For an instructor lead, in-depth look at learning SQL click below.
SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a powerful tool that allows for the manipulation and retrieval of data within a relational database. If you’re looking to inculcate this critical skill without burning a hole in your pocket, worry not! There is a multitude of free resources available for you. Let’s delve into the best free SQL courses that you can start with.
Codecademy’s ‘Learn SQL’
Codecademy is a popular choice for learners beginning their journey in programming. Their ‘Learn SQL’ course is a perfect starter pack that covers basic topics such as queries, aggregate functions, and multiple tables.
Here’s an example of a typical SQL query you might learn to write after completing this course:
|
1 2 3 4 5 |
SELECT employee_name, employee_salary FROM employees WHERE employee_salary > 50000; |
Khan Academy’s ‘Intro to SQL: Querying and managing data’
Another excellent learning resource, the Khan Academy course, ‘Intro to SQL: Querying and managing data’, introduces key concepts like advanced joins, updating and creating tables, database normalization, and more.
After this course, you should be able to execute a join operation, such as the following:
|
1 2 3 4 5 6 |
SELECT orders.order_id, customers.customer_name FROM orders INNER JOIN customers ON orders.customer_id = customers.customer_id; |
EdX’s ‘Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Power BI’
EdX offers a course called ‘Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Power BI’ which, although not exclusively SQL-centric, does include modules on SQL. Additionally, you will learn the best practices of data visualization along with Power BI’s tools and features.
Part of this course includes transact SQL (T-SQL) where you would learn to write queries like:
|
1 2 3 4 5 |
UPDATE employees SET location = 'New York' WHERE location = 'San Francisco'; |
Udemy’s ‘SQL for Data Analysis: Weekender Crash Course for Beginners’
Another fantastic option is Udemy’s free ‘SQL for Data Analysis’ course. It condenses SQL’s complex syntax and concepts into short, manageable lectures that will benefit anyone venturing into data analysis.
A typical query you would learn, involving GROUP BY function, might look something like this:
|
1 2 3 4 5 |
SELECT department, COUNT(*) FROM employees GROUP BY department; |
Conclusion
Learning SQL can significantly boost your career, particularly if you are looking to venture into the data science field. Although in-person SQL training and certification programs can be costly, the resources and courses we’ve highlighted in this blog post are fantastic, budget-friendly alternatives. Start learning SQL today, and unlock a world of data analysis and management possibilities!