Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data from Coursera

By the end of this 2-hour long project, you will understand why you need to learn about string functions and use them to get the desired result you want from tables in a database. Also, for this hands-on project, we will use PostgreSQL as our preferred database management system (DBMS). Therefore, to complete this project, it is required that you have prior experience with using PostgreSQL. Similarly, this project is an advanced SQL concept; so, a good foundation for writing SQL queries is vital to complete this project.

If you are not familiar with SQL and want to learn the basics, start with my previous guided projects titled “Performing Data definition and Manipulation in SQL" and “Querying Databases using SQL SELECT statement.” I taught these guided projects using PostgreSQL. Taking these projects will give the needed requisite to complete this project Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data. However, if you are comfortable writing queries in PostgreSQL, please join me on this wonderful ride! Let’s get our hands dirty!

What's inside

Syllabus

Project Overview

Welcome to this project-based course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data. In this project, you will learn how to perform data cleaning and manipulation using SQL string functions like LENGTH, UPPER & LOWER, REPLACE, TRIM, SUBSTRING, CONCAT, STRING_AGG, and COALESCE. By the end of this 2-hour long project, you will understand why you need to learn about string functions and use them to get the desired result you want from tables in a database. Also, for this hands-on project, we will use PostgreSQL as our preferred database management system (DBMS). Therefore, to complete this project, it is required that you have prior experience with using PostgreSQL. Similarly, this project is an advanced SQL concept; so, a good foundation for writing SQL queries is vital to complete this project. If you are not familiar with SQL and want to learn the basics, start with my previous guided projects titled “Performing Data definition and Manipulation in SQL" and “Querying Databases using SQL SELECT statement.” I taught these guided projects using PostgreSQL. Taking these projects will give the needed requisite to complete this project Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data. However, if you are comfortable writing queries in PostgreSQL, please join me on this wonderful ride! Let’s get our hands dirty!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for learners familiar with PostgreSQL and basic SQL queries

Specifically designed for those who want to master SQL string functions for data cleaning

Assumes familiarity with PostgreSQL and data management systems

Useful for individuals seeking to enhance their data cleaning skills

Provides hands-on practice with PostgreSQL

Reviews summary

Beginner friendly data cleaning course

Learners say this beginner-friendly PostgreSQL course has engaging assignments but difficult exams. Although not for intermediate learners, it is well received by beginners. Key features include readings, lectures, homework assignments, quizzes, exams, deadlines, and a certificate.

Course has clear, engaging assignments.

"TOO GOOD"

Course is beginner friendly.

"If you are at Beginner level, then it is a worthwhile course for you as it is very simple."

"This course is Beginner level, however, it was advertised as 'Advanced' level."

Course is not suitable for intermediate learners.

"If you are Intermediate, it might be an okay refresher, but you definitely won't learn anything."

"Intermediate level SQL courses on Coursera are far more advanced than this, so it has been significantly misclassified and is not worth the money for anyone other than a beginner."

Exams have difficult and tricky questions.

"The instructor was a bit hard to understand at times and the test had trick questions in there that made me miss the wording and have to retry."

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 Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data with these activities:

Review SQL concepts

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Reviewing SQL concepts will help you to refresh your knowledge and build a stronger foundation for this course.

Browse courses on SQL

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Review the basics of SQL data types, operators, and statements.
Practice writing simple SQL queries to select, insert, update, and delete data.
Try solving some SQL practice problems online.

Join a study group or peer session focused on SQL string functions

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Joining a study group or peer session will help you to learn from others and improve your understanding of SQL string functions.

Browse courses on String Manipulation

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Find a study group or peer session focused on SQL string functions.
Attend the group or session and participate in the discussions.

Follow a tutorial on SQL string functions

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Following a tutorial on SQL string functions will help you to learn how to use these functions to clean and manipulate data.

Browse courses on String Manipulation

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Find a tutorial on SQL string functions.
Follow the steps in the tutorial to learn how to use the different string functions.
Try out the string functions on your own data.

Five other activities

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Practice using SQL string functions

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Practicing using SQL string functions will help you to develop your skills and improve your understanding of how to use them.

Browse courses on String Manipulation

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Find a set of SQL practice problems that focus on using string functions.
Try to solve the practice problems on your own.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.

Attend a workshop on SQL string functions

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Attending a workshop on SQL string functions will help you to learn more about these functions and how to use them effectively.

