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Learn SQL

Gain career-building skills for a data-driven world. 

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is an in-demand programming language that allows you to manage data in relational databases. 

It's easy to learn, incredibly versatile, and used by everyone from data scientists and engineers to anyone who simply wants to be more data-literate. 

Whether you’re a complete SQL beginner or you're looking to develop an existing set of skills, DataCamp will help you study at your own pace, put your new skills to practical use, and build your SQL portfolio. 

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Why Learn SQL?

SQL IS POWERFUL, VERSATILE, AND IN HIGH DEMAND

SQL is everywhere - it’s the language of choice for a vast number of businesses, including Microsoft, Dell, and Accenture. At almost 50 years old, it’s also one of the oldest programming languages still in widespread use. 

While its primary use is for data professionals who need to communicate with relational databases, SQL skills are useful in a wide variety of other roles and industries, such as marketing, business analytics, and web development. Whether you want to kickstart a brand new career in data or advance in your existing role, SQL can help. 

SQL’s syntax is simple and intuitive. You can be fluent in just a few months, and DataCamp’s platform offers you the chance to practice querying databases and build your portfolio straight away. From there, you can delve into more complex problems or add another programming language to your skillset. 

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Why Learn SQL with DataCamp?

LEARN UP TO 10X FASTER THAN AT UNIVERSITY

Learn the basics in just a few hours with our Introduction to SQL. Then, you can move on to practicing with real data sets to hone your new skills and ensure fluency and comfort when dealing with real-world problems. Every learning pathway at DataCamp involves practice and running code yourself while being taught by seasoned instructors from the world of academia, industry, and government. 

You can learn at your own pace and around your existing role or responsibilities. Pause, stop, or race ahead as much as you like, making sure you understand every element perfectly. DataCamp’s learning offers the chance to put theory into practice at regular intervals, building practical and usable skills rather than just knowledge. 

If you’re already familiar with SQL, you can find out how to improve query performance, create PostgreSQL databases, build and optimize triggers, write hierarchical and recursive queries, and more to advance your skills and improve performance. 

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Don’t just take our word for it.

    SQL Skill Tracks

    Gain the fundamental skills you need to interact with and query your data in SQL - a powerful language used by data-driven businesses large and small to explore and manipulate their data to extract meaningful insights.

    1

    Introduction to SQL

    About this course

    Master the basics of SQL and learn how to manipulate data using relational databases like MySQL, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL.

    4 hours

    Go to course
    2

    Joining Data in SQL

    About this course

    Learn how to Join data through combining tables with set theory, and work with subqueries in PostgreSQL.

    5 hours

    Go to course
    3

    Intermediate SQL

    About this course

    Become an SQL ninja and learn to prepare robust data sets for analysis using complex SQL queries.

    4 hours

    Go to course
    4

    PostgreSQL Summary Stats and Window Functions

    About this course

    Expand your understanding of PostgreSQL and learn the important functions for manipulating, processing, and transforming data.

    4 hours

    Go to course
    5

    Functions for Manipulating Data in PostgreSQL

    About this course

    Learn how impactful PostgreSQL functions can manipulate, process, and transform data.

    4 hours

    Go to course
    SQL Fundamentals Skill Track

    Grow your business SQL skills. Because being able to find, sort, and understand the data is integral to business success.

    1

    Exploratory Data Analysis in SQL

    About this course

    Start your journey of exploration into databases. Learn about about tables,functions, how they work together and the data they store and manipulate.

    4 hours

    Go to course
    2

    Data-Driven Decision Making in SQL

    About this course

    Practice your data analysis and learn how to use SQL to support your decision making.

    4 hours

    Go to course
    3

    Applying SQL to Real-World Problems

    About this course

    Learn SQL's real life applications with this fun, interactive course and learn how to answer business-driven questions

    4 hours

    Go to course
    4

    Analyzing Business Data in SQL

    About this course

    Upgrade your business analysis skills and learn how SQL queries can help measure performance .

    4 hours

    Go to course
    5

    Reporting in SQL

    About this course

    Learn to build SQL dashboards using the SQL concepts learnt in previous courses .

    4 hours

    Go to course
    SQL for Business Analysts Skill Track

    Gain the skills needed to make your way as a highly competent, high earning SQL Database administrator.

    1

    Introduction to Relational Databases in SQL

    About this course

    Boost your efficiency and learn how to use relational databases

    4 hours

    Go to course
    2

    Database Design

    About this course

    Learn how to design SQL Databases

    4 hours

    Go to course
    3

    Creating PostgreSQL Databases

    About this course

    Learn to create and manage PostgreSQL databases

    4 hours

    Go to course
    4

    Improving Query Performance in PostgreSQL

    About this course

    Improve your efficiency and learn to structure your PostgreSQL in half the time.

    4 hours

    Go to course
    SQL for Database Administrators Skill Track

    Get Started Learning SQL

    If you're new to SQL, make sure you start here with our most popular SQL course for beginners.

    Start Learning SQL
    DataCamp Certification

    Does Learning SQL at DataCamp Come with Certification?

    Taking a SQL course at DataCamp is often just the beginning of a journey. If you’re serious about launching a career in data or changing your career, you can take a skill or career track that is designed to provide in-depth learning and ensure that you’re ready to apply your SQL skills in the world of work.

    Once you feel ready, use your SQL skills to work towards a professional certification as a data scientist or a data analyst. Our certifications are based on in-depth analysis of the skills required within today’s jobs market, and are purposefully designed to test and demonstrate that you’re ready for a demanding job in the industry. 

