SQL is short for Structured Query Language. It is the standard language that is used for storing and processing information in relational databases. SQL is used for interacting with databases. It is important to understand and learn SQL for those who need to work with structured data.
If you are a beginner, then we have a few tips for you that can help you kickstart your learning process:
Start with the basics
To begin your learning process, understand some of the basic concepts that will help you grasp the more complex concepts in SQL. Start by learning concepts like tables, records, fields and the relationships between them.
Choose a database system
The next step is to select a database system. An SQL database system is a software application that helps you create, manage and interact with relational databases using SQL. Mainly, these applications are used for storing, retrieving, organizing and manipulating structured data in a tabular format.
You can choose from a range of options like MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle Database.
Install A Database Management Tool
Next, download and install a database management tool using which you can interact with your chosen RDBMS. Some of the most popular database management tools are MySQL Workbench, DBeaver, and SQL Server Management Studio.
Learn SQL Syntax
SQL Syntax is the set of rules that regulate the structure and format of SQL statements to interact with the relational database. It essentially provides standardized communication with databases.
When learning SQL Syntax, it is important to understand some predefined keywords like SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, etc. You will also need to understand the function of clauses like FROM, WHERE, GROUP BY and ORDER BY. Identifiers are also an important component of SQL Syntax. They are used to reference database objects like tables, columns, and aliases. Other important components to learn include data types, operators, functions, and comments.
Learn to write queries
You can now start to practice writing queries to retrieve data from the database. You can also work with sample databases to practice SQL.
Online courses and tutorials
Refer to online tutorials and take up courses that are designed specifically for beginners. In this article, we will be sharing a list of 10 free online resources to learn SQL.
1. SQLZoo
SQLZoo has been around for a long time and is a well- established online platform to write and learn SQL queries. You can see the results of your queries live without having to check it on your own. In the “Assessments” section you can find 15 questions in each assessment that are graded from easy, medium and hard.
SQLZoo is a great option to learn because of the immersive learning environment that they create with great reference materials as well. It is a completely free online resource.
2. W3Schools
W3Schools offers well- structured courses and easy to understand examples for learning SQL. They offer exercises and examples for a comprehensive understanding of SQL and its workings. You can track your progress with the “My Learning” program. You can sign yourself up for this progress and earn points for quizzes and exercises.
After your course completion you can get certified by W3Schools as well. You can find tutorials for pretty much any topic related to SQL like Syntax, Select, WHERE, ORDER BY, Update, Delete, Wildcards etc. You can also find courses for HTML, CSS, Python and more.
3. Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers a “Computer programming – JavaScript and the web” course in which you get to learn from 8 units. The third unit introduces you to SQL.
Here you can learn to use SQL for storing, querying and manipulating data. SQL basics are taught through videos for a visual understanding of the concepts. ‘Challenges’ are given to the learners to test your knowledge. At the end of each section a ‘Project’ is given for a more hands-on experience.
4. SQLCourse
SQLCourse offers courses for beginners as well as advanced learners. In the beginner course, you will be taught the basic SQL commands and syntax. You will also be able to practice these commands through their free online SQL interpreter. For intermediate learners, this course will be like a refresher course. At the end of the beginner course, you will be introduced to the advanced course.
In the advanced course, you will learn about the advanced features and clauses of the SELECT statement. The courses on SQLCourse are completely free and easily accessible to learners. You can learn at your own pace and develop your skills completely online.
5. Mode Analytics SQL Tutorial
Here you get to choose from basic, intermediate and advanced SQL courses. You will also get to train yourself in SQL Analytics. The best part about the course is that you do not have to have coding experience. You can start from scratch. You can also use Mode’s own Query Editor where you can run queries.
The lessons are very well structured and aim to give the learner a clear understanding of SQL and its practical usage. It is free and easy to access. Once you are done with the basics of SQL you can confidently move to intermediate and advanced lessons offered by Mode.
6. SQLite Tutorial
Designed specifically for developers SQLite Tutorial teaches you everything you need to know about SQLite. They teach you the basics of SQLite, how to download and install SQLite on your computer and also offer a guide for using SQLite 3 commands.
The course is extremely thorough and detailed. They also offer a list of other resources you can access to enhance your understanding of SQLite.
7. Coursera
Coursera offers SQL courses from reputable universities to provide you with high- quality learning resources to build your skills. You can choose from a variety of courses that are related to SQL.
You can learn the basics of SQL for Data Science, get a basic understanding of SQL Syntax, an introduction to SQL, learn the practical information related to querying databases and more. Select your own level, course duration, language and educator to get started with your SQL journey with Coursera.
8. PostgreSQL Tutorial
PostgreSQL Tutorial helps you learn the basics of PostgreSQL very easily through detailed and easy to understand content. You will be able to learn about querying, filtering and manipulating data.
You can find tons of examples related to each concept in the lessons. PostgreSQL Tutorial offers all this information for free.
9. SQLBolt
This is an interactive website where you can find lessons and exercises to learn SQL. There are around 18 lessons to learn from and you get more topics to enhance your technical skills.
SQLBolt also offers intermediate level SQL topics. This is a great resource for those who complete the basic tutorial. This resource is completely free.
10. TutorialsPoint
Here you will find a step- by- step tutorial for understanding SQL and also its more advanced concepts.
Everything is broken down into easy- to- understand sub sections with simple examples to go along with it. It is a completely free resource where you can learn other topics to increase your knowledge too.
