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Structured Query Language (SQL) is the lingua franca for managing and manipulating relational databases. Since data is at the heart of many industries, being able to analyze data effectively and efficiently is a valuable skill.
Professionals ranging from database administrators and software developers to data scientists and financial analysts rely heavily on SQL to perform tasks such as data retrieval, analysis, and reporting. It also consistently ranks among the top ten most popular programming languages. TIOBE Indexand even rose to eighth place last year.
Given its wide range of uses and the lucrative career opportunities it brings, learning SQL is a strategic move for anyone looking to excel in the tech and data fields. TechRepublic profiles the top six SQL courses for learners with different experience and goals in 2024.
look: Can Microsoft Copilot write simple SQL commands for you?
Best SQL Courses: Comparison Chart
SQL: A Practical Introduction to Database Querying – Coursera
The SQL: A Practical Introduction course was developed by tech giant IBM to quickly teach SQL basics to beginners. This course is perfect for learners who are interested but don’t have a lot of time, as it only takes 21 hours and can be completed in an hour. It covers basic SQL statements, creating relational databases, views, transactions, joins, and more, delivered through videos, readings, and quizzes. The content is applicable to many relational database management systems, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, IBM Db2, Oracle, and SQL Server.
price
After a seven-day free trial, it costs $49/£38 per month.
period
21 hours.
pros and cons
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| Perfect for giving confidence to complete beginners. | Might be too basic for some learners. |
| If completed within a week it is free. | The course fee may seem expensive if it cannot be completed within a month. |
prerequisites
No, but some basic data literacy is helpful.
SQL Nanodegree Course – Udacity
Udacity’s SQL Nanodegree is longer and more in-depth than the Coursera course. While it does require a basic understanding of SQL, the course starts by introducing key commands, joins, aggregations, and subqueries before moving on to more advanced topics such as MongoDB, RDBMS, and foreign keys. What really sets the Udacity course apart is that the instructors provide personalized feedback and answer learners’ questions throughout, but it also costs more. Learners who complete the course receive a certificate that they can promote on their resumes and LinkedIn profiles.
price
$249/£196 per month after a seven-day free trial.
period
80 hours.
pros and cons
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| Provides the opportunity for a mentor to review projects and answer questions. | expensive. |
| Upon completion you will receive a certificate. | Tutor availability varies. |
prerequisites
Basic SQL.
SQL Assistant Data Analyst – DataCamp
The SQL Associate Data Analyst course and certification is perfect for those who aspire to become data analysts and want to gain SQL foundational knowledge. DataCamp provides exercises based on real data sets (such as motorcycle parts sales and student mental health statistics), which helps keep the content interesting and relevant. Instructors start with general SQL and then teach techniques and tools used in data analysis, such as PostgreSQL. Instructors include data scientists, data evangelists, and consultants, and learners receive a statement of achievement upon completion.
price
$13/£11 per month.
period
39 hours.
pros and cons
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| Specific to data analysts. | Some commenters said this exercise can be difficult and take longer than the allotted time. |
| Covers non-SQL topics that supplement understanding, including statistics. | Different teachers’ teaching styles may not be suitable for all learners. |
prerequisites
not any.
Databases and SQL for Data Science with Python – Coursera
Data analysis involves solving defined business problems, while data science involves using more advanced techniques to make broader predictions and deal with the unknown. Both fields use SQL, but in different ways—so a course that covers the database query language in the proper context will be most useful. Coursera offers Python Database and SQL for Data Science, prepared by IBM, specifically for aspiring data scientists. It focuses on using SQL and databases to handle large-scale datasets and perform complex queries, which is essential for building data-driven models. It also covers integrating SQL with Python to preprocess data for machine learning algorithms and automate data workflows.
price
After a seven-day free trial, it costs $49/£38 per month.
period
20 hours.
pros and cons
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| Beginner level. | The learning curve is steep. |
| If completed within a week it is free. | Narrow focus on datasets and SQL, leaving less room for other aspects of data science such as ML algorithms. |
prerequisites
not any.