    Explore Certifications
    Learn SQL concept

    A Practical Way to Learn SQL

    Learning SQL with DataCamp is simple and fun. We've put together a curriculum of individual SQL courses and course groupings, relevant for different careers that are designed to keep you engaged in the learning process.

    Through a combination of tutorials, mini-assessments, and projects that you can really sink your teeth into, you'll get the SQL skills you need whether your career path is data scientist, analyst, engineer, or a manager who wants to be more data-driven.

    After you choose your preferred SQL course or track with DataCamp, you'll see each course is organized into bite-sized topics and subtopics. In each course, one of DataCamp's expert instructors will explain the concept and introduce the skill or piece of code you're wrangling. 

    You'll then practice this skill on our dedicated coding platform. No need to download any additional software or long-winded textbooks. All you need is your browser and an internet connection. 

    SQL Courses
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    All the SQL Resources You Need, in One Place

    We’ve taught millions of people how to use SQL and have experience in taking people from total beginners to seasoned professionals. We do this by offering all of the resources you need to learn and practice SQL in one place, including: 

    • SQL guides and cheat sheets
    • SQL assessments in DataCamp Signal™ so you can check your skills as you progress
    • Podcasts, webinars, and white papers to show you how SQL is used in the real world
    • Coding and data analysis competitions to sharpen your skills 
    • SQL tutorials for all levels from beginner to advanced 
    • SQL Workspaces where you can practice and work in SQL without the need to install anything on your computer

    Join today to explore our full range of courses, skill tracks, and career tracks, as well as all the supporting resources you’ll need.

    SQL Tutorials

    Test Your SQL Skills with DataCamp Signal™

    Find out how your SQL skills compare to other DataCamp learners, identify areas of improvement, and receive personalized course recommendations. Take a 10-minute assessment today.

    SQLData Analysis in SQL (PostgreSQL)
    Data Camp Signal
    Learn more

     

     

    CERTIFICATION

    Land Your Dream Job in Data Science

    From a certification in data science to personalized resume reviews and interview prep - we've got you covered.

    Get Certified

     

     

    Instructors

    Christina Maimone Headshot

    Learn with
    Christina Maimone

    Research Data Services leader in the IT Research Computing Services groupat Northwestern University.See full Bio

    SQLSql

    Instructor of Exploratory Data Analysis in SQL

    59,542 learners
    See All

    Learn SQL FAQs

    Why learn SQL?

    It is a necessary tool for data science.  Virtually all data science work requires connection to and manipulation of databases. SQL is designed to make data management simple and efficient and is thus a necessary language for anyone looking to become a data scientist.

    What is the best way to learn SQL?

    The best way to learn SQL is through hands-on practice in a course that’s designed to give you real-world SQL skills. 

    DataCamp’s online courses take you from an SQL newbie to a master of the database query, all while learning SQL at your own pace and from anywhere in the world.

    If you’re new to SQL, the best way to start learning is with DataCamp’s Introduction to SQL course. You’ll learn the basics of this programming language and become familiar with its code. You’ll also learn how to ask questions (queries) of the world’s most popular relational databases such as Microsoft’s SQL Server, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

    Once you’ve learned SQL syntax and this language’s basic query commands, you can start sifting through data and gaining insights. 

    If you already know some SQL basics, DataCamp’s Intermediate SQL course is the next step. Learn how to use SQL to handle complex queries and create datasets for analysis in PostgreSQL.



    How long does it take to learn SQL?

    2 weeks to 2 months. The basics of SQL can be learned in DataCamp's 4hr Introduction to SQL course, but gaining proficiency will take more time and practice until your "SQL Muscle Memory" kicks in.

    How hard is it to learn SQL?

    Not hard at all. SQL is similar to Python in that it has an English-based syntax, making for easy readability.

    What should I learn after SQL?

    Python and R if you haven't already. Python and R are two extremely popular languages within the data science industry. Python is easy to learn, has an English-based syntax like SQL, and is great for automation. R was designed specifically for data science and will help you analyze massive amounts of data at once - it is a great tool to have. 

    Where should I learn SQL?

    Online at DataCamp!  Datacamp has SQL courses, tutorials at all levels, projects, and a workspace to ensure your progression on your SQL journey. 

    When should I learn SQL?

    Ideally at the same time as learning Python or R.  Being able to connect to and manipulate data sets via SQL is an essential part of data science.  It's not a "learn after or before Python or R" skill, as the skills are complimentary. Without understanding SQL, you won't be able to properly use Python or R.  Datacamp has a free introductory SQL course followed by more advanced courses to round out your knowledge of SQL.

    Is SQL a valuable skill to have?

    Yes. Every organization that stores information in databases can use SQL, from hospitals and schools to businesses large and small. It is for this reason that SQL is one of the most in-demand skills that companies are looking for. Why is it so useful? You can think of SQL as a supercharged Microsoft Excel. Using SQL, you can access, query, and extract huge amounts of data from multiple databases. It also allows you to perform powerful cross-database analyses. In summary, data scientist at Airbnb Robert Cheng probably puts it best: "If I want to pick one thing for all data scientists to learn, I would say learn SQL."

    Do I need to download any software to learn SQL on DataCamp?

    No. You can learn SQL on DataCamp without installing any software—all the training and exercises can be completed in your browser. 

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