Keep yourself on the loop and stay updated.

A big variety of articles and resources

Top 10 Best Ways to Learn SQL for Beginners

Top 10 Best Ways to Learn SQL for Beginners

Sia Author and Instructor Sia Author and Instructor
9 minute read

Listen to article
Audio generated by DropInBlog's Blog Voice AI™ may have slight pronunciation nuances. Learn more

Udemy: The Complete SQL Bootcamp: Go from Zero to Hero

The Complete SQL Bootcamp on Udemy is an excellent choice for beginners looking to master SQL and PostgreSQL. This course covers everything from basic queries to complex database operations, making it ideal for aspiring data analysts. One of the standout features of this course is its hands-on training approach, which follows industry best practices.

Key Information

  • Prerequisites: None
  • Instructor: Eric Vanier
  • Level: Beginner
  • Free or Paid: Paid
  • Certificate: Yes
  • Duration: 84 hours (text content and assignments)
This introduction to SQL course offers hands-on SQL training with industry best practices. Instructor Eric Vanier specializes in database performance and optimization, empowering teams with valuable skills.

LearnSQL: SQL from A to Z

LearnSQL's "SQL from A to Z" is a comprehensive course designed for beginners. This track offers a well-planned learning path and plenty of opportunities to practice what you've learned. The course spans 112 hours, typically spread over 7 months at a pace of 4 hours per week. It covers both basic and advanced features of SQL, focusing on databases and data analysis. The course is paid and provides a certificate upon completion. The structured approach and consistent practice make it perfect for those who want to master SQL basics at their own pace.

Coursera: SQL for Data Science (UC Davis)

The University of California Davis offers a comprehensive course on Coursera titled SQL for Data Science. This beginner-level course spans 14 hours and is designed to cover the basics of Data Science and Analysis, including SQL queries, tables, and commands. Taught by AI Strategy Consultant Sadie St. Lawrence, the course is structured to provide practical SQL training with real-world problem-solving, hands-on projects, and expert-led instruction. Upon completion, students receive a free certificate, which can be a valuable addition to your resume.

  • Course Highlights:
    • Duration: 14 hours
    • Level: Beginner
    • Instructor: Sadie St. Lawrence
    • Certification: Free certificate of completion
This course is ideal for those looking to advance their career in data management by mastering SQL performance and query optimization.

Codecademy: Learn SQL

Codecademy's Learn SQL course is a beginner-friendly, 7-hour program designed to teach you how to use SQL to access, create, manipulate, and update database data. You'll learn to perform complex queries, use aggregate functions, and work with multiple tables. The course also helps you create portfolio projects to showcase your new skills. While the course is free, upgrading to a Pro account for $15.99 per month allows you to earn a certificate of completion and gain access to real-world projects, guidance, and peer support.

Key Learning Points

  1. How to use SQL to access, create, and update data stored in a database.
  2. How to write complex queries by learning essential query keywords and functionality.
  3. How to use powerful functions for performing complex database operations with ease.
  4. How to create and manipulate databases with multiple related tables.
More than 1.2 million people have joined this free SQL course, and you can join too.

Codecademy's Learn SQL course offers practical SQL training with real-world problem-solving, hands-on projects, and expert-led instruction for career advancement in data management.

DataCamp: Introduction to SQL

person learning SQL on a laptop

DataCamp’s Introduction to SQL is a comprehensive, free, 4-hour bootcamp designed to help you master querying tables in relational databases such as MySQL, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL. With 41 exercises, this course will quickly cover and test your skills in selecting columns, filtering rows, aggregate functions, and sorting and grouping. More than 1.2 million people have joined this free SQL course, and you can join too.

DataCamp offers free introductory lessons with hands-on projects, personalized support, and industry insights. Learn SQL effectively for data-driven roles. Instructor Eric Vanier has 25+ years of experience in SQL and database performance.

Key Features

  • Free 4-hour bootcamp
  • Covers MySQL, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL
  • 41 exercises to test your skills
  • Hands-on projects and personalized support

Why Choose DataCamp?

DataCamp is a dedicated online platform for learning data skills like SQL. While it also has a subscription plan, many high-quality free courses are available to help you learn essential data skills for free.

Khan Academy: Intro to SQL

Khan Academy offers a fantastic beginner-level course titled Intro to SQL: Querying and Managing Data. This course covers the foundational SQL skills such as creating tables, selecting, storing, querying, and manipulating data. As you progress, you'll delve into more advanced topics like relational queries, JOIN functionality, and modifying databases. The best part is that the course is self-paced, allowing you to master SQL basics at your own pace.

