Alexis Kestler
SQL and NoSQL are in high demand in today‘s data-driven world. Mastering these database technologies can significantly boost one‘s career prospects in fields like software development, data science, business intelligence and more.
According to a ScaleGrid report, SQL still dominates with 60% market share despite the popularity of NoSQL databases. MySQL is the most popular SQL database with 39.52% market share.
But before diving into the learning resources, let‘s first understand what SQL and NoSQL are.
What is SQL?
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a domain-specific language used for storing, manipulating and retrieving data stored in relational databases.
A relational database organizes data into tables with rows and columns. SQL provides a standardized language to query relational databases and perform tasks like data insertion, search, update, deletion etc.
Some examples of popular SQL databases are MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, etc.
Key features of SQL:
- Flexible to be applied to a wide variety of data models
- Highly versatile for different types of applications
- Scalable vertically by increasing RAM, SSD or CPU
- Massive community support and abundance of documentation
What is NoSQL?
NoSQL databases are non-tabular and store data in a non-relational way. Unlike SQL databases, NoSQL databases can be document-oriented, key-value pairs, graph databases or wide-column stores.
Examples of NoSQL databases include MongoDB, Redis, Neo4j, Apache Cassandra, CouchDB etc.
Key features of NoSQL:
- Flexible schema design not restricted to fixed tables/rows structure
- Horizontally scalable by adding more servers
With strong industry demand and lucrative career prospects, learning SQL and NoSQL is a great investment. Now let‘s look at some of the best resources to master these skills.
SQL Bootcamp by Udemy
The Complete SQL Bootcamp on Udemy is a comprehensive course to learn SQL querying and database manipulation.
You‘ll learn to write advanced SQL queries, joins, aggregations, date manipulations, and everything needed to analyze data in SQL. The hands-on exercises use PostgreSQL to let you practice and apply the concepts.
The course curriculum covers:
- SQL syntax, clauses, expressions, operators
- Complex queries using multiple tables
- Creating databases and tables with constraints
- Data manipulation commands like INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE
- Important SQL functions
- Working with dates and timestamps
- Writing analytic queries using JOINs, GROUP BY, HAVING etc.
The skills are transferable to other SQL dialects like MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle etc. This course is suitable for beginners with no prior SQL experience.
Udemy offers many more SQL courses including database administration, data analysis, business intelligence etc.
Introduction to SQL by Datacamp
Introduction to SQL on Datacamp is a quick 4-hour course to learn SQL basics. Through 1 video lecture and 41 exercises, you‘ll gain beginner level skills in SQL querying.
The curriculum covers:
- SQL syntax and structure
- Querying columns from tables
- Filtering rows using WHERE, LIKE, IN operators
- Logical operators AND, OR, NOT
- Sorting and limiting result sets
- Aggregate functions like COUNT, SUM, MAX, MIN etc.
The interactive browser-based exercises let you practice the concepts in real-time. The course focuses on universally applicable SQL concepts used in MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle Database, SQL Server and other systems.
It‘s a quick and hands-on introduction for beginners looking to learn SQL fundamentals. Datacamp offers many other advanced SQL courses as well.
Learn SQL by Codecademy
Codecademy‘s Learn SQL Course is another great interactive way to learn SQL concepts from scratch. The hands-on course has been taken by 1 million+ learners so far.
It begins with an introduction to relational databases and the history of SQL. You‘ll then learn the concepts through practice exercises within the course IDE.
The course syllabus includes:
- Creating your first database table
- SQL statements like SELECT, FILTER, SORT, LIMIT
- JOINs and nested queries
- Manipulation using INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, ALTER
- Aggregate functions
- Date and math functions
The exercises use SQLite but the concepts are applicable to other SQL implementations as well. There are mini quizzes and projects based on real-world data sets to apply the skills learned.
This interactive Codecademy course is a great hands-on way to become proficient in SQL.
SQLBolt
SQLBolt is another interactive SQL learning platform with lessons and exercises. It‘s created for beginners to grasp SQL concepts through practical activities.
The lessons cover:
- Introduction to databases, tables, queries
- Modifying database structure using ALTER
- Inserting, updating and deleting table rows
- Filtering and sorting query results
- Joining and combining data from multiple tables
- Using aggregate functions
- Subqueries
- Views
- and more…
You can progress at your own pace and skip topics you already know. SQLBolt focuses on building strong SQL foundations through a hands-on learning approach.
Oracle SQL Certification Course on Udemy
For a more comprehensive and rigorous SQL training, check out this Oracle SQL Certification course on Udemy.
It will equip you with SQL skills from beginner to advanced levels with the aim of passing the Oracle Database SQL 1Z0-071 exam.
