Whether you are new to programming or have been programming for years, you must be proficient in SQL. Simply, SQL is a domain-specific programming language used to manage data maintained in database systems. If you want to learn about SQL data types, you have a couple options. You could take a course at a brick-and-mortar institution. Or, you may want to learn about SQL in an online forum. Either way, you must be certain you are getting the best information possible.
As you may suspect, not every online SQL course is worthy of your time, money or effort. That’s where we come in. In our quest to help you find the right program for you, we have put together a list of the best online courses for learning about SQL data types. Read on to see which courses make our survey.
How We Developed Our Rankings
We know finding the right online academy can be challenging. To help you choose, we carefully evaluated dozens of online SQL programs. To make our list, courses must rank highly in each of the following categories:
Since marketing materials for online courses can be hyperbolic, we read through hundreds of student reviews of the programs on our list. Whether actual students love or hate a class, we attempt to explain real-world experiences. We also rate each program on a five-point scale. These ratings are comparative only to the courses on our list and may not measure up to programs that didn’t make our survey. Use these ratings to see how closely a course is to the one before or after it.
Finally, when possible, we attempt to give you an idea of how much a course costs. These prices are only estimates, however. As such, be sure you discuss pricing with program officials before you establish your educational budget.
The Top 20 Best Online Courses for Learning About SQL Data Types
The Winner: Vertabelo Academy
Vertabelo Academy offers a variety of SQL courses. Therefore, regardless of your SQL expertise, you can likely find the right class to meet your needs. The basics class explores joining methods through an interactive lecture. Other courses discuss relational databases, database management and other important topics.
Unlike many other online SQL courses, the Vertabelo Academy offerings use in-depth exercises, quizzes, notes and exams to give you full insight into SQL data types.
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The Runner-Up: Codeacademy
Codeacademy offers online learning for a variety of programming languages. Its Learn SQL class helps you assimilate the fundamentals of SQL. Specifically, you learn about SQL commands, database management and querying tables.
We like the robust approach to learning at Codeacademy. When you take this course, you get to manipulate data sets in a hands-on environment. Quizzes and case-study projects help you solidify your learning.
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Course #3: Khan Academy
Another great online course is Khan Academy’s Introduction to SQL. If you choose this course, you get a personalized dashboard to help you acquire SQL skills. You also get access to dozens of high-quality videos that make understanding programming simple. Tests and real-world projects help guarantee you have fully assimilated essential material.
If you want to learn at your own pace, the Khan Academy class is likely right for you. Comparative learning tools help you see exactly how changes affect code. Even better, the course evaluates your abilities and recommends additional learning opportunities. While the basic course is free of charge, you should expect to pay for advanced offerings.
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Course #4: W3Schools
W3Schools provides students with a comprehensive SQL tutorial. Self-described as the largest online web developer site, W3Schools has dozens of top-quality programming classes. While the information is comprehensive, the quizzes are basic. Therefore, you may not know whether you have mastered a subject before moving on. You also don’t get much insight into where to next take your SQL education. Still, because you don’t have to register to take full advantage of the W3Schools curriculum, classes are free.
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Course #5: Udacity
With both free and tuition-based courses, Udacity has something for everyone. Its Introduction to Relational Databases class helps you understand SQL data types. With informative videos and hands-on exercises, Udacity appeals to a variety of learning styles. While you can acquire a significant amount of information in the introductory course, you should plan to pay for advanced topics. Nonetheless, if you are new to SQL, this course is a good option.
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Course #7: Guru99
If you are looking for quick tutorials, Guru99 is excellent. This program offers both written and video curricula, allowing you to assimilate details the way you want. The course summaries are also an effective tool for determining whether the program is the appropriate level for you. Even better, instructional pictures help you understand complex topics.
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Course #8: Tuts+
Tuts+ doesn’t charge for any of the courses it offers. Instead, you access everything on the site at your convenience without paying a tuition. To get started, read through the step-by-step articles to identify areas in which you need to improve. Then, find the corresponding video or written tutorial. Don’t forget to rely on the screenshots to be sure you are comprehending the material.
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Course #9: SQL Problems and Solutions
Tuts+ doesn’t charge for any of the courses it offers. Instead, you access everything on the site at your convenience without paying a tuition. To get started, read through the step-by-step articles to identify areas in which you need to improve. Then, find the corresponding video or written tutorial. Don’t forget to rely on the screenshots to be sure you are comprehending the material.
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Course #10: SQLZoo
With interactive interpreters and hands-on databases, SQLZoo provides some of the best experiential learning of any course in the industry. SQLZoo also has a comparatively comprehensive evaluation rubric to help you gauge progress. Still, the site’s quizzes are short and include some holes. You will love the community feel of SQLZoo if you use the comments section and forums to discuss topics with other users. You will also appreciate the free content throughout the curriculum.
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Course #11: Stanford Database Course
If you want comprehensive exposure to all things SQL, check out the Stanford Database Course. This program includes several miniature courses that are self-directed and self-paced. The introductory class exposes you to SQL data types, while the more advanced offerings explore coding. Students love the quality of the instructional videos and the program’s interactive approach to learning. Be sure not to skip the quizzes.
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Course #12: GalaXQL 3.0
While the first 11 courses on our list focus on traditional learning, you don’t have to watch videos and take quizzes to master SQL. GalaXQL 3.0 turns learning data types into a game. A virtual instructor helps you acquire the skills you need to succeed in programming. After you are done working through the program, you get an assessment of your successes and failures.
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Course #13: Learn SQL the Hard Way
Whoever came up with the name of this course probably didn’t major in marketing. Still, Learn SQL the Hard Way exposes you to most of what you need to know about the topic. For students who are used to traditional classrooms, this course feels familiar. Hands-on tasks, examples and quizzes help you pick up material at your own pace.
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Course #14: Tutorials Point
If you are looking for something specific, you should know about the online courses at Tutorials Point. Simply put, the curriculum is full of offerings at virtually every level. When you take advantage of this learning system, you use a comparative feature to see the effect of each coding change. Online videos make assimilating information simple and effective. Since the tutorials are free, you can access just the information you need to firm up your SQL skills.
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Course #15: Essential SQL
Feedback isn’t a common feature of all online classes. With Essential SQL, it is. This program uses online explanations and video tutorials to teach SQL methods. If you run into trouble, the course’s creator encourages you to contact him. While we like the setup and responsiveness of the Essential SQL program, it doesn’t offer the comprehensive information that other courses do. Nonetheless, for an introduction you can understand, Essential SQL is worth consideration.
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Course #16: SoloLearn
The creators of SoloLearn seem to have covered most of the obstacles to distance learning. Through online videos and examples, you acquire SQL knowledge. Even though this course has 27 lessons, each one is short. As such, you may not find this program to be as comprehensive as others on our list. Nonetheless, for a fast way to sure up your SQL skills, SoloLearn is effective and free.
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Course #17: SQLCourse
Like the other short tutorials at the end of our list, SQLCourse helps you learn SQL through self-directed learning sessions. This program’s online interpreter allows you to simulate real-world programming situations. Unfortunately, much of the information in this program is basic. If you want a more in-depth learning experience, check out SQLCourse2.
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Course #18: MySQL Tutorial
The individual online modules at MySQL Tutorial allow you to choose the perfect topic for bolstering your SQL knowledge. Start with the basic tutorial to familiarize yourself with fundamental concepts. Then, graduate to higher-level tutorials for in-depth information about SQL. Like many of the other online courses on our survey, this one is free.
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Course #19: SQL for Web Nerds
If you want to learn SQL by reviewing the same text that most colleges use, this program is an excellent option. You won’t get many opportunities for experiential learning, though, as this course uses examples and articles to communicate important concepts. The detail is excellent, and the course is free.
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Course #20: Schemaverse
Schemaverse is an online game that teaches you SQL concepts while you play. As you may suspect, this course is most appropriate for beginners. Nonetheless, some advanced programmers may appreciate exercising their SQL abilities by trying to win the game. Either way, because the program is free, you don’t have to worry about spending a fortune to acquire basic SQL abilities.
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Final Thoughts on the Best Online Courses for Learning About SQL Data Types
Unlike many other subjects, SQL is easy to learn in online forums and through distance classes. While we have attempted to give you honest, reliable information, our survey of the best online courses for learning about SQL data types isn’t exhaustive. You may find a course on the market that better meets your needs than the ones we discuss here. That’s fine. Simply use this survey as a guide to choose the right program for achieving your SQL goals.
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