HomeCoursesAn Introductory Guide to SQL

Beginner

13h

Updated 5 months ago

An Introductory Guide to SQL
Save

Gain insights into SQL by exploring database creation, data manipulation, and advanced queries. Learn about practical applications and practice for SQL interviews to build confidence and readiness.

Join 2.7 million developers at

Overview

Content

Reviews

Related

The ability to work SQL is becoming an increasingly in-demand skill, both for software developers and people in less technical roles. If you’re interested in learning SQL and have no prior experience with it, then this course will be your light in a dark tunnel. You’ll start by covering the basics of SQL such as how to create a database, how to insert, query, and update data. You’ll also learn fundamental concepts that developers and data scientists use everyday such as multi-table operations, nested queries, and how to set up views. Throughout, you’ll get to execute SQL queries in your browser and see results in real-time - you won’t need to worry about set-up. At the end of this course, you’ll also get some hands-on practice with common SQL interview questions, so when the time comes, you’ll be ready and confident to answer any question that comes your way. Let’s get started!

The ability to work SQL is becoming an increasingly in-demand skill, both for software developers and people in less technical r...Show More

Content

98 Lessons78 Quizzes

1.

Introduction

3 Lessons

Get familiar with SQL’s evolution, relational vs non-relational databases, and MySQL's architecture.

Relational vs Non-Relational

MySQL History & Architecture

2.

Basic SQL

26 Lessons

Look at MySQL basics: databases, data types, tables, querying, and data manipulation.

Exploring MySQL

Create Database

Temporary Table

Collations & Character Sets

Combining Conditions

Primary Key and Indexes

Aggregate Methods

3.

Joins

6 Lessons

Break apart SQL joins, including inner, outer, self, left, right, and natural joins.

Self Inner Join

Left and Right Joins

4.

Nested Queries

5 Lessons

Break down complex ideas in nested scalar, column, row queries, EXISTS and correlated queries.

Nested Scalar Queries

Nested Column Queries

Nested Row Queries

EXISTS Operator

Correlated Queries

5.

Multi Table Operations

4 Lessons

Dig into multi-table delete and update operations, SELECT/INSERT efficiency, and the REPLACE command.

Multi-Table Delete

Multi-Table Update

SELECT and INSERT

6.

Views

5 Lessons

See how it works with SQL views creation, data integrity, updating, and management techniques.

Creating a View

Updating a View

With Check Option

Local & Cascaded Check

Drop, Show, & Rename Views

7.

Stored Procedures

10 Lessons

Piece together the parts of stored procedures, variables, parameters, statements, cursors, error handling, and functions in SQL.

What are Stored Procedures?

Create, Delete, and Alter a Stored Procedure

Conditional Statements

Iterative Statements

SIGNAL and RESIGNAL

Stored Functions

8.

Triggers

6 Lessons

Learn how to use SQL triggers for data integrity, logging, archiving, and managing multiple actions.

What are Triggers?

Create and Delete a Trigger

INSERT Triggers

UPDATE Triggers

DELETE Triggers

Multiple Triggers

9.

Miscellaneous

3 Lessons

Discover the logic behind transactions, EXPLAIN statement, and foreign keys for data integrity.

10.

Practice & Prep

29 Lessons

Go hands-on with SQL queries to enhance database management and data analysis skills.

Solution Practice Set 1

Solution Practice Set 2

Solution Practice Set 3

Solution Practice Set 4

Solution Practice Set 5

Solution Practice Set 6

11.

Epilogue

1 Lessons

Find out about giving feedback and acknowledging contributors to enhance course quality.

Certificate of Completion

Showcase your accomplishment by sharing your certificate of completion.

Course Author:

Developed by MAANG Engineers

Every Educative resource is designed by our team of ex-MAANG software engineers and PhD computer science educators — subject matter experts who’ve shipped production code at scale and taught the theory behind it. The goal is to get you hands-on with the skills you need to stay ahead in today's constantly evolving tech landscape. No videos, no fluff — just interactive, project-based learning with personalized feedback that adapts to your goals and experience.

Trusted by 2.7 million developers working at companies

"These are high-quality courses. Trust me. I own around 10 and the price is worth it for the content quality. EducativeInc came at the right time in my career. I'm understanding topics better than with any book or online video tutorial I've done. Truly made for developers. Thanks"

Anthony Walker

@_webarchitect_

"Just finished my first full #ML course: Machine learning for Software Engineers from Educative, Inc. ... Highly recommend!"

Evan Dunbar

ML Engineer

"You guys are the gold standard of crash-courses... Narrow enough that it doesn't need years of study or a full blown book to get the gist, but broad enough that an afternoon of Googling doesn't cut it."

Software Developer

Carlos Matias La Borde

"I spend my days and nights on Educative. It is indispensable. It is such a unique and reader-friendly site"

Souvik Kundu

Front-end Developer

"Your courses are simply awesome, the depth they go into and the breadth of coverage is so good that I don't have to refer to 10 different websites looking for interview topics and content."

Vinay Krishnaiah

Software Developer

Hands-on Learning Powered by AI

See how Educative uses AI to make your learning more immersive than ever before.

Instant Code Feedback

Evaluate and debug your code with the click of a button. Get real-time feedback on test cases, including time and space complexity of your solutions.

AI Mock Interviews

Test your skills in a simulated interview setting. Receive personalized feedback based on your performance. Available for Coding Interviews, System Design, and more.

Adaptive Learning

At various checkpoints throughout Educative courses, you will be prompted to take a quick assessment. Receive a condensed curriculum tailored to your strengths and skill gaps.

Explain with AI

Select any text within any Educative course, and get an instant explanation — without ever leaving your browser.

AI Code Mentor

AI Code Mentor helps you quickly identify errors in your code, learn from your mistakes, and nudge you in the right direction — just like a 1:1 tutor!

Course

Complete Guide to Redis

Complete Guide to Redis

Gain insights into Redis's capabilities as a database, cache, and message broker. Delve into commands, transactions, and clustering. Explore flexibility, security, and data structure support with Redis.

beginner

Course

Database Design Fundamentals for Software Engineers

Database Design Fundamentals for Software Engineers

Gain insights into fundamental database concepts, relational databases, and entity-relationship diagrams. Learn about normalization techniques and basics of SQL to enhance database efficiency.

beginner

Course

The Definitive Guide to MongoDB

The Definitive Guide to MongoDB

Discover MongoDB's rise as the leading NoSQL database. Gain insights into using it with C#/.NET Core and MEAN Stack. Delve into practical projects and advanced concepts.

intermediate

Course

Introduction to YAML

Introduction to YAML

Learn basic concepts, key features, and capabilities of YAML.

beginner

Course

Full-Stack Web Applications with Firebase

Full-Stack Web Applications with Firebase

Gain insights into creating and launching full-stack web applications swiftly using Firebase. Learn about Firebase Authentication, Cloud Firestore, Firebase Storage, and Firebase Hosting through hands-on projects.

beginner

Course

Web Development: A Primer

Web Development: A Primer

Delve into web development fundamentals, exploring HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and version control. Gain insights into essential web technologies to confidently pursue further learning and projects.

beginner

Course

Introduction to YAML

Introduction to YAML

Learn basic concepts, key features, and capabilities of YAML.

beginner

Course

Database Design Fundamentals for Software Engineers

Database Design Fundamentals for Software Engineers

Gain insights into fundamental database concepts, relational databases, and entity-relationship diagrams. Learn about normalization techniques and basics of SQL to enhance database efficiency.

beginner

Complete Guide to Redis

Database Design Fundamentals for Software Engineers

The Definitive Guide to MongoDB

Introduction to YAML

Full-Stack Web Applications with Firebase

Web Development: A Primer

Introduction to YAML

Database Design Fundamentals for Software Engineers

Free Resources

FOR TEAMS

Interested in this course for your business or team?

Unlock this course (and 1,000+ more) for your entire org with DevPath

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start learning SQL?

You can start learning SQL by following these steps:

Sign up for online courses if you prefer a more structured learning environment. These courses often provide a comprehensive overview of SQL
Create your own database for practical experience. Regular practice with SQL queries on real-world datasets is invaluable
Engage with problems available online to sharpen your skills
Participate in online forums and communities. These platforms offer support, insights, and help in solving specific queries
Attend SQL workshops and webinars, which can provide you with up-to-date knowledge and networking opportunities

Learn in-demand tech skills in half the time

Copyright ©2025 Educative, Inc. All rights reserved.

soc2