The curriculum covers:
- Oracle database architecture and components
- Data types, tables, constraints
- SQL functions, expressions, conditions
- Queries, joins, grouping, filtering
- Views, sequences, indexes
- Database objects like synonyms, users etc.
- DML and DDL commands
- Transactions, security
Both theoretical and hands-on exercises are provided throughout the course. You‘ll gain SQL skills directly applicable for Oracle Database and become job-ready for Oracle SQL developer roles.
SQL Essentials Course by Edureka
Edureka‘s SQL Essentials Certification Training is great for mastering fundamental to advanced SQL concepts.
The key topics covered are:
- Relational database systems
- SQL syntax, expressions, querues
- Data definition language (DDL)
- Managing database objects like tables, keys
- Data manipulation language (DML)
- Aggregate and scalar functions
- Joining, grouping and filtering data
- Views, sequences and indexes
The course provides interactive instructor-led live training that can be accessed 24/7. You‘ll get lifetime access to the learning content, including videos, presentations, exercises and projects.
This is a comprehensive course suitable for both beginners and professionals looking to master SQL skills for career growth and certifications.
MongoDB Certification Course by Edureka
To complement your SQL skills, learn NoSQL database technologies like MongoDB from Edureka‘s MongoDB Certification Training.
The curriculum covers:
- MongoDB architecture
- JSON, schema design, data modeling
- Indexing, aggregation, replication
- Querying, insertion, updates
- Sharding and clustering
- Administration, automation, security
- Integration with Hadoop, Pentaho, etc.
- Cloud deployment on MongoDB Atlas
Both theoretical lectures and hands-on exercises are included with real-world industry projects. You‘ll learn to develop full-stack applications using MongoDB and get certified as a MongoDB expert.
This course is ideal for developers, database admins, data engineers looking to skill up on MongoDB.
SQL Basics Course by Whizlabs
SQL Basics course by Whizlabs provides a quick yet comprehensive introduction to SQL. It‘s suitable for beginners looking to learn SQL from scratch.
The 3+ hours of video lectures cover from basic SQL concepts to advanced query writing, database programming and administration skills.
Key topics included:
- Relational databases
- SQL syntax, expressions, operators
- Data definition language
- Managing database objects
- Data manipulation language
- Querying data with SELECT
- Sorting, filtering, joins
- Programming constructs like variables, loops
- Stored procedures, functions, triggers
- Transactions, security
You‘ll gain comprehensive skills to read, write and implement SQL in database projects. The course provides a certificate valid for lifetime.
Introduction to MongoDB by Coursera
For learning NoSQL database technologies, start with Introduction to MongoDB course on Coursera.
It‘s a beginner-friendly course to learn MongoDB which is a popular document-based NoSQL database.
The course curriculum covers:
- MongoDB architecture and components
- JSON documents, BSON format
- CRUD operations: insert, find, update, delete
- Schema design patterns
- Indexing and performance
- Aggregation pipelines
- Replication and data redundancy
You‘ll get practical experience using MongoDB Atlas cloud database and Compass GUI. This course is a great introduction to MongoDB for developers looking to use NoSQL databases.
Amazon DynamoDB and Python Course by Coursera
Learn how to use Amazon DynamoDB NoSQL database from your Python applications by enrolling in this DynamoDB and Python course on Coursera.
The course covers:
- Connecting to DynamoDB from Python
- Creating tables, inserting and modifying items
- Retrieving data using primary keys and secondary indexes
- Querying and filtering data
- Performing scans without primary key
- Best practices for performance and security
You‘ll learn to build scalable applications using the managed DynamoDB cloud database service. Prior basic Python experience is required to take this course.
NoSQL Guide from W3Resource
For a quick text-based guide on NoSQL, head over to W3Resource‘s NoSQL tutorial.
It provides a beginner-friendly introduction covering:
- Relational databases and ACID properties
- Limitations of RDBMS
- Introduction to distributed systems
- Types of NoSQL databases
- Examples like MongoDB, HBase, Neo4j, Redis
- Pros and cons of NoSQL
- Difference between SQL and NoSQL
- CAP theorem
- Database selection criteria
The concise guides makes it easy to get started with NoSQL databases.
Conclusion
SQL and NoSQL skills are in high demand across industries like software, analytics, business intelligence etc. Learning these technologies can open new career opportunities and help you succeed in tech roles.
The courses and resources above are some of the best designed for beginners as well as professionals looking to master SQL and NoSQL skills. Combining interactive courses along with hands-on practice is key to become proficient.
So start learning today and invest in these high-value skills for a great career ahead!
