Are you looking to step foot into the world of programming? Do you want to build your SQL skills to have a career in analytics? If you are an undergraduate or a beginner and non –programmer willing to learn to program, then you must start your career path with learning online.
There are various courses available today, however, it is essential for a beginner and a non-programmer to start from the foundations. The clarity of the beginner concepts is a must that builds the knowledge required to master coding skills in further stages of the learning path. The need for theoretical and practical knowledge is of utmost importance and finding the right combination in an online course tends to be confusing especially for beginners and people without a technical background.
With the increasing technical course offering on the online platform, competitors try to outdo one another, thus the type of courses vary from what is being mentioned in the course content. Some platforms provide a lot of theory or a lot of practical information without covering the foundations and this creates a lack of clarity among beginners and many learners don’t find the right motivation to complete the course and stop.
If you are looking for a course that builds solid foundations, then look no further as this course called Free SQL 101 Class Bootcamp Beginners Intro to SQL NYC on Udemy is the one that stands out among other offerings for a beginner course on SQL 101. This course is designed as a Bootcamp that targets beginners and non-programmers. The foundational course introduces concepts of group by, joins, and in-built functions. Since this course is focused on hands-on experience, you can expect to master your skills in quick time.
What to Expect from the Course?
SQL 101 Bootcamp course is a beginner-oriented course that is based on the SQL classes conducted for analytics in New York City (NYC). The course is designed by Shivgan Joshi, who is an experienced professional and has taught various boot camps in NYC.
The major topics are covered that will let you gain deeper insight into the field of analytics using SQL. This is the foundation you should be looking to build if you are aspiring for a career in analytics. With the knowledge of SQL, you can be assured to understand the concepts of data analytics that are common in R and Python programming as well. Here is a general outline that will help you understand what concepts will be covered in the entire duration of the course.
- Able to create DB design for daily tasks from data used in Excel.
- To be able to understand how to perform analytical steps in SQL.
- Clarity of concepts on data wrangling using Group, joins, and Union and how to acquire data in the appropriate format.
- Learn to use new tools to derive meaningful insights from data.
- Excel-based functions for SQL commands.
- Common terms used in data analytics remain similar for languages like Python, R, and SQL.
- Understand how SQL is required as a solution and overcoming the limitation of excel for analytics.
- Learn the concepts of SQL server database.
- To understand how search conditions are used in a simple query.
- Organizing the data from a query before being displayed as output.
- Usage of New York City data for compiling on SQL.
- Learn how to use various functions for computation.
About the Instructor
The course is designed and taught by an expert tutor, Shivgan Joshi who is based out of New York City. He has developed several courses for boot camps in the field of data analytics. The courses that have been created have a unique approach and centers around portfolio or themes related to work in Manhattan. It varies from the repetitive mode of courses that are being offered by tutors with a fixed set of a syllabus that is being followed.
The possible outcome of such a format is producing capable professionals that can also have an opportunity in the NYC employment market. There is a focus on letting learners build their GitHub portfolio. He has also been a part of the Python SQL Bootcamp coding classes in New York that focused on affordable and cost-effective machine learning technology.
The instructor runs free classes across New York and India. He has been associated with several online courses such as SQL 101, Python 101, Big Data Science for beginners. Shivgan Joshi is an active blogger on two platforms, namely learnpythondatasciencenyc.site and bigdatascienceblockchainnyc.site.
Related: Udemy Review
What are the primary contents of the course?
Section 1. Introduction
Introduction and Outcome of the Course
This is the first section of the course with a general overview of what will be covered. The tutor specifies the need for running the codes as per the examples in every lecture.
The primary task to get started is to design a very simple table for understanding purposes. On the completion of how to create a table, it further focuses on what can be done with the data. The idea behind this approach is to make the learners adapt the most basic operations in SQL such as the creation of a table. Furthermore, the concepts of what can be done with the data, and what should not be done are explored. The need for understanding data wrangling using group, joints, and union for having the data in the appropriate format is covered.
The factors related to linking different things in the framework and reasons for automating and non-sequel are also introduced. The similar concepts that are related to Python and SAS are also explained well.
Versions and Flavours of SQL available
The second part of the introduction section delves into the different versions and flavors of SQL that is available in the market today. It is explained how companies like Microsoft and other private companies and open source companies are using SQL. The most common SQL distribution comes from Microsoft and has successfully built their SQL software and management studios along with GeoEye. You are then introduced to Oracle which is a private company that has its own Oracle SQL. Although SQL is managed by Oracle, it is open source and free.
The popularity of SQL has been because of its availability in the open-source community. The growing usage of postscripts SQL is equivalent to the competitor’s offerings in the market. It is further explained that MYSQL and post-collapse is open source and managed by Microsoft. Several companies in the market need analytics and the supply chain has a huge demand for such professionals. Such companies prefer SQL by Oracle for their mode of operations. MySQL is mostly used for web development
SQL Job Roles and Job Available
This section explains the different job roles available in the SQL job sector. The job roles vary from dedicated positions as data warehousing and data mining experts, business intelligence analysts, etc. Although there are increasing job roles in the field of analytics, the tutor focused on data analytics and business intelligence roles being the first path of an analytics career.
Section 2. Database Fundamentals and Hands-on
Run SQL Online at Fiddle and other Ephemeral Websites
The second two begins with the implementation of MySQL followed by sharing links to three websites to run the codes and have support for SQL Server. It is demonstrated how to create a table and switch between different databases. The possibility of selecting different languages and certain limitations of Oracle SQL. There was a description of how SQL can minimize the cost of storing data that results in having efficiency in the business.
Creating your First Table
This section follows the process of creating a database and determining the structure of it. There is a necessity for ensuring what you want at your table. After the creation of the table, it is explained how to perform analytics and do predictive analysis from the data. It is explained with an example of people who are attending his session and how to add their details to a table.
The example is simplified as it is demonstrated how to write the code and even allows them to copy his code and pasting his code for better understanding. It is followed by adding schema and the relevant process. Overall, the chapter touches upon the concepts of creating a database.
There was a need for small database attendees, which was followed by copy and pasting a code from the resource available. The command allows us to see what is there inside the table and in the UPI. It was also clarified that a semicolon is a must when there are multiple statements. Another common mistake is related to copy some data.
Create Table
This is the third part in section two of the course. It is an example to practice your skills. You need to code to create the table with the instructions provided. The instructions are to play with the code, remove columns, add columns, skip values for columns, and put in Nulls. There is a video that follows in the next section that also demonstrates how to code for this example. It starts with creating a database for attendees, deciding the data and columns to be added, how many tables needed, and normalization. Finally, to perform analytics, preferably predictive analytics, and to study the errors.
Language Basics, Color Coding, and Table Structure
The final part of section two is related to language basic and two types of data. An explanation of what is a Boolean integer and character Boolean. It is highlighted how single quotes and double quotes can be used and how to convert into a number. The meaning of color conventions namely blue for important parts being capitalized, resolved keyword in green is explained in detail to understand how it works if there is an error.
Section 3. Data Analytics in SQL
Filtering and Selection
The topics on filtering and selection are explained with an example that needed to follow along and code to practice the skills. Other topics were covered with a quick introduction of casting, concatenation, and case statement.
Group by, Joins and Union
The remaining parts in section three covered the topics on Group by, joins and union. The GROUP BY clause is used for collaboration along with the SELECT statement to arrange data into identical groups. It is important to note that a GROUP BY clause always follows the WHERE clause in a SELECT statement.
A join clause is used for combining rows from other tables based on a related column between those tables. On the other hand, the UNION clause combines the results set of two more SELECT statements. These were some of the important concepts that were covered in this section with a follow-along example to enhance the coding skills.
Section 4. Takeaways from the course
SQL vs Excel
- SQL is a language whereas Excel is a program. It is essential to understand this basic difference.
- Excel can be used only after the icon is clicked and the program runs. SQL is used to interact with database programs such as Oracle, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server.
- Excel is used as a spreadsheet tool that allows you to save your data on the computer. It can be organized in a tabular format including columns and rows. The location of the file is locally stored on your computer. It is involved in direct interaction with the user of the file. You can make changes as per your requirements, however, the result is the inconvenience of tracking those changes made if multiple users are collaborating.
- SQL is a programming language that is responsible for interaction with the database. The queries are written and sent in SQL to the relevant database. On receiving the queries, the database sends the results of the request or the changes made. The convenience of performing a query is easy collaboration and traceable. It is possible to track to see who has made the changes and to which table. Users can share useful information about the queries with one another for collaboration. It is easier and faster to work with SQL when you are aware of the syntax. Data manipulation is faster as compared to Excel. Another important aspect is the availability of syntax in the form of the English language, thus making it the easiest to learn.
