SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a programming language developed specifically for managing and processing data in a relational database management system (RDBMS).
SQL can help perform operations such as query the database to retrieve specific information, insert new data records, update existing data records, and delete data records.
In this article, I am reviewing the 10 Best SQL Courses on Udemy and picked a few courses based on my personal experience. Also, I will be providing insights into what makes each course helpful and providing you with insights to make an informed decision.
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Why Pursue an SQL Course on Udemy?
Udemy is one of the online learning platforms, that provides affordable and accessible education. Also, it has a vast library of courses, and Udemy offers multiple SQL courses for different skill levels. Furthermore, the platform’s engaging interface makes it ideal for a learner eager to master SQL programming language.
1. The Complete SQL Bootcamp 2024: Go from Zero to Hero
This SQL course teaches theory and helps practical problems. Also, working with both MySQL and Python was a good combination, and now I am comfortable writing advanced queries and handling data.
What do I like about the course?
- Firstly, the course offers well-chosen content in each section suitable for both basic users and those at intermediate levels.
- Also, the logical steps were thoroughly explained, making it easier to understand the reasoning.
What could have been better?
- The course material is required to cover the topics more in-depth for complete beginners than for graduate-level or more experienced students.
- Also, the sections on configuring connections and applications are hard to understand.
- Adding more animations and challenges in real-time could have made learning more fun and interactive.
2. Master SQL for Data Science
The instructor’s method of starting from the absolute basics made it easy to follow—even for someone like me with no prior SQL and Data Science knowledge. The course introduced complex topics step by step with easy-to-understand explanations and practical examples. I appreciate the quizzes and assignments that helped me practice what I learned.
What do I like about the course?
- It is easy for learners to follow along and grasp concepts at their own pace.
- Throughout the course, the instructor ensures that even beginners understand the material by providing clear explanations that make it simple to understand even the most complex SQL concepts.
- I appreciate the hands-on exercises that make learning SQL querying techniques more engaging and practical. They’ve been incredibly helpful in helping me understand and apply these skills effectively.
What could have been better?
- The course did not live up to the expectations or correspond with the course description; it may not have included all of the promised depth or content.
- The video quality could have been improved.
- Certain components are absent, such as building data models, defining table relationships, or providing trigger and stored procedure details.
3. SQL and PostgreSQL: The Complete Developer’s Guide
This PostgreSQL course has guided me through the complicated world of databases with clear explanations and practical exercises. I learned about SQL commands and explored how PostgreSQL operates behind the scenes. The instructor’s method of explaining database design patterns and how they’re used in practice was helpful.
What do I like about the course?
- The course covers multiple learning styles and skill levels with a combination of diagrammatic, conceptual, and example-based learning.
- Intermediate students found the course comprehensive where necessary, with sections marked as optional, guaranteeing an appropriate depth and applicability.
What could have been better?
- The examples could have been more relevant.
- There is some missing information on certain key topics like Many-to-Many relationships with examples or the absence of content regarding Composite/Super keys, affecting the comprehensiveness of the course.
4. The Ultimate MySQL Bootcamp: Go from SQL Beginner to Expert
“The Ultimate MySQL Bootcamp: Go from SQL Beginner to Expert” explains everything from the fundamentals of SQL to complex queries and MySQL 8.x window functions. Also, the hands-on projects and assignments helped me to apply the concepts to practical use.
What do I like about the course?
- I find the course easy to follow, with step-by-step explanations that make it easy to grasp the concepts and other learning through exercises.
- Professionals seeking a refresher on SQL can also consider this course. Even learners familiar with some concepts found it helpful, especially in practical applications with web applications.
What could have been better?
- Although it is a course for beginners and experts, it needs more expert-level content, leaving more advanced concepts unaddressed.
- There are repetitive segments within SQL topics covered in MySQL, leading to redundancy and dissatisfaction.
5. MySQL for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
“MySQL for Data Analytics and Business Intelligence” covers the basics, and the content was easy to grasp and well-structured. The instructors made complex concepts understandable and relatable, emphasizing practical applications. I found the coverage of SQL topics different from other courses, and the practical database exercises were very helpful. Also, the course sharpened my SQL skills and also highlighted its significance in data analytics and business intelligence.
What do I like about the course?
- A thorough explanation of topics ranging from fundamentals to advanced makes learning easier.
