Top Free SQL Courses Worth Taking
 |
| Top Free SQL Courses Worth Taking |
Discover the finest no-cost online SQL courses, which teach the widely acclaimed declarative query language for retrieving data from relational databases.
Databases are everywhere, from websites and banking systems to video games. SQL empowers you to effortlessly access valuable data from these databases.
SQL: An Introduction
SQL, a declarative query language, is essential for extracting data from relational databases. Widely embraced in various industries, such as data science, engineering, digital marketing, and more.
Databases are omnipresent, from websites and banking systems to video games and beyond. They house vast amounts of data generated by billions of users daily. To access this invaluable data, mastering SQL is a must.
Indeed, databases hold such significance that many computer science graduates often consider their database class as the one that imparted the most invaluable skills for their careers. In fact, according to StackOverflow's 2021 Developer Survey, SQL is ranked as the third most popular programming language among professional developers.
Therefore, acquiring SQL skills will empower you to tackle essential data tasks independently, enhancing your attractiveness to potential employers.
1. SQL for Data Analysis
My top recommendation for the premier SQL learning experience is SQL for Data Analysis offered by Mode, a comprehensive data science platform seamlessly integrating a SQL editor, Python notebook, and R.
This course earns its top spot in our rankings for its comprehensive curriculum, encompassing vital concepts necessary for effective database management and analysis. Additionally, the in-browser SQL coding exercises included will fortify your hands-on skills.
Upon completing this course, you will possess the skills to craft effective SQL queries, enabling you to adeptly tackle diverse data analysis challenges.
The sole requirement for this course is a basic familiarity with working with data in spreadsheets.
Here's What You Will Discover
The course kicks off with an introduction to fundamental SQL concepts for single-table data manipulation. You'll become proficient in essential SQL commands such as SELECT and FROM for extracting columns from a table. Additionally, you'll master the art of utilizing WHERE to set conditions and employ logical operators for combining conditions effectively.
Subsequently, you'll delve into the intricacies of merging data from multiple tables through JOIN commands, leveraging mathematical set operators. You'll gain expertise in JOIN, INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN, and RIGHT JOIN operations.
Data scientists hold SQL in high regard for its capability to perform essential statistical operations like SUM, MIN, and MAX. Through this course, you'll master the use of these aggregate functions to extract valuable insights from your data. You'll also expand your toolkit with functions such as CASE, HAVING, and DATE.
In scenarios where a single query falls short or when complexity arises, you'll discover the power of subqueries – nested query methods designed to tackle intricate business questions. Additionally, you'll learn how to harness temp tables to access data with multiple queries and acquire the skills to clean and preprocess data directly in SQL.
The course goes beyond the fundamentals, delving into advanced SQL topics. You'll explore window functions, enabling you to compare individual rows without the need for complex joins. Furthermore, you'll dive into advanced joins and performance optimization, essential skills for excelling in interviews and real-world applications.
2. Databases: Relational Databases and SQL
My second recommendation for the best SQL course is Databases: Relational Databases and SQL by Stanford University.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to relational databases, with a focus on the perspectives of database designers, users, and application developers. It covers SQL, the universally recognized query language for relational database systems.
What sets this course apart from other edX offerings is its commitment to providing all course materials for free and easy access, although certificates are available for paying learners.
While there are no specific prerequisites for this course, having some background in programming and basic computer science theory can be beneficial.
Here's What You Will Discover
The course commences with an exploration of the relational model and its foundational concepts in relational databases. You'll delve into the seven key reasons behind the widespread use of relational databases and gain insight into how these principles shape their design and philosophy. Additionally, the course emphasizes the database management system, focusing on four pivotal concepts: the data model, schema as opposed to data, data definition language (DDL), and data manipulation or query language (DML).
Subsequently, the course covers the art of querying relational databases in a broader context, without a specific language focus. You'll learn how DDL is employed in shaping a database's schema, as well as how DML is used for querying and retrieving data from databases.
