How to Learn SQL Online

When you begin to learn a new skill, dozens of online resources are available to help with the journey. Studying SQL is no different. If you have always been interested in learning SQL, many options are available at your fingertips, from free tutorials to live classes. SQL study options are outlined here to help you decide what learning tools will work best for you.

What is SQL?

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a standard language used to communicate with relational databases. Organizations across industries rely on SQL to access and work with the data contained in their databases. Important business information about products, customers, or orders is just some data an organization may store in a database. Among its many uses, SQL has applications for searching, updating, and maintaining databases. It can also insert or delete records from databases and change the database's actual structure by creating or deleting tables and objects.

SQL operates on local intranet or internet systems and can be used on laptops, PCs, servers, and some mobile devices. Even though SQL is considered to be a relatively simple programming language, it is a powerful tool for helping users retrieve the specific information they need within a large database. Those working with SQL don’t need coding skills and can instead use basic keywords such as “update” or “select” to perform data queries.

Some of the most-used relational database management systems that use SQL are Microsoft SQL Server, Ingres, Access, and Oracle.

What Can You Do with SQL?

For anyone who works with data, SQL knowledge is a must. Many fields and disciplines use this language to communicate with relational databases. SQL’s flexibility is designed to help you use statements based on English to query a database in multiple ways. Because SQL is the most-used database language, nearly every organization that has to store relational data relies on SQL, including major corporations such as Amazon, Google, and Uber. In addition, websites such as Facebook use SQL to store back-end data and process data.

SQL has a wide range of built-in functions that are useful for data analytics:

• SQL COUNT can count how many rows are in a table
• SQL MAX provides a way to select the highest value for a given column
• SQL MIN lets users choose the minimum value for a column
• SQL SUM totals the values in a column
• SQL AVG can calculate the average within table columns

In addition, SQL has other useful applications for handling large volumes of data:

• It can add, update, or delete records within a database
• SQL can create new databases
• SQL users can add new tables to an existing database
• SQL can create views or stored procedures in a database
• It can establish permissions on views, tables, and procedures.

Live Online SQL Training

Online learning is becoming an increasingly popular educational option across the globe. Since 2020, 98% of universities have moved coursework to an online format. Some estimates claim that elearning can help students retain 25-60% more information than in traditional classroom environments. Live online classes provide a popular alternative to in-person study and offer many benefits in-person study cannot. Students who elect to study online can work from the comfort of their own home or office spaces. This learning option eliminates the need to commute to and from class, battle rush-hour traffic, or have to find parking for each class meeting. The flexibility of virtual study makes it an excellent option for those who need to balance learning SQL with other life commitments, such as work or family.

Although online study is preferred by many, some may find learning outside of a classroom distracting or difficult. Others struggle to connect with classmates in the online format and may find virtual learning challenging. Therefore, it’s essential to consider your learning style and how you most effectively retain information when deciding if online study is a good match for you.

Many SQL training options are currently available in the live online format. Noble Desktop has several live online SQL classes listed for interested learners. These courses are taught in a live environment by an expert instructor. Students meet on a teleconferencing platform such as Zoom, where they can interact with classmates and their instructor in real-time and receive support, guidance, and feedback as they learn new SQL concepts. Noble’s SQL Bootcamp is currently offered in the live online format. Those enrolled receive hands-on training with PostgreSQL, among other relevant SQL skills. In addition to Noble’s SQL classes, other top education providers list courses in topics such as SQL Fundamentals, SQL Querying, and Intro to Data Analytics.

On-Demand SQL Classes

If you are currently trying to balance SQL study with a full-time job, family commitments, and other day-to-day activities, enrolling in live in-person or online study may not be feasible. However, plenty of great learning options are available in the on-demand format. A self-paced online SQL class can provide many of the same learning perks as live study. Because on-demand study offers classes that students can complete on their own schedule, learners can pace their studies around their other responsibilities. While this type of learning requires students to be disciplined and self-motivated, it offers the same learning outcomes as other SQL study options.

Self-paced SQL classes are often beginner-friendly. Some in-demand SQL classes are geared toward those without experience working with data or databases. Others are for more intermediate or advanced learners, such as professionals who currently work with databases and SQL but want to learn how to perform more advanced querying. In addition, some self-paced coursework is offered for free, whereas other learning options are available through a subscription service. One of the main benefits of studying in the on-demand online format is that it is largely an affordable option compared to in-person or full-time study.

Free Intro Courses & Tutorials

If you aren’t entirely ready to dive into a full-length course in SQL but still want to learn more about this programming language, a great option is to begin your studies for free online. In Noble Desktop’s free Intro to SQL, students receive an hour of beginner-level instruction about databases, the professional applications of SQL among Data Engineers and Data Scientists, and real-world examples of what SQL can do.