- Easy progression and a methodical approach to teaching, beginning with fundamental ideas and progressing to useful and pertinent tools for day-to-day tasks.
What could have been better?
- Required a more engaging presentation and dry content.
- Needed issue-free quizzes, including unclear and confusing questions with multiple valid answers.
- Content regarding software versions, particularly in installation guidance for MySQL needed for the latest version.
6. SQL & PostgreSQL for Beginners
This SQL and PostgreSQL course, starts with easy concepts and gradually moves to advanced topics, making it easy to follow. The exercises helped deepen my understanding and the solutions provided good guidance. Also, the instructor’s clarity and knowledge made even the complicated topics understandable, and the step-by-step guide to installing PostgreSQL was a big plus.
What do I like about the course?
- The instructor explained complicated technical ideas in a way that everyone could understand, even those without a technical background.
- Well-paced content suitable for beginners or those seeking a refresher in SQL and PostgreSQL.
- Most importantly, this course provides bite-sized video lectures with numerous examples.
What could have been better?
- Needed more emphasis on crucial theoretical concepts, resulting in a limited understanding of when and how to apply SQL tools effectively.
- Explanation is needed to address the potential issues with using automatic sequences, such as allowing duplicate records, without highlighting the problems.
- Required more coverage on the normalization concept like the Third Normal Form (3NF), leading to inadequately designed databases with potential dependency issues.
7. Complete SQL and Databases Bootcamp: Zero to Mastery
“Complete SQL and Databases Bootcamp: Zero to Mastery” is ideal for understanding concepts like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and others. The instructor covers topics from fundamental concepts to advanced techniques, emphasizing database design, performance, and security. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in tech or seeking to enhance their data-related skills!
What do I like about the course?
- The course helps you understand the complex topics of databases simply and engagingly.
- The complete content, good presentation, clear examples, and helpful quizzes, provide a comprehensive learning journey.
What could have been better?
- Some lectures are challenging to understand because of unclear explanations and need more organization in the content.
- The course is not for complete beginners. The majority of the sections are for those who are familiar with the basics of programming.
- There is repetition throughout the course, which leads to redundancy and potentially hinders the learning experience.
8. SQL for Beginners: Learn SQL using MySQL and Database Design
“SQL for Beginners: Learn SQL using MySQL and Database Design” covers MySQL features, SQL fundamentals, database design, and analysis. The hands-on activities and projects helped me understand these complex subjects. Furthermore, this course is ideal for individuals who want to become experts in SQL and databases.
What do I like about the course?
- Engaging exercises that help in understanding the material better.
- Works well as a supplementary resource, complementing other learning materials.
- The instructor explains concepts clearly, particularly helpful in understanding complex topics like multiple table usage and joining tables.
What could have been better?
- Needed error-free challenge solutions.
- The course is required to cover all syntax options.
- This course assumes you have a basic level of knowledge, making it difficult for absolute beginners.
9. MySQL, SQL, and Stored Procedures from Beginner to Advanced
“MySQL, SQL, and Stored Procedures from Beginner to Advanced” started from scratch and guided me through the fundamentals of SQL towards advanced topics like stored procedures, triggers, and transactions. Clear explanations are provided for Table relationships and EER diagrams. Lastly, this course provides a thorough introduction to MySQL, effectively bridging the gap between novices and experts.
What do I like about the course?
- Simple and clear explanations make learning SQL easy for students.
- The course is ideal for users looking to revise concepts on stored procedures, triggers, and defined functions.
What could have been better?
- This course requires more in-depth coverage, often only touching on basic points rather than delving into more complex topics like ACID and Transactions.
- Needed structure and continuity by using a single database throughout the course.
10. SQL Tutorial: Learn SQL with MySQL Database
“SQL Tutorial: Learn SQL with MySQL Database” course makes it simple for a beginner to understand SQL even without prior technical knowledge. The practical examples in each section were helpful as they offered a practical understanding. The quizzes and the comprehensive coverage of SQL functions, data types, and database relationships provided a solid foundation. Overall, this course provides practical skills that are useful in both personal projects and professional settings.
What do I like about the course?
- Clear and comprehensive content.
- Instructor’s prompt responsiveness and willingness to assist with queries and issues.
- Aligns with expectations, delivering a very good tutorial as anticipated by the students.
What could have been better?