Once you've grasped the fundamentals of relational databases, your SQL journey begins with the cornerstone statement: SELECT. From there, you'll expand your command repertoire by learning how to enhance your queries. This includes adding conditions using WHERE and refining the result order with ORDER BY.
The next crucial SQL statement you'll master is JOIN. These statements empower you to extract data from multiple tables, a common scenario in most databases. You'll also delve into aggregation functions like SUM and DISTINCT, which provide insights into your data's characteristics. Furthermore, you'll acquire a set of commands for modifying and updating your data.
3. An Introduction to SQL at Davidson College
My third recommendation for the best SQL course is Introduction to SQL offered by Davidson College.
In this 4-week course, which is free to audit and offers limited access, you will acquire the essential skills for querying and analyzing data from complex relational databases, with a focus on the Postgres flavor of SQL (although most of the syntax you learn applies to other SQL variants as well).
The course begins with an exploration of the history of SQL and then progresses to teach you the fundamental commands that every beginner should be familiar with. As you advance, you will delve into more advanced SQL concepts.
Notably, there are no prerequisites for enrolling in this course.
Here's What You Will Discover
The course commences with an exploration of SQL's historical roots. You will gain insights into what a relational database is, its connection to SQL, and the reasons why SQL stands out as an invaluable tool to master. Additionally, you'll uncover the reasons behind SQL's various flavors.
Following this, the course provides instruction on fundamental SQL concepts. You'll learn how to structure SQL queries, select data from tables, apply filters to your queries, and employ functions for data aggregation, among other essential commands related to managing data within individual tables.
Moving forward, the course introduces the concept of JOINs. You'll gain proficiency in determining when and how to use JOINs for merging data from multiple tables and effectively inspecting and manipulating data within a database. The course concludes with a comprehensive overview of analytic functions and the skill of pivoting a database.
4. Introduction to SQL on Kaggle
If you have a foundational understanding of Python and a keen interest in data science, Intro to SQL is tailor-made for you.
In this free certification course, you'll delve into the world of SQL, specifically geared towards working with databases using Google BigQuery. By the course's conclusion, you'll possess the skill set to extract valuable insights directly from extensive datasets through the adept use of SQL queries for ordering, organizing, and amalgamating results.
A prerequisite for this course is a basic knowledge of Python.
Here's What You Will Discover
The course kicks off with an introduction to SQL and BigQuery. SQL, the language of database management, meets BigQuery, Google's web service that empowers you to harness SQL for handling massive datasets. Your journey begins with grasping the fundamentals of accessing and examining BigQuery datasets.
Subsequently, you'll delve into the fundamental structure of an SQL query. You'll initiate your data retrieval from tables using SELECT and FROM, and then apply filtering conditions with WHERE. Gradually, you'll expand your query-building skills by adding more commands to your toolkit, such as GROUP BY for consolidating columns and ORDER BY for arranging data systematically.
SQL offers a range of functions to help you effectively summarize and obtain a statistical perspective of your data, including essential ones like COUNT and SUM. Additionally, you'll discover how to efficiently refine the data retrieved by your query, allowing you to rename returned columns using AS and construct nested queries using WITH.
In the course's final section, you'll delve into the art of handling data distributed across multiple tables. This skill becomes invaluable for addressing a multitude of real-world data challenges as you master the use of JOIN to seamlessly merge data sources.
5. An Introduction to SQL with SQLBolt
SQLBolt mission is to kickstart your journey in SQL promptly, offering a range of free, interactive, and browser-based lessons and exercises.
You'll not only discover how to craft SQL queries to extract valuable data from existing databases but also master the art of creating new tables from the ground up.
No prior prerequisites are needed to embark on this course.
Here's What You Will Discover
This course begins with a straightforward introduction to writing SQL queries. You'll grasp fundamental operations such as SELECT and DELETE while applying constraints and filters through conditionals like WHERE. Additionally, you'll explore the utility of SQL functions like COUNT() and AVG() to gain insights from your data.
