.

Make Changes to the Database

13 Lessons

Sharpen your skills in managing Ecto database migrations, including creating, running, and reversing changes effectively.

Part II: Ecto Applied

1 Lesson

Walk through advanced Ecto topics, including performance tuning, sandbox testing, and Phoenix integration.

10.

Add Ecto to an Elixir Application Without Phoenix

8 Lessons

Work your way through adding Ecto to Elixir applications, creating repos, and managing databases.

11.

Work with Changesets and Phoenix Forms

7 Lessons

Utilize Ecto changesets within Phoenix forms for efficient parameter validation and management.

12.

Test with Sandboxes

6 Lessons

Take a closer look at sandboxed testing to enhance efficiency and concurrency in Elixir.

13.

Create and Use Custom Types

5 Lessons

Tackle building and using custom types in Ecto for enhanced data handling.

14.

Inserting and Updating with Upserts

7 Lessons

Master the steps to efficiently manage data using upserts with Ecto.

15.

Optimizeing Your Application Design

6 Lessons

Step through best practices for optimized Elixir application design with Ecto.

16.

Work with Embedded Schemas

6 Lessons

Unpack the core of creating and managing embedded schemas for efficient data handling in Ecto.

17.

Creating Polymorphic Associations

7 Lessons

Explore creating polymorphic associations in Ecto using multiple strategies and their implications.

18.

Optimize IEx for Ecto

5 Lessons

Enhance your skills in optimizing IEx for Ecto through imports, aliases, and helper functions.

19.

Use Schemas Without Tables

6 Lessons

Dig deeper into creating flexible, table-less schemas in Ecto for better data handling.

20.

Tune for Performance

6 Lessons

Simplify complex topics in Ecto performance tuning, optimization techniques, bulk operations, and streaming large datasets.

21.

Conclusion

1 Lesson

Approach the closing thoughts with feedback, engagement, and a collaborative learning mindset.

Course Author

Trusted by 1.4 million developers working at companies

Anthony Walker

@_webarchitect_

Evan Dunbar

ML Engineer

Carlos Matias La Borde

Software Developer

Souvik Kundu

Front-end Developer

Vinay Krishnaiah

Software Developer

Eric Downs

Musician/Entrepeneur

Kenan Eyvazov

DevOps Engineer

Souvik Kundu

Front-end Developer

Eric Downs

Musician/Entrepeneur

Anthony Walker

@_webarchitect_

Evan Dunbar

ML Engineer

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