Course

Introduction to SQL and Databases

Knowing how to manipulate and access data is one the most in-demand job skills. SQL is one of the most-used programming languages for this task. Adding SQL skills will give you an advantage in almost any role you apply for from entry level all the way to the C-Suite. In this course, you’ll learn how to write code and perform fundamental data tasks using SQL — no previous coding experience is necessary. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to perform simple queries.

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Part of the Business Analyst (Power BI), and Business Analyst (Tableau) paths.

4.8 (359 reviews)

11,885 learners enrolled in this course.

Beginner friendly
5 hours
Self paced
7 lessons
1 project

“The learning paths on Dataquest are incredible. They give you a direction through the learning process – you don’t have to guess what to learn next.”

Otávio Silveira

Data Analyst @ Hortifruti

Introduction to SQL and Databases

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Course overview

This interactive SQL course for beginners will teach you how to code and perform fundamental data science tasks using SQL — and it will help you begin your journey to become a successful data professional.

In this course, you’ll learn how to write data queries and how to use statements and clauses — as well as the critical role of SQL in routine data science tasks.

Best of all, you’ll learn by doing — you’ll write code and get feedback directly in the browser. You’ll apply your skills to several guided projects involving real-world scenarios to build your portfolio and prepare for your next interview.

Key skills

Define the structure of SQL
Create basic queries to extract data from tables in a database
Define databases
Identify different versions of SQL
Formulate efficient and readable SQL code using styling conventions

Course outline

Introduction to SQL and Databases [7 lessons]

Exploring the Database and Schema 1h

Lesson Objectives

Define and use SQL components
Introduce ANSI SQL
Employ comments
Rename fields in a query with aliasing

Exploring Tables and Columns 2h

Lesson Objectives

Define data types and metadata
Perform text and numeric functions on fields
Use functions such as ROUND(), UPPER(), and LOWER()

Filtering with Numbers 1h

Lesson Objectives

Use comparison operators (<, >, =, <>)
Find NULL values
Filter with BETWEEN, IN, AND, and OR

Filtering with Strings and Categories 1h

Lesson Objectives

Find unique categories with SELECT DISTINCT
Filter by strings with IN/ BETWEEN
Filter by wildcards with LIKE

Sorting Results 1h

Lesson Objectives

Sort in ascending and descending order
Sort by multiple criteria
Use ORDER BY along with LIMIT
Format SQL code for readability

Conditional Statements and Style 1h

Lesson Objectives

Bin numbers or categories with CASE
Order by expressions
Explore performant SQL

Guided Project: Analyzing Kickstarter Projects 1h

Lesson Objectives

Explain the context of the problem
Query the dataset
Filter the dataset
Sort the dataset

Projects in this course

Analyzing Kickstarter Projects

For this project, you’ll assume the role of a data analyst at a startup considering launching a Kickstarter campaign. You’ll analyze data to help the team understand what might influence a campaign’s success.

View Project

The Dataquest guarantee

Dataquest has helped thousands of people start new careers in data. If you put in the work and follow our path, you’ll master data skills and grow your career.

We believe so strongly in our paths that we offer a full satisfaction guarantee. If you complete a career path on Dataquest and aren’t satisfied with your outcome, we’ll give you a refund.

Master skills faster with Dataquest

Go from zero to job-ready

Learn exactly what you need to achieve your goal. Don’t waste time on unrelated lessons.

Build your project portfolio

Build confidence with our in-depth projects, and show off your data skills.

Challenge yourself with exercises

Work with real data from day one with interactive lessons and hands-on exercises.

Showcase your path certification

Share the evidence of your hard work with your network and potential employers.

Grow your career with
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4.85

Dataquest rating

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$30k

Average salary boost

for learners who complete a path

Aaron Melton

Business Analyst at Aditi Consulting

“Dataquest starts at the most basic level, so a beginner can understand the concepts. I tried learning to code before, using Codecademy and Coursera. I struggled because I had no background in coding, and I was spending a lot of time Googling. Dataquest helped me actually learn.”

Jessica Ko

Machine Learning Engineer at Twitter

“I liked the interactive environment on Dataquest. The material was clear and well organized. I spent more time practicing then watching videos and it made me want to keep learning.”

Victoria E. Guzik

Associate Data Scientist at Callisto Media

“I really love learning on Dataquest. I looked into a couple of other options and I found that they were much too handhold-y and fill in the blank relative to Dataquest’s method. The projects on Dataquest were key to getting my job. I doubled my income!”