If you want to improve your skills as a database developer or just get a better understanding of data management, you should learn SQL (Structured Query Language). What is more, SQL is a very useful skill to have for every web developer.
In this article, you will find the best recourses to learn SQL!
What is SQL?
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a domain-specific language designed to manage relational databases – a system that uses tables to store information.
With SQL, you can access and manage robust databases with ease.
How Long Does it Take to Learn SQL?
The answer to this question depends on what level of skill you’re aiming for and how often you practice.
SQL is fairly straightforward, so understanding its basics is relatively fast – it can take from a few days to a week.
But, like any other skills, mastering SQL and becoming a pro can take years. It requires you to continuously learn and improve.
Websites Where You can Learn SQL
1.Codeacademy
Codeacademy is one of the most trusted sources for learning code. What is great, that the SQL course on this platform is free!
The course is divided into four parts: manipulating data, writing queries, using aggregate functions, and communicating with multiple tables.
Each lesson also has interactive exercises. Without correctly completing these exercises, you can’t continue to the next topic. It’s perfect for beginners as it ensures you to understand the current subject before moving on to another.
2.W3schools
W3schools is great for those who want to learn SQL quick and easy. The descriptions for each topic are short and clear, backed up with many examples and exercises. The course ensures that you’ll quickly understand the concept of SQL.
A special feature of W3schools is the ability to modify databases. With this function, you can test out queries and commands. Don’t worry about messing it up because you can restore it anytime!
3.Udemy
Udemy is a platform for video courses. It has thousands of various courses to choose from.
When it comes to SQL, Udemy has a variety of different courses that you can choose between depending on your skill level.
Other than commands and queries, courses also cover database engines like My SQL, Oracle, and SQL Server for all levels.
Unfortunately, most of the SQL courses on Udemy are paid. But there are some free courses that are definitely worth checking out.
4.Hackr.io
Rather than offering a SQL course, Hackr.io contains a list of learning references suggested by the community.
Each recommendation is voted up based on the content quality, course pace, course depth, and coverage. You’ll find different types of material: books, online tutorials and courses, videos, and practice programs.
Some are free, others are paid. Choose whichever suits you best.
5.Coursera
Coursera is another great source of SQL video courses. The platform is known for the wide variety of courses, that cover a wide range of topics. Some examples are SQL for data science, physical science and engineering, and business.
However, since the courses are provided by universities, the subscription prices can vary between $39-79.
6.EdX
EdX’s SQL lessons are intended for intermediate learners. Offered by Microsoft, it focuses on the use of SQL in Microsoft’s products including Azure, SQL Server, and Transact-SQL.
The free version of the program allows you to take the course for a limited time. Most of them give you about a month to finish. After that, you’ll have to pay if you want to access your progress again.
On the plus side, you will get a verified certificate by Microsoft if you choose to purchase the courses! You can add it to your CV and boost your employment prospects.
7.SQLCourse
SQLCourse gives you the freedom of creating your own tables through on-line SQL Interpreter. With this tool, you can also perform other commands such as select, insert, delete, and drop.
It is very useful to try writing commands from scratch, rather than just following the examples.
The basics of SQL are covered in this introductory course. After completing it, you can continue to SQLCourse2.
8.SQLBolt
SQLBolt is another platform that is a perfect fit for beginners. It brushes the surface of SQL by teaching you the important details that you should know.
Just like what its tagline says, you’ll learn through simple and interactive exercises. Right now it has 19 lectures covering the basics of SQL. But it also started to add more lessons for intermediate learners.
9.Khan Academy
Khan Academy provides a free SQL Course in the form of short videos. All subjects are taught with voice-over videos that are split into two screens.
The left screen is the tutorial in writing the commands, and the right side shows the results. This method is particularly useful for those who need step-by-step guidance along with visual representation. You’ll feel like learning with a teacher.
10.SQLZoo
SQLZoo is quite different from other websites. A unique feature of this website is the assessment projects.
It requires you to solve problems presented in the form of scenarios such as hotel booking records, making and ordering dresses, and others.
All projects have 15 questions graded easy, medium, and hard. Try to challenge yourself with these tasks!
Conclusion
SQL is the most common database language. So, a basic understanding of this programming language is a very useful skill to have.
If you want to learn SQL, there are a couple of different recourses you can turn to. Here’s a quick overview:
- CodeAcademy is one of the most trusted places for learning to code
- W3schools provides easy to follow courses for beginners
- Udemy is perfect for those who enjoy learning from video lessons
- Hackr.io is a community of fellow developers, who share the best recourses
- Coursera will provide you with a university-level learning experience
- EdX is a Microsoft product. After finishing it you will get an official Microsoft certificate
- SQLCourse will help you learn to write commands from scratch
- SQLBolt offers superb interactive exercises
- Khan Academy uses a split screen format, so you can see which commands do what in real time
- SQLZoo provides you with various problems to solve – perfect for those who like to get their hands dirty
