Introduction to SQL from Pluralsight

The vast majority of applications that use data, are backed by a good relational database system. This course will help to establish a base to those who want to begin learning Structured Query Language (SQL).

is a special purpose language for interacting with relational databases.

In this course,

, you will learn the basics of Structured Query Language.

, you will learn how to query data and shape results.

, you will focus on creating and modifying data in your tables.

, you will touch on how actually modify the tables themselves.

By the end of this course, you'll understand the basics of how to create and use a relational database.

SQL is relatively easy to learn. It's a query language, not a programming language, and it is English-like, so it's fairly easy to understand and write SQL query. Most database engines are compatible with all SQL code.

Opinions will probably vary here. As a whole language, SQL is definitely simpler than Python. The syntax is intuitive, there is less grammar, and there are fewer different concepts to learn. But as a comprehensive tool, SQL may actually be more difficult than Python coding.

While it has the functionality of a mature programming language, SQL is not considered a "programming" language. SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a language that allows us to query, insert, update, and modify data in relational databases.

This is a beginner level SQL tutorial, so no prior SQL experience is required. But it would help to be somewhat familiar with the basic concepts of computer programming.

You will learn:

This course is for anyone who is interested in data science and learning how to manipulate data. If you work with large sets of data on a regular basis, SQL can greatly improve your understanding of that data, and greatly improve efficiencies.

A relational database is just what it sounds like: it is multiple sets of data with a well-defined relationship between the tables in those sets of data. Relational databases allow tables to commnicate and share information across these multiple data sets, which helps with data searchability and organization.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introduction

Understanding Basic SQL Syntax

Querying Data with the SELECT Statement

Filtering Results with the WHERE Clause

Shaping Results with ORDER BY and GROUP BY

Matching Different Data Tables with JOINs

Adding, Changing, and Removing Data

Creating Database Tables

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides foundational knowledge and skills for beginners learning Structured Query Language (SQL)

Taught by Jon Flanders, an experienced instructor in SQL and data management

Covers a range of essential SQL concepts, including querying, data manipulation, and table creation

Suitable for individuals interested in data science and data manipulation

Assumes some familiarity with basic computer programming concepts

Exclusively focuses on SQL, not covering broader programming concepts

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 Introduction to SQL with these activities:

Organize Course Materials

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Help improve organization and retention of course materials.

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Review course notes and materials
Create a filing system

Find a SQL Mentor

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Help connect with experienced individuals who can provide guidance and support.

Browse courses on SQL

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Reach out to professionals in the field
Attend industry events and meetups

Review SQL Syntax and Concepts

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Help refresh the basics of SQL syntax and concepts.

Browse courses on SQL Syntax

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Review the course materials
Take a practice quiz

Five other activities

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Complete SQL Tutorial Course

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Help reinforce the concepts and fundamentals of SQL.

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Go through the SQL tutorial course provided by Pluralsight
Take notes and review them regularly
Practice writing SQL queries

Practice SQL Queries

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Help improve understanding of SQL syntax and data manipulation techniques.

Browse courses on SQL Syntax

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Find practice problems online
Work through the practice problems
Review the solutions and explanations

Attend a SQL Workshop

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Help gain hands-on experience and learn advanced techniques.

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Find a SQL workshop
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop

Build a Database Project

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Help apply the principles of database design and data manipulation.

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Define the scope of the project
Design the database schema
Create the database
Populate the database with data
Write SQL queries to manipulate the data

Mentor Other Students

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Help solidify understanding and reinforce learning by teaching others.

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Volunteer as a tutor
Join a study group

Career center

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

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses scientific methods and processes to extract knowledge and insights from data. This role often works with large and complex datasets, using a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data. The Introduction to SQL course may be useful to a Data Scientist as they often work with SQL to extract and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Intelligence Analyst

A Business Intelligence Analyst analyzes data and provides insights to stakeholders, working with stakeholders to understand and meet their needs. This role often works with data and uses a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data. The Introduction to SQL course may be useful to a Business Intelligence Analyst as they often work with data and use SQL to extract and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Database Developer

A Database Developer designs and implements databases, working with stakeholders to understand and meet their needs. This role often works with data and uses a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data. The Introduction to SQL course may be useful to a Database Developer as they often work with data and use SQL to extract and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Developer

Information Architect

An Information Architect designs and implements information architectures, working with stakeholders to understand and meet their needs. This role often works with data and uses a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data. The Introduction to SQL course may be useful to an Information Architect as they often work with data and use SQL to extract and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data, working with stakeholders to understand and meet their needs. This role often works with data and uses a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data. The Introduction to SQL course may be useful to a Statistician as they often work with data and use SQL to extract and analyze data.

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Data Engineer

A Data Engineer designs and implements data pipelines, working with stakeholders to understand and meet their needs. This role often works with data and uses a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data. The Introduction to SQL course may be useful to a Data Engineer as they often work with data and use SQL to extract and analyze data.

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Data Warehouse Manager

A Data Warehouse Manager plans, builds, and manages data warehouses, working with stakeholders to understand and meet their needs. This role often works with data and uses a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data. The Introduction to SQL course may be useful to a Data Warehouse Manager as they often work with data and use SQL to extract and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Warehouse Manager

Machine Learning Engineer

A Machine Learning Engineer develops and implements machine learning models, working with stakeholders to understand and meet their needs. This role often works with data and uses a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data. The Introduction to SQL course may be useful to a Machine Learning Engineer as they often work with data and use SQL to extract and analyze data.

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Database Administrator

A Database Administrator develops, implements, and maintains database management systems. This role ensures that data is stored and managed securely and efficiently. The Introduction to SQL course may be helpful for a Database Administrator as they often work with SQL to maintain and manage databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Data Architect

A Data Architect designs and implements data architectures, working with stakeholders to understand and meet their needs. This role often works with data and uses a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data. The Introduction to SQL course may be useful to a Data Architect as they often work with data and use SQL to extract and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst designs and implements data collection systems to collect, process, and analyze data. This role often works with a variety of data, from structured to unstructured, and uses a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data. The Introduction to SQL course may be useful to a Data Analyst as they often work on organizing and understanding large sets of data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst works with stakeholders to understand and analyze business needs, and then develops and implements solutions to meet those needs. This role often works with data and uses a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data. The Introduction to SQL course may be useful to a Business Analyst as they often work with data and use SQL to extract and analyze data.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects, working with stakeholders to understand and meet their needs. This role often works with data and uses a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data. The Introduction to SQL course may be useful to a Project Manager as they often work with data and use SQL to extract and analyze data.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager develops and manages products, working with stakeholders to understand and meet their needs. This role often works with data and uses a variety of tools and techniques to analyze data. The Introduction to SQL course may be useful to a Product Manager as they often work with data and use SQL to extract and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This role often works with a variety of programming languages and technologies, and uses a variety of tools and techniques to develop software. The Introduction to SQL course may be useful to a Software Engineer as they often work with databases and use SQL to interact with data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer