How to get started with SQL

I think SQL is the most important tech skill for a Data Analyst to know. It allows you to find and manipulate data without waiting on an IT team or a Data Engineer to find and manipulate data for you. You can watch this video to learn more about why SQL is so important for a Data Analyst. 

Below are my favorite FREE SQL learning resources:

  • SQL for Data Analysis | Free Courses | Udacity: This free course from Udacity covers everything a beginner Data Analyst should know. It covers SQL Basics (SELECT, FROM, WHERE), Joins, Aggregations, Data Cleaning, and Window Functions. It has a mix of video and written lectures along with quizzes to help you master the content. They advertise that it takes about 4 weeks to complete the course, but I think it's completely worth the time investment. 

  • Sololearn: Introduction to SQL: Sololearn offers a great introductory SQL course that covers all the basics from SELECT statements to SQL best practices and creating/deleting tables. I wouldn't use it as my sole source of learning, but I think it's a great complement to the Udacity course. It also offers a mobile app, which I really like. It also comes with a completion certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile. 

  • SQLBolt - Learn SQL - Introduction to SQL: SQLBolt offers a very comprehensive SQL course covering beginner and intermediate topics. It's more text-based, so it might not be for everyone, but it does include interactive exercises to make sure that you have mastered each lesson. 

  • SQL Introduction (w3schools.com): W3 schools is THE place for SQL references. If you want to quickly look anything up regarding SQL syntax or functions, it is very likely that your search engine will send you here. They also offer a text-based SQL course similar to SQL Bolt. 

Those are my most recommended resources, but you can find some more recommendations by watching this video! 

Already mastered the basics? Click here to read about more advanced SQL practice resources. 

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