10 Free Websites to Learn and Practice SQL
Win with SQL!
SQL (Structured Query Language) is one of the most in demand skill among all jobs in data, appearing in 45.4% of job postings. Specifically for data analyst roles and data engineering, SQL is the most in-demand skill, listed in 61% of job posts and 73.4% respectively. While SQL isn’t the most-listed skill for a data scientist, but it still appears in 64.7% of job listings.
In today’s data and IT driven world, even non-tech professionals from departments such as, but not limited to Sales, HR, Finance, and Marketing need to have some knowledge of SQL to succeed in their job.
Keeping the above in mind, I have listed 10 free websites where one can start learning SQL to the extent needed for their jobs.
1. W3Resource
W3Resource.com not only has SQL tutorials, with examples, but also allows you to run queries using their sample tables that can help you practice writing SQL queries. Using their online SQL editor, you can edit the SQL statements, and click on a button to view the result.
Specific links are below:
https://www.w3resource.com/sql/tutorials.php
2. W3Schools.com
W3Schools has SQL Tutorials, examples, and exercises. Like W3Resource, this website also allows you to run your SQL queries on their sample tables. It also provides you with an opportunity to earn a SQL certificate but there is a charge of $95.
3. Udemy
Udemy has both free and paid SQL courses. Below are the links to some good free courses.
a. Introduction to Databases and SQL Querying — 4.5 ratings from (43,966 ratings) 468,934 students (as of 06 Nov 2022)
b. Free SQL 101 Class Bootcamp Beginners Intro to SQL NYC — 4.3 ratings from(1,659 ratings) 33,941 students (as of 06 Nov 2022)
4. SQLZoo
SQLZoo provides both tutorials and small simple exercises and allows you practice on their sample tables.
5. SQL Course
SQL Course is another website that has free interactive SQL lessons and tutorials. It allows you to practice what you learn using the online SQL interpreter. It has a Beginners Course as well as an Advanced Course.
6. SQLBolt
SQLBolt is another good website to learn SQL. It contains a series of interactive lessons and exercises designed to help you quickly learn SQL right in your browser.
7. SQL Course from Stanford University
This is a free SQL course provided by Stanford University. This course is one of five self-paced courses on the topic of Databases, originating as one of Stanford’s three inaugural massive open online courses released in the fall of 2011. The original “Databases” courses are now all available on edx.org. This course provides an introduction to relational databases and comprehensive coverage of SQL, the long-accepted standard query language for relational database systems.
8. SQL Course from Khan Academy
Khan Academy, is one of the best websites to learn computer programming. It also has a good SQL tutorial entitled “Intro to SQL: Querying and managing databases”.
9. SQL Tutorial
SQL Tutorial provides SQL tutorials, but without the exercises. It also has a SQL Tutorial Video.
10. learnsqlonline.org
learnsqlonline.org is a free interactive SQL tutorial. However, as of Nov 06, 2022, Advanced Tutorials is still under construction.
Applying SQL
SQL competency is a key skill for anyone who wants to have a career in data or is required to look into databases as a part of their jobs. Basics of SQL are easy to learn and can be mastered in a few days by beginners too! Once you have done a SQL course, you need to practice to hone your skills and see how you can best apply them in your job.
Below is a list of articles that I have written to illustrate how to use SQL for data analysis-
Five Simple SQL Functions to Start With Data Profiling and Analysis
How can the SQL COUNT Function be used to Reveal Quick and Useful Data Insights
Hope, these free resources will help you get started on mastering and applying SQL to take your career to the next level. All the best! :)
Please do let me know whether this article was helpful, and what more you would like to read with respect to SQL. Just comment here or connect on LinkedIn.
