Reading Data from Pluralsight

In this course, you'll learn how to read data from various sources, like surveys, sensors, and machines, and how to use Python tools to clean, aggregate, and visualize it. You'll also explore the value of data for different use cases and industries.

Data is everywhere, but how can you make sense of it? In this course, Reading Data, you’ll gain the fundamental ability to identify and read data across a variety of sources, performing the first steps for clean and efficient data analysis.

First, you’ll explore the types of real-world data and the value they bring to different use cases, enabling you to determine what kind of data can best fit your use case.

Next, you’ll discover common data sources used in different industries (e.g.: surveys, sensor data, machine-generated data), their strengths and weaknesses, and their implementation using pandas with Python.

Then, you’ll implement data aggregations with sqlite3 in Python, allowing you to group and generate summary statistics and trends across multiple data points - a key aspect of data analysis.

Finally, you’ll learn how to understand and create impactful visualizations out of data to communicate insights from it.

When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of reading data needed to mine different types of data from a variety of sources and maximize its value through aggregations and visualization, regardless of your use case.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Identify and Determine Data Types

Identify Data Sources

Define, Apply, and Visualize Aggregations

Craft Compelling Visuals and Insights from Data

Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines a variety of data sources, such as surveys, sensors, and machines

Focuses on cleaning, aggregating, and visualizing data

Emphasizes the use of Python tools for data analysis

Suitable for individuals working with data in different industries

Covers the use of sqlite3 for data aggregations

Provides guidance on creating compelling data visualizations

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 Reading Data with these activities:

Read 'Data Analysis with Python'

Show steps

Lay a strong foundation by reading 'Data Analysis with Python,' which covers core concepts and techniques for data manipulation and visualization in Python.

View Python for Data Analysis on Amazon

Show steps

Review Basic Python

Show steps

Review Python basics by following tutorials or practicing with simple exercises to prepare for this course's content.

Browse courses on Python Basics

Show steps

Review Python syntax
Install Python and set up your development environment
Practice writing simple Python scripts

Seek Mentorship from Data Professionals

Show steps

Connect with professionals in the data field to gain insights, ask questions, and receive guidance on your learning journey.

Show steps

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Data Manipulation Exercises

Show steps

Complete coding exercises to practice data manipulation techniques using pandas and Python, reinforcing course concepts.

Show steps

Manipulate data using pandas methods (e.g., DataFrame.loc, DataFrame.query)
Combine and merge datasets
Handle missing data and perform data cleaning

Attend Data Visualization Workshop

Show steps

Attend a workshop focused on data visualization techniques and best practices, complementing the course's content and enhancing your practical skills.

Show steps

Data Visualization Showcase

Show steps

Create a portfolio of data visualizations that demonstrate your ability to convey insights from data, a key skill in this course.

Show steps

Gather a dataset of interest
Explore and analyze the data
Create a variety of data visualizations using tools like matplotlib, seaborn, or plotly
Present your visualizations and insights

Data Analysis Project

Show steps

Apply your skills by completing a data analysis project, which could involve collecting, cleaning, manipulating, and visualizing data to extract insights.

Show steps

Define a research question or problem
Collect and prepare data
Analyze data using techniques learned in the course
Present your findings and insights

Career center

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

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. They use statistical techniques and software to analyze data and identify trends and patterns. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Data Analyst, including how to read data from different sources, clean and aggregate data, and create visualizations to communicate insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and computer science to solve complex problems. They develop and implement data-driven solutions to improve business outcomes. This course can help you build a foundation in data science by teaching you how to read, clean, and aggregate data, as well as how to create visualizations to communicate insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers develop and implement machine learning models to automate tasks and improve business outcomes. They use their knowledge of data science, machine learning algorithms, and software to build and deploy models that can learn from data and make predictions. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Machine Learning Engineer, including how to read and clean data, and how to create visualizations to communicate insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data infrastructure to support data analysis and machine learning. They use their knowledge of data management, software engineering, and cloud computing to build systems that can store, process, and analyze large amounts of data. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Data Engineer, including how to read and clean data, and how to create visualizations to communicate insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use data to help businesses understand their customers, make better decisions, and improve their operations. They use their knowledge of business, data analysis, and software to gather, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and patterns. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Business Analyst, including how to read data from different sources, clean and aggregate data, and create visualizations to communicate insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights into complex problems. They use their knowledge of statistics, mathematics, and software to develop and implement statistical models to analyze data and identify trends and patterns. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Statistician, including how to read data from different sources, clean and aggregate data, and create visualizations to communicate insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Data Visualization Analyst

Data Visualization Analysts create visual representations of data to help businesses understand their data and make better decisions. They use their knowledge of data visualization techniques and software to create charts, graphs, and other visuals that can communicate insights from data. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Data Visualization Analyst, including how to read data from different sources, clean and aggregate data, and create visualizations to communicate insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Analyst

Market Researcher

Market Researchers collect, analyze, and interpret data to understand consumer behavior and trends. They use their knowledge of market research techniques and software to conduct surveys, focus groups, and other research studies to gather data about consumers. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Market Researcher, including how to read data from different sources, clean and aggregate data, and create visualizations to communicate insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use data to help businesses improve their operations. They use their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and software to develop and implement mathematical models to optimize business processes. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Operations Research Analyst, including how to read data from different sources, clean and aggregate data, and create visualizations to communicate insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

User Experience Researcher

User Experience Researchers study how users interact with products and services to improve the user experience. They use their knowledge of human-computer interaction, research methods, and software to conduct user research studies to gather data about how users interact with products and services. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful User Experience Researcher, including how to read data from different sources, clean and aggregate data, and create visualizations to communicate insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Researcher

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They use their knowledge of market research, product development, and business strategy to define the product vision, roadmap, and launch plan. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Product Manager, including how to read data from different sources, clean and aggregate data, and create visualizations to communicate insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use data to analyze the financial performance of companies and make investment recommendations. They use their knowledge of finance, accounting, and software to analyze financial data and develop financial models to predict future performance. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Financial Analyst, including how to read data from different sources, clean and aggregate data, and create visualizations to communicate insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Management Consultant

Management Consultants help businesses improve their performance. They use their knowledge of business strategy, operations management, and data analysis to identify areas for improvement and develop and implement solutions. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Management Consultant, including how to read data from different sources, clean and aggregate data, and create visualizations to communicate insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Data Journalist

Data Journalists use data to tell stories and inform the public. They use their knowledge of journalism, data analysis, and software to gather data, analyze data, and create visualizations to communicate insights to the public. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Data Journalist, including how to read data from different sources, clean and aggregate data, and create visualizations to communicate insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Journalist

Quantitative Researcher

Quantitative Researchers use data to analyze financial markets and make investment decisions. They use their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and software to develop and implement quantitative models to analyze financial data and predict future performance. This course can help you develop the skills needed to be a successful Quantitative Researcher, including how to read data from different sources, clean and aggregate data, and create visualizations to communicate insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Researcher