- Issues with the Instructor’s accent. Some users were unable to comprehend the content.
- The absence of useful exercises or practice materials forces students to mainly copy teacher-demonstrated commands instead of participating in more interactive learning activities.
- Repetition throughout the course, leads to redundancy and potentially hinders the learning experience.
Can you recommend a specific course for someone with intermediate level SQL skills?
I recommend enrolling in “Complete SQL and Databases Bootcamp: Zero to Mastery” course to advance your intermediate-level SQL skills. This course covers multiple database systems, including PostgreSQL and MySQL, and offers a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing database design, performance, and security. With practical exercises and clear instruction, it’s suitable for individuals at various skill levels, including those seeking to deepen their understanding of SQL.
Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in these courses, especially for beginners?
For beginners, most SQL courses on Udemy assume a basic understanding of databases and programming concepts. However, some courses, like “The Complete SQL Bootcamp 2024: Go from Zero to Hero” and “Master SQL for Data Science,” are designed to be beginner-friendly, starting from the absolute basics and gradually introducing more complex topics. These courses typically provide clear explanations and practical exercises to aid understanding. If you’re completely new to SQL, starting with one of these beginner-friendly courses would be ideal.
Great Share!!
Is SQL easier than coding?
Hey Kishor, whether SQL (the language we use to talk to databases) seems hard or easy can really depend on what you’re used to and what you’re trying to do with it. In many ways, SQL can be simpler than other types of programming because of how it’s set up, what it’s used for, and how you apply it.
Are there any hands-on projects or practical exercises included in the course?
Hey Tom, Many Udemy teachers give you real projects and exercises to work on. Plus, they offer extra materials you can use to practice. This way, you can really get the hang of SQL. And don’t forget about the quizzes – they’re there to show you how much you’ve learned along the way!
Is this SQL course suitable for beginners or does it require prior knowledge?
SQL courses in Udemy are tailored for learners of varied experiences. For instance, there are SQL courses that are ideal for beginners and teach SQL from scratch. Also, there are SQL courses that teach at a more advanced level and experience is mandatory.
Are there any hands-on projects or practical exercises included in the course?
Most instructors of Udemy do provide hands-on projects and practical exercises. Additionally, the courses also have extra resources so, that students can use them for practical purposes. This allows students to learn SQL properly and the quizzes in these courses test the progress of the candidates.
Is there any certification or recognition upon completion of this SQL course?
Yes. Udemy provides certification after the completion of SQL courses. However, you must note that these certificates are not formal academic certificates, and they only demonstrate the skill. Hence, you can show these certificates to your recruiter to show that you have completed a course in SQL.
Are there any discounts or promotions available for SQL courses?
Although most courses in Udemy start from USD 50, you can enroll now, to get a 90% discount. This is a great opportunity for beginners to get SQL skills to advance in their careers.
Is SQL easier than coding?
The complexity of SQL (Structured Query Language) compared to general-purpose programming languages can vary depending on the context and the individual’s background. In this regard, SQL may be considered easier than coding in some contexts. A few such considerations include syntax, scope, purpose, and application.
How to easily learn SQL with MySQL Database?
To easily learn SQL with MySQL Database start with the basics. Set up MySQL and practice writing simple queries to retrieve data. Get familiar with SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements. Experiment with filtering data using WHERE clauses and sorting using ORDER BY. Practice joining tables together to fetch related data. Also, explore other functions for data analysis.
What is the difference between MySQL and SQL?
MySQL is a specific type of database management system, while SQL is a language used for managing and querying databases. You can think of SQL as the tool you use to talk to any database, while MySQL is just one brand of database that understands and responds to that language.
How to use MySQL for Data Analytics?
To use MySQL for data analytics, first, set up your MySQL database and load your data. Then, write SQL queries to extract and analyze your data. You can use functions like AVG(), SUM(), or COUNT() to get insights. Group your data using GROUP BY and filter it with WHERE clauses. Use JOINs to combine data from different tables if needed. With MySQL and some SQL skills, you’re ready to dive into data analytics.
What is the difference between SQL and PostgreSQL?
SQL is a language used for managing and querying databases, like asking for specific information from a big pile of data. PostgreSQL, on the other hand, is a specific type of database management system (DBMS) that uses SQL as its language. Think of SQL as the tool you use to talk to a database, while PostgreSQL is one brand of database that understands and responds to that language.