Combining and Shaping Data from Pluralsight

This course covers both conceptual and practical aspects of pulling together from different data sources, with different schemas and orientations, into a cohesive whole using Excel, Python, and various tools available on the Azure cloud platform.

Connecting the dots between data from different sources is becoming the most sought-after skill these days for everyone ranging from business professionals to data scientists.

In this course, Combining and Shaping Data, you will gain the ability to connect the dots by pulling together data from disparate sources and shaping it so that extracting connections and relationships becomes relatively easy.

First, you will learn how the most common constructs in shaping and combining data stay the same across spreadsheets, programming languages, and databases.

Next, you will discover how to use joins and vlookups to obtain wide datasets, and then use pivots to shape that into long form. You will then see how both long and wide data can be aggregated to obtain higher level insights. You will work with Excel spreadsheets and SQL as well as Python.

Finally, you will round out the course by integrating data from a variety of sources and working with streaming data, which helps your enterprise gain real-time insights into the world around you.

When you are finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge to pull together data from disparate sources, including from streaming sources, to construct integrated data models that truly connect the dots.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Exploring Techniques to Combine and Shape Data

Combining and Shaping Data Using Spreadsheets

Combining and Shaping Data Using SQL

Combining and Shaping Data Using Python

Integrating Data from Disparate Sources into a Data Warehouse

Working with Streaming Data Using a Data Warehouse

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a strong foundation for beginners in data integration and shaping, making it suitable for those with little prior experience in these areas

Covers both conceptual and practical aspects of data integration and shaping, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter

Taught by Janani Ravi, who is a recognized expert in the field of data integration and shaping

Uses a mix of media, including videos, readings, and hands-on labs, to enhance learning and engagement

Covers a wide range of tools and technologies, including Excel, Python, and Azure cloud platform

May require additional resources for learners who are completely new to data integration and shaping

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Combining and Shaping Data with these activities:

Learn data shaping fundamentals through tutorials

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Prepare for the course by reviewing basic data shaping techniques through guided tutorials.

Browse courses on Data Shaping

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Identify a reputable online platform offering data shaping tutorials
Select tutorials covering concepts like data integration, transformation, and aggregation
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, implementing the techniques in your own practice environment

Read 'Data Science for Business'

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Integrates concepts from the course through real-world examples.

View Data Science for Business: What You Need to... on Amazon

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Read the book's chapters 1-2 to gain background on Data Science and its importance in business.
Read the book's chapters 4-5 to understand data acquisition and preparation.
Read the book's chapters 6-8 to learn about machine learning and data mining.

Find a mentor in the field

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Connects you with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Attend industry events and conferences.
Reach out to professionals in your field via LinkedIn or email.

Seven other activities

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Reinforce data transformation techniques with practice drills

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Solidify your understanding of data transformation by completing practice drills.

Browse courses on Data Transformation

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Find online resources or purchase books with data transformation exercises
Set aside dedicated time to work through the drills
Compare your solutions with provided answers to identify areas for improvement

Attend a data visualization workshop

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Provides hands-on experience in creating compelling data visualizations.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Attend a workshop on data visualization techniques and tools.
Learn about different chart types and their appropriate use.
Practice creating data visualizations using Tableau or Power BI.

Join a study group or online forum

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Provides a supportive environment for learning and knowledge sharing.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Join an online forum or discussion group related to data analysis.
Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share knowledge.

Follow tutorials on Python for data analysis

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Deepens understanding of Python libraries and techniques used in data analysis.

Browse courses on Data Manipulation

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Follow tutorials on using NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib for data analysis.
Practice writing Python scripts to automate data analysis tasks.

Develop a data integration solution for a real-world scenario

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Apply your data integration skills to a practical problem by building a solution.

Browse courses on Data Integration

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Identify a business or personal scenario that requires data integration
Design a data integration plan, considering data sources, transformation rules, and output format
Implement the data integration solution using Excel, Python, or SQL
Test and validate the solution to ensure accuracy and completeness

Practice data cleaning and preprocessing

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Develops skills in handling messy data often encountered in real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on Data Manipulation

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Use Python pandas library to clean and prepare datasets.
Practice removing duplicate values, filling in missing data, and handling outliers.

Develop a data analysis dashboard

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Integrates skills from the course into a complete data analysis project.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Choose a dataset and define the business questions to be answered.
Clean, prepare, and analyze the data using Python or SQL.
Create data visualizations to present insights and findings.
Deploy the dashboard on a platform such as Tableau or Power BI.

Career center

Learners who complete Combining and Shaping Data will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst, you will play an important role in combining and shaping data from various sources to make it usable for analysis. You must verify and clean data, organize it into a usable format, and create reports and visualizations. This course will be very useful for you, as it will provide the skills and techniques you need to succeed in this work. You will learn how to use spreadsheets, SQL, and Python to work with data. You will also gain experience with integrating data from disparate sources into a data warehouse and working with streaming data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators must design, implement, and maintain databases, ensuring they run efficiently and effectively. They must monitor and optimize database performance, troubleshoot any issues that arise, and implement security measures to protect database contents. This course will help you to build your skills in these areas by providing a solid foundation in data manipulation and integration. You will gain experience with using SQL and other tools to manage data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Data Engineer

As a Data Engineer, you will use your expertise in data integration, data quality, and database technologies to build and maintain data pipelines. You will work closely with data analysts and other stakeholders to understand data needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to build scalable, reliable, and performant data pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst helps organizations make better decisions by providing them with insights into their data. You will work with stakeholders to understand their needs, analyze data, and make recommendations for improvements. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role by teaching you how to combine and shape data in order to extract insights and make recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Scientist

As a Data Scientist, you will combine your knowledge of data analysis, statistics, and machine learning to solve business problems. You will use your skills to build predictive models, identify trends, and develop solutions to complex problems. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in data manipulation and integration, which are essential skills for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Engineer

Software Engineers will design, develop, and maintain software applications. They will work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. This course will teach you how to combine and shape data using programming languages, which is an essential skill for software engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Information Architect

Information Architects will design and implement information systems. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. This course will teach you how to combine and shape data, which is an essential skill for information architects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Data Management Consultant

Data Management Consultants assist organizations in developing and implementing data management strategies. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. This course may be useful to you, as it will give you a solid foundation in data manipulation and integration.

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Data Governance Specialist

Data Governance Specialists will develop and implement data governance policies and procedures. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. This course may be useful to you, as it will give you a solid understanding of data governance processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Governance Specialist

Database Architect

Database Architects will design and implement database systems. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. This course may be useful to you, as it will give you a solid foundation in data manipulation and integration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Architect

Data Integration Architect

Data Integration Architects will design and implement data integration solutions. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. This course may be useful to you, as it will give you a solid foundation in data manipulation and integration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Integration Architect

Data Warehouse Architect

Data Warehouse Architects will design and implement data warehouse systems. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. This course may be useful to you, as it will give you a solid foundation in data manipulation and integration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Warehouse Architect

Data Mining Engineer

Data Mining Engineers will design and implement data mining systems. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. This course may be useful to you, as it will give you a solid foundation in data manipulation and integration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Mining Engineer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts will plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's information systems and data. They work with stakeholders to understand their needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. This course may be useful to you, as it will give you a solid understanding of data governance processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst