Learn SQL

Build practical SQL skills to query and analyze data.

Duration 5h Rating (4.6) Price Free plan available on Codecademy
Created by Codecademy
Platform: Codecademy Topic: Databases Skills: Data Analysis Relational Databases SQL

Learn SQL is a beginner-friendly course that teaches how to manage and analyze relational data using Structured Query Language (SQL). It combines interactive lessons, hands-on projects, and AI-assisted feedback so learners can practice writing queries, joining tables, and applying aggregate functions in real-world scenarios.

By emphasizing measurable skills and practical exercises, the course helps learners build portfolio-ready projects and apply SQL to data analysis, reporting, and decision support. That makes it a practical starting point for aspiring data analysts, non-technical professionals who handle data, and students preparing for interviews or coursework.

At a Glance

Learn SQL is a beginner-focused online course offered by Codecademy that teaches the fundamentals of Structured Query Language for managing and analyzing relational data.

It covers core topics such as data manipulation, querying, aggregation, and combining multiple tables, with hands-on projects and AI-assisted practice to build practical skills.

Level Beginner
Rating 4.6 out of 5
Duration 5+ hours
Languages English
Learners 1M+ learners
Certificate Certificate of completion (available with paid plan)
Access Free access to course content; additional features and certificate require an active subscription
Course includes
  • AI-assisted coding help
  • Hands-on practice projects (5 projects)
  • Quizzes and auto-graded assessments (4 quizzes)
  • Certificate of completion (with paid plan)
Price Free to access course content; paid subscription required for certificate and additional features

What This Course Teaches

This course frames outcomes as measurable competencies in querying and analyzing relational data using SQL.

Learners will be able to write queries, apply aggregate functions, join multiple tables, and build projects that analyze real datasets.

Database Fundamentals
Create and modify database tables and records using standard SQL data definition and manipulation commands.
Table Queries
Write SELECT queries to filter, sort, and retrieve precise results from single tables.
Aggregate Functions
Apply aggregate functions to compute summaries such as counts, sums, averages, and grouped metrics.
Multi-table Joins
Combine related tables using joins and unions to answer cross-table questions and derive insights.
Project Work
Build practical SQL projects that query real datasets and demonstrate end-to-end analytical workflows.

How the Course Is Structured

The course is organized into 4 lessons and presents material in a concise, sequential format that progresses from basic data manipulation to working with related tables.

The full syllabus is compact and designed to be completed in about 5 hours of focused study.

Curriculum overview

01Manipulation

Learn how to use SQL to access, create, and update data stored in a database.

02Queries

Perform more complex queries by learning essential query keywords and functionality.

03Aggregate Functions

Learn powerful functions for performing complex database operations such as counts, sums, and grouped metrics.

04Multiple Tables

Expand your SQL skills by creating and manipulating databases with multiple related tables using joins and unions.

Audience & Requirements

This course is aimed at learners who need practical, job-relevant SQL skills without prior database experience.

It is well suited to aspiring data analysts, non-technical professionals who work with datasets, students preparing for data coursework or interviews, and career changers seeking an entry-level data skill.

Who It’s For
  • Aspiring data analysts and business analysts building query skills.
  • Non-technical professionals (marketing, operations, product) who analyze or report on data.
  • Students preparing for data coursework, projects, or interview practice.
  • Career changers seeking foundational, portfolio-ready SQL experience.
What You’ll Need
  • No prior SQL or programming experience — the course lists no prerequisites.
  • A free platform account to access interactive lessons and in-browser exercises.
  • Optional: familiarity with spreadsheets (Excel or Google Sheets) to make concepts easier to grasp.
  • Subscription required only if you want a certificate of completion or additional paid features.

Final Verdict

Learn SQL is a compact, practical introduction to SQL that effectively teaches foundational skills for working with relational data. It’s a low-risk, high-value way to acquire practical SQL skills.

Free access to core lessons makes this a sensible first step for self-directed learners, while the paid tier adds a verifiable certificate and extra features for those who need credentialing or deeper practice. Given its strong rating and wide adoption, the course is recommended for beginners and career switchers seeking a concise, hands-on entry into SQL; more advanced database work will require follow-up courses.