In addition to Noble’s free introductory video, other top educational providers offer free online resources to help you learn SQL. Udemy currently has free coursework and tutorials devoted exclusively to SQL. It has beginner-level online courses, such as Introduction to Databases and SQL Querying, as well as SQL Foundations. For those seeking more advanced SQL instruction, Udemy also offers Advanced Databases and SQL Querying. If you’re interested in learning SQL’s specific applications in the data sciences, Coursera currently lists SQL for Data Sciences. This free course starts with SQL basics before progressing to more advanced topics, such as writing complex queries, creating tables, and data governance.

Read more about free SQL videos and online tutorials.

Comparing Online Learning with In-Person Learning

Both in-person and online study can provide learners with valuable SQL knowledge. For those who crave the traditional classroom educational structure, in-person study is likely a better option than online coursework. Connecting with classmates and receiving immediate feedback on work helps some learners retain information. However, in-person study also requires driving or commuting to campus, which may involve additional costs. Therefore, classroom study can require a greater time and monetary commitment for those learning SQL than online instruction.

If you’re a learner who prefers taking classes online, you will not only save time and money commuting to and from class but will still receive helpful SQL instruction. With the wide array of online learning options available, it’s possible to find SQL resources that are affordable (or free) and are suited for those who are new to SQL, as well as advanced learners hoping to sharpen their skills. Whereas live online courses will meet in real-time with an instructor, on-demand SQL classes will be primarily self-guided, with online modules, videos, and tutorials to help you learn concepts.

Tips to Succeed when Learning SQL Online

If you opt to study SQL online, the following tips can help you with your educational journey:

• Make sure to select an appropriate online course when learning SQL. Intro-level classes provide a great starting point, whereas bootcamps may be too intensive for those new to working with relational databases.
• Whether you study in the live online format or take on-demand SQL lessons, remote learning requires discipline and focus. You will need to be self-motivated to complete coursework on time, even without the structure of the in-person classroom environment.
• If you opt for on-demand SQL study, you will be in charge of pacing your studies and ensuring that you have mastered one concept before moving on to another. This can require additional motivation and follow-through.
• Have a quiet, comfortable place where you can study and complete lessons. If you decide to work at a local coffee shop, consider using noise-canceling headphones to enable better focus. If you prefer studying at home, it’s important to create a space that’s conducive to learning, such as a small office or spare room. This area should have a computer with a strong internet connection and a comfortable chair.
• Online study can feel somewhat isolating for extroverted individuals. If you are one such learner, you may look for other ways to connect with those who study SQL, such as local networking events, lectures, or conferences.
• Those learning in the live online environment can take advantage of the resources at hand. Reach out to your instructor with questions as they arise. Actively participating in lessons not shows that you are engaged but also can help you learn SQL faster and retain more knowledge.

Learn SQL with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

When learning SQL for a career, many people choose instructor-led classes, which provide personalized assistance and in-the-moment feedback on their code. If you’re interested in learning the basics of SQL or receiving more advanced instruction, Noble Desktop has multiple course offerings in SQL. Classes are available in the live online environment as well as in-person in New York City.

Those new to using SQL can enroll in Noble’s SQL Level 1, a beginner-friendly class designed to teach students the basics of working with this language. Throughout this instructor-led, one-day course, students build a foundation in SQL by learning about rows, columns, tables, and basic filtering. By course completion, participants will have a solid understanding of database architecture and will be able to write basic SQL queries for Microsoft SQL Server.

If you’re looking to learn more advanced SQL concepts, Noble also offers an SQL Bootcamp led by expert instructors. Those enrolled in this 18-hour course receive hands-on instruction on core SQL skills, such as how to write queries, filter and group data, and combine information from various tables using join statements. Participants in this small class also gain experience working with PostgreSQL as well as the free DBeaver app. All students have the option of a free retake of the course if they wish to brush up on their SQL skills. Prospective students can also learn more about SQL with Noble’s learning resources.

Key Insights

• If you want to learn SQL, a wealth of in-person and online study options are available from top educational providers.
• When deciding which learning style is best for you, you should consider several factors, such as cost, your professional reasons for studying SQL, and what learning environment is most suited to help you master new concepts.
• For extroverts, as well as those who learn best in the traditional classroom environment, in-person study is a good learning option. However, if you would rather not commute to and from campus, live online study still provides real-time class meetings and in-the-moment feedback on work. For those who need the flexibility of completing coursework on their own time around other commitments, on-demand SQL classes or online tutorials are excellent learning resources.
• No matter which way you decide to study SQL, knowledge of this programming language is a valuable, in-demand skill in many industries and can help you get a job or start a new career.