Moving forward, the course delves into the pivotal concept of JOIN, an essential skill to truly master the SQL language. JOINs enable you to combine query results from multiple tables into a single cohesive table. You'll gain an understanding of various JOIN types, including INNER JOIN and OUTER JOIN.
In the final sections of the course, you'll acquire the skills to directly manipulate tables. This includes the ability to insert, update, and delete rows within existing tables. You'll also learn how to create new tables, modify the properties of existing ones, and execute table deletions when necessary.
6. Building the Groundwork for Big Data Analysis using SQL (Cloudera)
Mastering the Essentials of Big Data Analysis with SQL, Presented by Cloudera
Discover the fundamental concepts and terminology essential for effectively engaging with diverse databases through Cloudera's comprehensive course.
In this cost-free, audit-friendly program, you will acquire the skills to harness SQL for handling large-scale data. The journey begins with an introduction to data, database systems, and SQL, followed by an exploration of the intricacies of big data and SQL tools tailored for extensive data platforms. The course culminates with hands-on experience in navigating databases.
Rest assured, no prior expertise in SQL or big data is necessary to embark on this learning adventure.
Here's What You Will Discover
The course kicks off by addressing fundamental questions: What exactly is data, and how do databases fit into the picture? You'll delve into the extensive applications of database systems, particularly focusing on relational databases.
With a solid foundation in place, you'll dive into the world of SQL and relational databases, gaining insights into key concepts and the specialized terminology used by all SQL and relational database users. This journey commences with the basics of database design, demystifying the roles of primary keys, foreign keys, and database triggers.
Subsequently, the course delves into the core attributes of big data repositories. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the "three V's" of big data: volume, velocity, and variety, while discerning the distinctions between big data and relational databases.
Regrettably, big data and SQL aren't a seamless match; relational databases can't seamlessly transition to accommodate Big Data. You'll delve into how certain technologies adapt SQL for the big data landscape, where these systems handle metadata differently from conventional relational systems. Additionally, you'll weigh the considerations of housing Big Data within your company's data centers or opting for cloud storage, understanding the factors that influence your choice.
Concluding the course, the spotlight shifts to two prominent technologies: Apache Hive and Apache Impala. You'll gain hands-on experience with these tools, engaging with data, conducting data exploration, and preparing a detailed report based on your findings.
7. Getting Started with SQL on DataCamp
DataCamp "Introduction to SQL" provides comprehensive instruction in the SQL syntax commonly utilized in various database systems, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, and Oracle.
Upon completing this course, which includes a complimentary certificate, you'll possess the ability to proficiently choose specific columns, filter rows that meet specific conditions, apply aggregate functions for data summarization, and effectively organize and group your query results.
Here's What You Will Discover
The course commences with a concise introduction to relational databases. Initially, you'll delve into the database's structure and anatomy. Subsequently, you'll grasp the art of selecting one or more columns through the SELECT statement, and become acquainted with a variety of essential functions.
Following this, you'll embark on a journey to master the art of row filtration using fundamental comparison operators such as AND, OR, and BETWEEN. Furthermore, you'll gain expertise in filtering for specific text and words utilizing the WHERE statement, allowing you to unearth invaluable nuggets of information.
Moving on to the third section of the course, we delve into the realm of aggregate functions, which play a crucial role in condensing data into meaningful statistics. Along the way, you'll discover the value of using aliases to provide clear and reader-friendly names for your query results.
In the final leg of this course, you'll be guided through the art of sorting data with the ORDER BY clause and grouping results using GROUP BY. While mastering GROUP BY might initially seem challenging, its utility becomes apparent when dealing with dual filtering conditions simultaneously. The course culminates with a comprehensive exercise that allows you to apply and integrate all the knowledge you've acquired.
8. The University of Colorado Boulder offers courses in the use of Structured Query Language (SQL)
The University of Colorado Boulder offers an in-depth course named SQL Mastery that equips you with a comprehensive understanding of Structured Query Language (SQL).
This comprehensive program focuses on enabling you to master standard SQL commands and syntax, empowering you to effectively analyze data within extensive relational databases. You will not only delve into the SELECT statement for data retrieval and report generation but also gain proficiency in the essential DDL ("Data Definition Language") and DML ("Data Manipulation Language") commands needed for creating and managing database objects.
No prior prerequisites are required to enroll in this course.
Here's What You Will Discover
The course commences with an exploration of SQL's origins, delving into its history and inception, and then centers on one of the most commonly used SQL statements: SELECT. When you work with SQL programming, a significant portion of your tasks revolves around crafting SELECT statements. Therefore, you'll invest a substantial amount of time in this course to thoroughly understand the SELECT statement and its versatile capabilities.
You'll explore the functionality of group functions and their role in calculating subtotals. Additionally, you'll delve into the concept of subqueries, which involve nesting one query within another. When the inner query is executed, it yields results that the outer query can utilize. Furthermore, you will investigate the art of retrieving data from multiple database tables through SQL Joins, which are rooted in mathematical set operations and offer formidable capabilities for extracting data from numerous tables.
Next in line, you'll delve into the realms of DDL and DML, which stand for Data Definition Language and Data Manipulation Language, respectively. These fundamental aspects encompass the creation, updating, modification, and deletion of tables and their respective records. As you progress, you will be introduced to more advanced SQL concepts, including VIEW, CASE, and UNION, providing you with opportunities for hands-on practice.
9. SQL for Data Science is a course offered by the University of California, Davis
SQL for Data Science offered by the University of California, Davis, serves as your gateway to mastering the essential skills of SQL and data manipulation from a data scientist's perspective.
Upon completing this freely accessible course, you will possess the ability to pose pertinent questions to uncover valuable insights for your organization. You'll also be adept at crafting intricate queries to extract and refine data from tables, create new tables, and seamlessly transfer data into them. SQL will become a professional tool in your arsenal, enabling you to shape data for precise analytical purposes.
No prior SQL experience is necessary to enroll in this course.
Here's What You Will Discover
The course kicks off by demystifying SQL, highlighting its distinctive declarative nature in contrast to procedural languages. As you progress, you'll delve into the various inter-database relationships and acquire the skills to construct SELECT statements for precise data retrieval from databases.
Subsequently, you'll further bolster your SQL proficiency by mastering essential clauses and operators. You'll become adept at aggregating, filtering, sorting, and grouping data seamlessly within a single query.
Subqueries and joins represent indispensable tools in your skill repertoire. You'll gain the insight to discern when to employ subqueries, enhancing the precision of your select statements, and harnessing the power of joins to amalgamate and select data from multiple tables seamlessly. In addition, you'll grasp the significance of employing aliases, pre-qualifiers, and comments to maintain the cleanliness of your SQL code.
The course's final segment delves into the art of data modification and analysis through SQL. You'll explore techniques for manipulating strings, including concatenation, trimming, case conversion, and utilizing substring functions, particularly when dealing with date and time strings. Moreover, you'll gain proficiency in understanding case statements, data governance, and profiling, and acquire fundamental principles for harnessing SQL in the realm of data science.
10. Exploring the World of Structured Query Language (SQL) at the University of Michigan
Embark on Your SQL Journey with the University of Michigan: Beginning with MySQL, this course will teach you the fundamentals of Structured Query Language (SQL). You'll discover the art of creating and designing databases using MAMP or XAMPP while mastering the essential syntax of the MySQL language.
No prior prerequisites are required to audit this free course; however, a background in PHP programming would prove advantageous."
Here's What You Will Discover
To kickstart the course, you'll receive step-by-step guidance on installing a text editor and setting up your PHP development environment using either MAMP or XAMPP.
With the technical groundwork in place, the course delves into the world of databases and their significant advantages over conventional Excel or CSV files in terms of minimizing data redundancy. You will also gain a solid understanding of the fundamental SQL language syntax, covering key operations such as SELECT, INSERT, DELETE, UPDATE, and various data types.
Designing a database can be a challenging task. At times, databases can become quite intricate with numerous tables interconnected. In this course, you will delve into the essential concept of database normalization, which provides crucial principles to steer your design, and you'll gain the skills to map out your database using a data schema.
Tables often feature Many-To-Many relationships. For instance, a student may be associated with multiple classes, and a class may have several students. In the final segment of the course, you will learn how to effectively model such relationships, ensuring that your database is optimized for both storage and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. What is SQL, and why is it important?
Structured Query Language (SQL) is a declarative query language used for managing and manipulating relational databases. It's crucial because it allows you to retrieve, insert, update, and delete data in a structured and efficient manner. SQL is widely used in various industries, including data science, engineering, and digital marketing, making it an essential skill for professionals in these fields.
2. Are these SQL courses free to access and learn from?
Yes, the courses mentioned in this article are free to access and learn from, although some may offer optional paid certifications or additional features. You can audit these courses without cost to gain valuable SQL skills.
3. Do I need any prior programming or database knowledge to enrol in these courses?
Most of the courses listed do not require prior programming or database knowledge, and they are suitable for beginners. However, some courses may recommend or benefit from a basic understanding of programming concepts.
4. Can I earn a certificate or credential upon completing these courses?
Many of the courses offer free certificates of completion, while some also provide optional paid certificates or credentials. Be sure to check the individual course websites for details on certification options.
5. How long does it take to complete these SQL courses?
The duration of the courses varies, but they are generally designed to be completed at your own pace. Some courses can be completed in a few weeks, while others may take longer depending on your learning speed and commitment.
6. Can I access these courses on mobile devices or offline?
Most online courses can be accessed on mobile devices, as they often provide mobile-friendly platforms or apps. However, you may need an internet connection to access course content. Offline access typically depends on the specific course platform's features.
7. Which SQL course is the best for data analysis and data science?
For data analysis and data science, "SQL for Data Analysis" and "SQL for Data Science" are highly recommended courses. These courses cover essential SQL concepts and skills specifically relevant to data-related tasks.
8. Is SQL still a valuable skill in today's technology landscape?
Absolutely. SQL remains a highly valuable skill in today's technology landscape. It is the foundation for working with relational databases, which are prevalent in a wide range of industries. Data analysis, data engineering, and database management roles often require SQL proficiency.
9. Can I use SQL for different database systems, like PostgreSQL, MySQL, or SQL Server?
Yes, SQL is a standardized language, and the skills you learn in these courses can be applied to various database systems, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, and others. While there may be minor differences in syntax, the core SQL concepts remain consistent across most relational databases.
10. How can I practice and apply the SQL skills learned from these courses?
You can practice your SQL skills on various online platforms and by working on real-world projects. Many courses provide exercises and hands-on practice to reinforce your learning. Additionally, you can explore SQL-related projects or create your own databases to apply your knowledge.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, mastering SQL is an invaluable skill with broad applications in today's data-driven world. The ability to query and manipulate relational databases is not only in high demand across various industries but also empowers professionals to make data-driven decisions and solve complex problems.
The courses mentioned in this article offer excellent opportunities to learn SQL at no cost. Whether you're a beginner looking to start your SQL journey or an experienced data professional seeking to enhance your skills, these courses provide comprehensive instruction and hands-on experience.
From "SQL for Data Analysis" to "SQL Mastery," these courses cover fundamental SQL concepts, advanced techniques, and practical applications. Regardless of your background or career goals, these free SQL courses can help you build a strong foundation in SQL and open doors to exciting opportunities in data analysis, data science, database management, and more.
By enrolling in these courses, you can gain the knowledge and skills needed to harness the power of SQL and elevate your professional capabilities. So, don't hesitate to explore these free resources and embark on your journey to SQL mastery today.