  • Creating tables
  • Selecting data
  • Storing data
  • Querying data
  • Manipulating data
  • Relational queries
  • JOIN functionality
  • Modifying databases
This course is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to get a solid grasp of SQL and its applications in various fields.

SQLZoo: Interactive SQL Tutorial

SQLZoo offers a user-friendly platform with tutorials and interactive examples that allow you to write queries and see the results directly in your browser. This makes it an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced programmers.

Key Features

  • Interactive tutorials
  • Practical examples
  • Exercises to test your knowledge

SQL Clauses Covered

  • SELECT: Read data
  • CREATE: Make a new database
  • ALTER: Modify an existing database
  • DELETE: Remove data and tables
SQLZoo is a comprehensive and practical resource for anyone looking to master SQL, offering a blend of tutorials and hands-on exercises.

Mode Analytics SQL Tutorial

The Mode Analytics SQL Tutorial is a fantastic resource for beginners looking to get hands-on experience with SQL. This tutorial is designed to be interactive, allowing users to write and execute SQL queries directly in their browser. One of the key features of this tutorial is its practical approach, which helps learners understand how SQL is used in real-world scenarios.

The tutorial covers a wide range of topics, including basic SQL commands, data manipulation, and more advanced concepts like joins and subqueries. It also provides numerous examples and exercises to reinforce learning.

  • Introduction to SQL
  • Basic SQL Commands
  • Data Manipulation
  • Joins and Subqueries
If you're looking for a comprehensive and interactive way to learn SQL, the Mode Analytics SQL Tutorial is an excellent choice. It offers a mini course: SQL data manipulation tools - Eric Vanier, SQL and database performance specialist, offers free SQL course. Learn SQL basics for beginners. Subscribe for more.

W3Schools SQL Tutorial

W3Schools offers beginner-friendly, self-paced tutorial chapters that cover how to use SQL in various database systems such as MySQL, SQL Server, MS Access, Oracle, Sybase, Informix, and Postgres. The lessons are filled with examples, exercises, quizzes, and references to aid in your learning journey. It's a comprehensive resource for mastering SQL basics and advancing your skills.

LeetCode: SQL Practice Problems

LeetCode is renowned for its extensive collection of coding challenges, and its SQL practice problems are no exception. These problems are designed to help you master SQL through hands-on experience. The platform offers a variety of problems that range from basic to advanced levels, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

Key Features

  • Wide Range of Problems: From simple SELECT statements to complex JOIN operations, LeetCode covers it all.
  • Real-World Scenarios: The problems are based on real-world scenarios, helping you understand how SQL is used in practical applications.
  • Community Support: LeetCode has a vibrant community where you can discuss problems and solutions, making learning more interactive.

Benefits

  • Hands-On Practice: The best way to learn SQL is by doing, and LeetCode provides ample opportunities for that.
  • Immediate Feedback: Get instant feedback on your solutions, helping you learn and improve quickly.
  • Track Your Progress: LeetCode allows you to track your progress over time, so you can see how much you've improved.
LeetCode's SQL practice problems are an excellent way to enhance your SQL skills through practical, real-world challenges. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, you'll find valuable learning opportunities on this platform.

Looking to sharpen your SQL skills? Dive into our LeetCode: SQL Practice Problems and take your expertise to the next level. Our comprehensive courses, supported by AI-driven guidance, are designed to help you master SQL efficiently. Don't wait—start your learning journey today!

Conclusion

Learning SQL can seem daunting at first, but with the right approach and resources, it becomes much more manageable. By following the top 10 tips outlined in this article, you can build a strong foundation in SQL. Start by understanding the basics through research and online courses, and then deepen your knowledge with hands-on practice and real-world projects. Remember to connect with other learners, follow best practices, and challenge yourself with coding exercises. With dedication and the right tools, you'll be well on your way to mastering SQL and leveraging it in your professional endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SQL?

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a standard programming language used to manage and manipulate databases.

Is SQL hard to learn for beginners?

While SQL can be challenging for beginners, there are many resources and courses designed to make the learning process easier.

What are the best online courses for learning SQL?

Some of the best online courses for learning SQL include Udemy's The Complete SQL Bootcamp, Coursera's SQL for Data Science, and Codecademy's Learn SQL.

How long does it take to learn SQL?

The time it takes to learn SQL varies depending on the individual and the resources used, but many people can learn the basics in a few weeks with consistent practice.

Can I learn SQL for free?

Yes, there are many free resources available to learn SQL, including tutorials on websites like Khan Academy and W3Schools.

Why should I learn SQL?

Learning SQL is valuable because it is widely used in various fields such as data analysis, web development, and database management, making it a highly sought-after skill in the job market.

« Back to Blog

Created with