Learn SQL (FAST) with these resources
Learn SQL (FAST) with these resources
If you’re an aspiring Data Analyst, Data Engineer, or Data Scientist, it is ESSENTIAL for you to learn SQL.
SQL (Structured Query Language), is the tool you’ll use the most to create databases, organize data, and do most of your daily job functions.
In my current role, I use SQL every single day, and I’m always taking courses to get better, even now.
So these are my favorite courses. The ones that helped me break into tech in the first place, and the ones that are helping me improve to a more advanced level.
1. Master SQL For Data Science by Imtiaz Ahmad
When I took this course, I had already been studying SQL for months, and after my first two technical interviews (that I failed miserably), I decided to amp up my SQL knowledge.
Let me tell you, this course has it all. He covers everything from the basics, to more advanced concepts in SQL, and uses practice questions along the way to test your knowledge as you go.
The best part about those practice tests?…
Some of them were exactly the same as the technical interview questions I failed.
So this course won’t just teach you the knowledge, but also show you how to use it, and prepare you for SQL technical interviews.
You can find his course on Udemy, or on his website jobreadyprogrammer.com
2. The Ultimate MySQL Bootcamp by Colt Steele
If you want to learn the in’s and out’s of SQL, this Udemy course is great.
I’m currently going through this course as a refresher, and to learn more about how to use MySQL specifically (I use mostly Google BigQuery in my current role)…
But don’t worry! SQL syntax is almost exactly the same across any DBMS, with very slight variations.
So if you learn MySQL, but your job uses Snowflake or BigQuery, you’ll still know 95% of the information, and you’ll just have to learn the small differences.
Colt’s course is entertaining, broken down very well, and has a ton of exercises throughout. Highly recommend it.
3. w3 Schools SQL
If you want a straightforward, no nonsense introduction to SQL, then w3 Schools is the place to get it.
For one, this resource is completely free (which is always a plus!), and second, it’s extremely simple.
No videos to watch, no long documentation to read.
It’s just a simple explanations, some examples, and then a few practice problems.
I refer to w3 schools whenever I find myself forgetting SQL syntax and it never disappoints. If you want to get right into writing SQL with as little friction as possible, this is the place to do it.
Now I’ll admit, I was tempted to put more resources on this list, but there’s no reason.
The truth is, if you only did Imtiaz Ahmad’s course, you would already have almost an intermediate level of SQL.
And in fact, that’s where I would start.
I would run through his course, and supplement it by doing the exercises on w3 schools.
Then, after you finish up Imtiaz Ahmad’s course, circle back around and try Colt Steele’s course to get practice with a different flavor of SQL.
Depending on how many hours a day you’re studying, you could really do this in 1–2 months, and have a VERY solid understanding of SQL.
Enough to pass entry level technical interviews with ease, and to talk about SQL confidently.
Are there any resources you would add?
Drop a comment below. I’d love to hear them.
Until next time,
Josh