Overview of SQL courses
SQL is the standard language for working with databases, and it’s one of the most valuable skills you can learn for any data-related role. From startups to large corporations, companies rely on SQL to store, retrieve, and analyze their data. Whether you’re interested in becoming a data analyst, business analyst, or just want to work more effectively with data in your current job, learning SQL online gives you direct access to the information that informs business decisions.
This SQL for beginners course starts from the ground up—no prior database experience required. You’ll begin by understanding what databases are, how they organize information, and why SQL is the key to accessing that information. From there, you’ll write your first queries to select and filter data from real databases.
SQL is the standard language for working with databases, and it’s one of the most valuable skills you can learn for any data-related role. From startups to large corporations, companies rely on SQL to store, retrieve, and analyze their data. Whether you’re interested in becoming a data analyst, business analyst, or just want to work more effectively with data in your current job, learning SQL online gives you direct access to the information that informs business decisions.
This SQL for beginners course starts from the ground up—no prior database experience required. You’ll begin by understanding what databases are, how they organize information, and why SQL is the key to accessing that information. From there, you’ll write your first queries to select and filter data from real databases.
You’ll learn the fundamental SQL skills that every data professional uses: exploring and querying specific sets of data, handling information from multiple sources, retrieving data to build reports and perform analysis, and organizing data efficiently to answer business questions. These core techniques form the foundation of database work and data analysis, whether you’re in tech, healthcare, finance, or any other field.
As you progress through these SQL courses, you’ll work with realistic scenarios. You’ll learn to group data to find patterns, calculate summary statistics, and answer business questions using SQL queries. The course emphasizes practical application—every concept you learn connects directly to tasks you’ll encounter in data analysis roles.
You’ll practice SQL programming in an interactive coding environment directly in your browser, where you can write queries, run them against real databases, and see immediate results. This hands-on approach helps you build confidence and develop the problem-solving skills that make SQL so powerful for data analysis.
These courses include guided projects based on real business scenarios where you’ll use SQL for data analysis tasks like examining Kickstarter campaigns and analyzing customer purchase patterns. These projects provide you with experience working with the types of questions and datasets you’ll encounter professionally.
By completing this SQL skills training, you’ll be comfortable writing queries, working with databases, and using SQL for data analysis. You’ll earn an SQL certificate that demonstrates your abilities to employers and supports your career goals in data.
SQL skills you’ll learn
- Exploring, querying, and extracting specific sets of data
- Handling data from multiple sources
- Retrieving data to build reports and perform analysis
- Organizing data efficiently to answer business questions
Outline of SQL courses:
Fundamentals of SQL [5 courses]
Course 1: Introduction to SQL and Databases 5h
Get started with SQL from the ground up. Learn database structure, write your first queries, and understand the different versions of SQL used across the industry.
- Define the structure of SQL
- Create basic queries to extract data from tables in a database
- Define databases
- Identify different versions of SQL
- Write good SQL code
Course 2: Summarizing Data in SQL 3h
Build your analytical skills by learning to calculate statistics and group data. You’ll discover how to use SQL’s built-in functions to summarize information and filter results effectively.
- Employ SQL to compute statistics
- Provide statistics by group
- Filter results over groups
Course 3: Combining Tables in SQL 3h
Learn to work with multiple tables simultaneously using joins. You’ll explore different join types and set operators to combine data from various sources for comprehensive analysis.
- Combine tables using inner joins
- Employ different types of joins
- Employ other SQL clauses with joins
- Join on complex conditions
- Employ set operators like UNION and EXCEPT
Course 4: SQL Subqueries 6h
Take your SQL skills to the next level with nested queries and common table expressions. You’ll learn to write complex queries that can handle sophisticated data analysis tasks.
- Nest a query inside another query
- Employ different types of subqueries
- Employ common table expressions
- Scale your project with complex queries
Course 5: Window Functions in SQL 7h
Master advanced SQL techniques with window functions for sophisticated data analysis. You’ll learn to perform running calculations, rankings, and complex aggregations that are essential for professional data work.
- Set up a frame for window functions
- Compute running aggregations with aggregate window functions
- Explore rank window functions
- Apply distribution window functions
- Use offset window functions
SQL projects you'll build:
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.
Customers and Products Analysis Using SQL
For this project, you’ll step into the role of a data analyst at a scale model car company. You’ll use SQL skills like joins and subqueries to explore a sales database and provide data-driven answers to key business questions about inventory, customers, and marketing.
SQL Window Functions for Northwind Traders
For this project, you’ll assume the role of a data analyst at Northwind Traders, using advanced SQL techniques to provide insights that drive strategic business decisions.
Learning resources for SQL
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Will getting a SQL certification actually help you get ...
Earn your SQL Certificate
Add this SQL certificate to your resume or LinkedIn to showcase your skills and stand out in job applications.
SQL FAQ
Why should I learn SQL?
SQL is a requirement for anyone working with data because it’s the standard way to communicate with databases. Most companies store their data in databases, and SQL is how you access and analyze that information. Learning SQL opens doors to roles in data analysis, business intelligence, and data science. It’s also useful for anyone who needs to work with data in their current job, from marketing to finance to operations.
What is SQL used for in data analysis?
SQL is used to retrieve specific information from databases, combine data from different sources, and perform calculations on large datasets. Data analysts use SQL to answer business questions, create reports, and prepare data for visualization. It’s more efficient than spreadsheets for working with large amounts of data and gives you direct access to company databases.
Do I need programming experience for this SQL course?
No programming experience is needed for this beginner SQL course. SQL uses English-like commands that are easier to learn than many programming languages. You’ll start with simple queries and gradually build your skills through hands-on practice with real databases.
How long does it take to learn SQL for data analysis?
Most students can learn basic SQL skills in a few weeks with regular practice. This course is designed to be completed at your own pace, but you’ll get to see results from your first query on the first day. Many learners feel confident with fundamental SQL operations within their first week of study.
What jobs require SQL skills?
SQL skills are valuable for data analysts, business analysts, data scientists, database administrators, and business intelligence specialists. Many roles in marketing, finance, health care, operations, and product management also benefit from SQL knowledge. Any job that involves making decisions based on data can benefit from SQL skills.
Is SQL still relevant with modern data tools?
Yes, SQL remains highly relevant. Most modern data tools and platforms are built on SQL databases, and understanding SQL helps you work more effectively with business intelligence tools, data visualization software, and cloud data platforms. SQL skills become more valuable as companies collect more data.
What makes this SQL course different from others?
This course focuses on practical, real-world applications of SQL for data analysis. You’ll work with actual datasets and complete projects that mirror professional scenarios. Our interactive learning environment allows you to practice what you’ve learned immediately, and you’ll build a portfolio of work that showcases your skills to potential employers.
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