SQL for Financial Data Analysis and Reporting – Zero to Expert – Udemy
SQL is frequently used in the financial sector for activities such as managing large transaction databases, calculating risk, tracking investment performance, and generating reports. If finance professionals want to learn about SQL as it relates to their careers, look no further than SQL for Financial Data Analysis and Reporting on Udemy. Taught by accountants, the course covers SQL basics such as writing queries to filter, group, and sort data, performing complex joins, and using functions for data aggregation and reporting. Learners will then build on these skills by learning to generate reports such as balance sheets and income statements, as well as preparing key financial analyses such as profitability and liquidity ratios.
price
$20/£19.99 per month
period
5.5 hours.
pros and cons
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| SQL is taught in the context of financial reporting and analysis. | Those with a limited financial background may find the explanations lacking in detail. |
| Low time investment. |
prerequisites
Basic knowledge of financial reporting.
look: The 5 Best Udemy Courses to Take in 2024
SQL for Business Analysts – DataCamp
This DataCamp course is designed for Business analyst People who work in marketing, finance, or product and already have a basic understanding of databases and SQL. Business analysts often use SQL to identify trends, issues, and opportunities to improve business efficiency in large data sets. Therefore, this course includes lessons on filtering, aggregating, and joining tables to extract and analyze data, as well as creating summary statistics and visualizations to support data-driven decision making. Examples include using SQL to calculate profit, revenue, and other KPIs frequently used by business analysts.
price
$13/£11 per month.
period
20 hours.
pros and cons
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| Teach SQL in the context of business analysis. | Different teachers’ teaching styles may not be suitable for all learners. |
| reasonable price. |
prerequisites
Basic SQL knowledge and familiarity with databases is recommended.
Are SQL courses worth it?
Simply typing “SQL courses” into Google will bring up hundreds of results, as there are many providers looking to capitalise on the growing demand for digital skills and the opportunities it presents. As a result, the quality of courses varies widely, ultimately meaning that a large proportion of courses may not be considered “worthwhile” by learners.
However, the best courses, prepared by subject matter experts and qualified educators, can make a real difference. 2023 Learning Outcomes Report77% of learners experienced career benefits from their courses, such as finding a new job, getting a promotion, or gaining applicable career skills.
For those who lack self-motivation, SQL courses can help them stay focused and complete their training. The structured approach ensures they systematically build skills and apply best practices. Many courses also offer certificates upon completion, such as Udacity’s SQL Nanodegree, which can enhance job search capabilities, attract employers, and further motivate them. University of Michiganstudents who wanted a certificate were more likely to complete their program of study than those who did not.
On the other hand, there are many other resources available, such as YouTube videos, discussion boards, and open source projects, which can help self-disciplined learners master SQL skills at their own pace without taking a course. Ultimately, whether a learner finds a course worthwhile will depend on the quality of the course and their own learning style.
Is SQL a high-paying skill?
Yes, SQL is considered a high-paying skill. The average salary for a SQL developer who manages databases through SQL queries and scripts is United States: $95,000 and UK: £44,000not including bonuses, profit sharing or other additional pay, according to Glassdoor. In addition, database management, which relies heavily on SQL, is Top IT jobs with good salariesoften up to $100,000 or more per year.
Should I learn Oracle SQL or MySQL?
Oracle SQL is often used by large enterprises to complete a large number of complex database transactions, so it is most valuable in industries such as finance or healthcare. MySQL, on the other hand, is widely used in web development and startups due to its open source nature and ease of use. The best language to learn first is the one that best aligns with your career goals. However, MySQL is easier for beginners to learn.
Should I learn SQL, Python, or Tableau first?
SQL, Python, and Tableau are three different skills that are most useful in different professional contexts. SQL is fundamental to managing and querying databases. 52.9% of data analyst job postings mention thisreflecting the demand for it in the industry.
Python is a versatile and widely used programming language that is widely used for data analysis and machine learning. TIOBE Index Essential for in-depth data processing and analysis.
Tableau is a visual analytics platform that can be used to effectively present insights from data. If your goal is to create impactful visualizations and dashboards, then learning how to use Tableau will be of great benefit.
Because of the demand for SQL and its ease of use compared to Python, it may be most beneficial to start with SQL. If you want to improve your analytical skills, you can work on Python QualificationAlternatively, if your role requires a lot of data visualization work, you may decide to learn to use Tableau.
method
When evaluating online courses, we examine the provider’s reliability and popularity, the depth and variety of topics offered, the usefulness of the information, the cost, and the duration. Courses and certification programs vary widely, so be sure to choose an option that fits your goals and learning style.
look: How to Use Tableau: A Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners
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