Best SQL Online Courses, Training, Resources and Tutorials

By Alan Hylands

What is SQL?

SQL is Structured Query Language. It lets you communicate with relational databases: getting data out, putting data in, changing data, removing data. And much more.

Do I really need to learn SQL to be a data analyst?

I don’t make the following statement lightly: SQL is a superpower for data analysts. If you have any intention of making a successful career in data, your first action should be to learn the basics of SQL.

It will stand by you for the rest of your career in a way that many other tech skills will not. In the words of the famous footwear brand with the swoosh: Just Do It.

Where do I begin learning SQL?

Start with the basics.

SQL is one of those deceptive masters in that it’s pretty easy to learn enough to get you up and running but it can take a lifetime to fully conquer it’s advanced intricacies. Don’t let that discourage you though, getting started and hooked is the easy part.

I’m going to build up a list of the best online SQL courses, training, resources and tutorials. I’ll keep adding to it over time so feel free to drop me a note (alan AT simpleanalytical DOT com) if your favourite resource is missing.

Best Free Beginner SQL Tutorials.

  1. SQL Crash Course
    (Disclaimer: I wrote the tutorials on this one. 30+ bite-sized SQL lessons to get you up and running. Interactive quiz questions and the lot…)

  2. SQLZoo

  3. SQL Bolt

  4. W3 Schools SQL

  5. SQL Teaching

  6. SQL Course

  7. SQL Fun Time

  8. Select Star SQL

  9. PostgreSQL Exercises

Best Paid SQL Online Courses.

Udemy.

  1. The Complete SQL Bootcamp

  2. The Ultimate MySQL Bootcamp

  3. SQL For Data Analysis - Weekender Crash Course For Beginners

  4. Master SQL For Data Science

  5. SQL - MySQL for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence

Coursera.

  1. SQL For Data Science

  2. Databases and SQL for Data Science

  3. Modern Big Data Analysis with SQL

  4. Foundations for Big Data Analysis with SQL

Others.

  1. SQL Essential Training - from Linkedin Learning (formerly Lynda.com)

  2. Learn SQL - from Codecademy.

  3. Mastery With SQL - from Neil Sainsbury.

Best Online SQL Resources and Articles.

  1. Helen Anderson writes about SQL and databases on her own blog and on Dev.to. (She also did a Q&A with me here about her career and data journey so far.)

  2. Randy Au is a regular contributor to Towards Data Science and font of all knowledge on small team data science skills including SQL. (Randy also did a Q&A with me here last year.)

  3. Katie Kodes is a top class Salesforce and Python developer who also shares some excellent resources on SQL. Check out Katie’s Q&A here for more background on her data career and skills.