Browse courses on String Manipulation

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Find a workshop on SQL string functions.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.

Read 'SQL Cookbook' by Anthony DeBarros

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Reading 'SQL Cookbook' will help you to learn more about SQL string functions and how to use them effectively.

View Practical SQL, 2nd Edition on Amazon

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Find a copy of 'SQL Cookbook'.
Read the chapters on SQL string functions.
Try out the examples in the book.

Create a data cleaning project using SQL string functions

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Creating a data cleaning project using SQL string functions will help you to apply your skills and knowledge to a real-world problem.

Browse courses on Data Cleaning

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Choose a dataset that contains dirty data.
Use SQL string functions to clean the data.
Analyze the cleaned data to identify any insights or trends.

Mentor other students on SQL string functions

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Mentoring other students will help you to solidify your own understanding of SQL string functions and improve your communication skills.

Browse courses on String Manipulation

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Identify a student who needs help with SQL string functions.
Offer to help the student and schedule a time to meet.
Meet with the student and help them with their questions.

Career center

Learners who complete Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to identify trends and patterns. The course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data would be particularly useful for a Data Analyst, as it would provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively clean and manipulate data. This course would help a Data Analyst to improve the quality of their data analysis and to gain insights from data that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining data systems. The course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data would be particularly useful for a Data Engineer, as it would provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively clean and manipulate data. This course would help a Data Engineer to improve the quality of their data systems and to ensure that data is accurate and consistent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining databases. The course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data would be particularly useful for a Database Administrator, as it would provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively clean and manipulate data. This course would help a Database Administrator to improve the performance of their databases and to ensure that data is secure and reliable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist is responsible for using data to solve business problems. The course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data would be particularly useful for a Data Scientist, as it would provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively clean and manipulate data. This course would help a Data Scientist to improve the quality of their data analysis and to gain insights from data that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. The course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data may be useful for a Business Analyst, as it would provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively clean and manipulate data. This course would help a Business Analyst to improve the quality of their business analysis and to gain insights from data that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. The course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data may be useful for a Software Engineer, as it would provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively clean and manipulate data. This course would help a Software Engineer to improve the quality of their software applications and to ensure that data is accurate and consistent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst is responsible for analyzing financial data and making investment recommendations. The course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data may be useful for a Financial Analyst, as it would provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively clean and manipulate data. This course would help a Financial Analyst to improve the quality of their financial analysis and to ensure that data is accurate and consistent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for managing the development and launch of new products. The course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data may be useful for a Product Manager, as it would provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively clean and manipulate data. This course would help a Product Manager to improve the quality of their product development and to ensure that data is accurate and consistent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Operations Manager

An Operations Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a business. The course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data may be useful for an Operations Manager, as it would provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively clean and manipulate data. This course would help an Operations Manager to improve the quality of their operations management and to ensure that data is accurate and consistent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Information Technology Manager

An Information Technology Manager is responsible for managing the information technology department of a business. The course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data may be useful for an Information Technology Manager, as it would provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively clean and manipulate data. This course would help an Information Technology Manager to improve the quality of their information technology management and to ensure that data is accurate and consistent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager

Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager is responsible for managing the human resources department of a business. The course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data may be useful for a Human Resources Manager, as it would provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively clean and manipulate data. This course would help a Human Resources Manager to improve the quality of their human resources management and to ensure that data is accurate and consistent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Supply Chain Manager

A Supply Chain Manager is responsible for managing the supply chain of a business. The course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data may be useful for a Supply Chain Manager, as it would provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively clean and manipulate data. This course would help a Supply Chain Manager to improve the quality of their supply chain management and to ensure that data is accurate and consistent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. The course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data may be useful for a Marketing Manager, as it would provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively clean and manipulate data. This course would help a Marketing Manager to improve the quality of their marketing campaigns and to ensure that data is accurate and consistent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. The course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data may be useful for a Project Manager, as it would provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively clean and manipulate data. This course would help a Project Manager to improve the quality of their project management and to ensure that data is accurate and consistent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Sales Manager

A Sales Manager is responsible for managing a team of sales representatives. The course on Using SQL String Functions to Clean Data may be useful for a Sales Manager, as it would provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively clean and manipulate data. This course would help a Sales Manager to improve the quality of their sales management and to ensure that data is accurate and consistent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager