There are so many online options, that it's not easy to navigate through all of them. Also, many of the videos out there are sponsored, so I question their authenticity.

I’m currently employed but my company doesn’t use any form of database. I’m having to funnel monthly spreadsheets into 1 fact table on a Sharepoint for each department and then loading all of those into PowerBI. Not great but it’s been a good way of learning PowerQuery and automating the process where possible.

But because there’s no industry standard form of a database here it means I have 0 exposure to SQL, something I would really like to learn asap. Is there a way I can do this (as cheap as possible) where I can learn code, try it and see the results?

I’ve already talked to my company about implementing a proper database and they’ve said they don’t want to pay the costs so I can’t install software that would allow for using SQL.

I know MS Access can use SQL but it’s a very outdated program so I’m hesitant to use it (despite being able to). Could this be a valid method?

I’m seeing lots of courses but can’t figure out a way to test and apply what I’m learning.

Am I better off finding a new job with a company that have these resources or is there a method I’m missing? Apologies if this is a painfully easy question to answer I just find getting started with coding to be the hard part so any advice/direction would be much appreciated (:

Edit: thank you everyone for your comments, lots of resources I’ll definitely be taking a look at! Much appreciated!

Hi all,

I’m currently working on improving my SQL skills to align more closely with the kind of work data analysts actually do on the job — things like querying large datasets, cleaning data, building reports, and handling case-based scenarios.

While I’ve gone through beginner tutorials, I’m now looking for free platforms or projects that offer hands-on practice with realistic datasets and challenges — not just textbook-style questions, but the kind that simulate real business problems or dashboard/reporting tasks.

What free SQL resources or platforms would you recommend that closely reflect the day-to-day work of a data analyst?

Bonus points if it includes mock company databases or case study-style problems. Appreciate any suggestions, and thanks in advance!

Just launched a free SQL tutorial for Data Analysts with 30+ SQL lessons... figured the r/dataanalysis would find it helpful!

Hey everyone! Getting started with data analysis and looking into resources(free or paid) that are great for SQL. I know SQL can be a major part of the job. Thanks for the help!

Hi everyone,

I'm a complete beginner and I want to learn SQL for data analysis.

Can you recommend the best FREE SQL courses?

Also, what is the best way to learn SQL effectively?

Should I focus more on courses or practice?

Thanks in advance!

Hi, I’m learning SQL and looking for a free program that’s easy for beginners but also useful for real job work later. Which SQL tool do you recommend and why?

What are the current best platforms to learn sql or maybe show you have a certificate of proficiency in it? Thanks 🙏🏻

Hello everyone! I got an SQL udemy course and i did learn some basics but i'd like to practice and get at some level proficient at SQL before starting a job. I've tried sql practice exercises i found online but i ran out of them and i still feel like i am nowhere near ready to work with this language and have responsability placed onto my shoulders. Could someone explain to me how I am supposed to get good at it?I'm ready to put in my blood sweat and tears!

Hey everyone! 👋

I’m just starting to learn SQL and I’m looking for some solid websites or apps that are beginner-friendly. Ideally, I’d like something interactive or hands-on rather than just reading theory. I’m not aiming to become a full-on data engineer—just want to get comfortable writing queries, understanding databases, and maybe do some small projects.

Any recommendations for platforms (free or paid) that helped you when you were starting out? Bonus points if they have exercises or real-world examples!

Thanks in advance! 🙌

I was looking at UDemy and will wait for a sale, but in the mean time I would like to improve my SQL skills.

Any free resources anyone can recommend in the mean time? Thank you

Hi everyone

I would like to start learning SQL and I don't really know where to start. Can someone please describe me your journey on how you became proficient with the tool? I am working as a Product Manager, so some basic skills are definitely needed.

Thanks!

Hi all,

To be short, I majored in Decision Science (decision making in Business) and I've been working at a Bio company for the past 1.5-2years working primarily in Excel (basic formulas and database management etc.... nothing special)

My interests still stems on database reading and analyzing numbers to benefit a business.

Recently, I've been trying to learn SQL on my own but I have not found anything that's worth wild and really forming a skeleton under me that will a) let me appreciate the beauty that is SQL in career opportunities and b) understand the nuisances that a data analysts/dba/etc have to go through to really become as fluent as possible. (ie: how might SQL be used in conjuction of Excel or Tableau?)

I want to learn the language of SQL to the point where if I'm asked in an interview about so and so I can answer at the snap of the finger. All this while not going back to College and earning a Computer Science degree. (I do an understand of entity tables and data models to some extent... probably need to touch up on that)

I'm not looking for a short cuts, but I'm looking for the best resources to learn on own starting from the beginning that has concrete instructions, explanations, and examples.... be it free for cost money. While I have in the past some coding experience and some database knowledge, I am in no way approaching this as an experienced programmer.

Thanks Reddit Data Programmers!

https://www.udemy.com/course/hands-on-sql-for-data-analysts/?couponCode=BFWEEK24_OLCOURSES

limited number...enjoy and please spread the knowledge. We want everyone to learn SQL!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE leave a REVIEW if you want discounted/free access to my more advanced course I'm working on.

I have a YouTube channel as well that you can subscribe to - if there is enough interest I shall upload regular tips and SQL related content www.youtube.com/@datafishbowl

I really want to get into SQL, but every website I try I have to pay after I get through the first few steps. I see a lot of people recommend YouTube, but I learn better from actually doing it myself. Does anyone know of any websites that offers SQL courses for free. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi there people,

I want to make a career in data analysis, I have already done a course by CFI named "Fundamental of Data Analysis in excel" and I am currently doing the course "Career Essentials in Data analysis" by Microsoft and LinkedIn. I am broke so please recommend some free course with free certification

Hey everyone!

I created an SQL course on Udemy. For context, I work as a Business Intelligence Analyst and was looking to sharpen my SQL skills. So, alongside this I made a course which covers everything I use SQL for on a daily basis and some of the more advanced things that I use less often.

It contains 3 hours of lectures along with coding exercises and a final project.

The link below will take you to the free course: Link to FREE course

I’d be so grateful if you could sign up and provide some feedback. It’s only free for 5 days but once you sign up you’ll have it forever, no monthly fees or anything.

If the 5 days are up or you’re feeling generous, you can use the link below to the paid version which I think is only $12~ if you’re a new user but don’t quote me. I’m happy to have a 1:1 call with anyone that pays to sign up to discuss career or anything else SQL or analytics related if you’re interested.

Link to paid version

Hello;

I was wondering if "SQL for Data Analysis" from O'Reilly is a good start for someone who wants to learn SQL from scratch.

Thanks

I want to learn SQL, just to add to my credentials for work and to slowly improve my knowledge in Data Analytics. I see where Harvard offers the intro course to SQL and there's a fee to pay for the verified certificate. Is it worth it? Any recommendations on where I can go to get started and also attain a "physical proof" of knowledge 🫠. Help!