Features of SQL and Excel
Excel
- The datasets are smaller in comparison with SQL. It ranges between one million rows and anything beyond will likely slow down your computer.
- The entry of data is done manually.
- The structure is entirely flexible. Any cell can consist of any data type.
- The data can be graphically visualized.
- Spell-check options are available.
- To work on projects independently is highly possible.
SQL
- The datasets are larger and mainly depend on the software and database. It does not slow down as Excel does.
- SQL is very strict on the types of data and users are restricted if any wrong entry of the type of data entered. This makes the structure more rigid in comparison to Excel.
- Collaboration with other users is possible.
- The data can be processed for further analysis in other software,
- Sharable queries.
- The data is traceable and auditing is possible, hence it is more secure.
Additional information about SQL and Excel have been provided. There are important questions that have been provided that are essential for a beginner to understand. Some of the questions that have been listed out by the instructor are discussed in the following section.
- Which function in SQL performs similarly to Vlookup?
Joins and more specifically left Join.
- How can we perform Group by in Excel?
By using Pivot table commands.
- What does the Pivot table mean?
A pivot table provides the summarization of the data of a more extensive table such as sums, average, and other statistics results.
- What is Power BI and Cubes?
Power BI and Cubes let us perform all the join and Group by functionalities. It is mainly used as a holistic approach for performing analytics for company data in a complex environment.
Important Interview Questions by the instructor
Firstly, the tutor emphasizes remembering important terms such that if anyone asks a question, you should be able to identify the function that will be used for that particular question.
For example, if a person asks about the average salary, you should know which function to be performed henceforth. The importance of understanding the difference between join, Group by, and union which is among the most used functions in SQL. The queries to perform filtering and remainder are essential and need to be understood correctly.
The final section of the course covers future work and a project that needs you to calculate the average salary of the class, calculate the average salary of all financial sectors, calculate the average age of all the sectors, put across every name in the rating, take columns and create new columns. Additional resource files have been provided on ten queries for SQL 101 and the SQL quiz.
Benefits of this course
Learning Path
The major advantage of taking this course on SQL 101 is the learning path for a beginner and non-programmers. It is a difficult step especially for a non-programmer to find the right learning path when an individual is willing to switch careers. Hence, this course is well-suited for them as well as beginners who are looking to enhance their skills with some background knowledge about computer science. The course is well-crafted as it introduces all the core concepts in SQL and differentiates between SQL and Excel and related options in each that performs the same functions.
The benefit of having hands-on experience is essential to build your coding skills and it always begins from the core concepts. There are simplified examples and a follow-along approach. Another added advantage is the duration of each of the sections being short and easy to understand. The instructor also provides key questions and references to practice your skills and a final project at the end of the course. There is also additional information on interview questions and the primary difference between SQL and Excel.
Certification
The course will also provide certification of completion. The course is a free tutorial available on Udemy. However, you can have access to online content, certification, and direct access to the instructor for Q&A, and direct reply from the instructor.
It is important to note that access to online content is available for the free version and remaining options from the paid version are not offered. There are additional courses provided by the instructor that are extensive and advanced level. You can have paid access to it on mastering the beginner skills.
Learning Community
You will get access to the learning community on Udemy that comprises students and tutors. The benefit of the community is that important resources and tips are being shared on the forum. Additionally, you can post your questions and get support from experienced personnel which will enrich your learning experience.
Hands-on Approach
The course specifically follows a hands-on approach. This course is designed to provide sufficient exposure to writing queries and understanding the concepts that are being taught theoretically. A hands-on approach lets you grasp the concept much faster.
If you are looking to step foot in the world of technology, then having hands-on experience is the most desired skill set that an employer looks for in an individual. Thus, you are guaranteed to build them in this course. The course is a perfect balance of theory and practical knowledge and provides crucial information on interview questions and additional resources as well.
Who is the course most suited for?
The course is well-suited for absolute beginners and non-programmers. It is well-designed with a strong focus on building a hands-on experience. If you are looking to begin your career in the field of analytics and look to step into data science in the future, then set the right foundations is crucial. SQL is closely related to the business analytics field and you can be assured of a career as a business analyst if you master the skills of SQL.
The knowledge of SQL is helpful to understand the concepts of data science much easily as certain terms are similar to that of SQL.It is a valuable investment of your time if you take up the course and get your first exposure to the world of analytics.
