SQL for Beginners
Learn to speak the language of data. This hands-on SQL course gives you real-world practice writing queries, modeling databases, and managing data like a pro.
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This course includes:
Prerequisites:
Overview
Curriculum
Mentor
FAQs
What we'll cover...
Why Learn SQL?
Time to turn the tables.

Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction
- Get started with the SQL course and prepare for your database learning journey.
- Welcome!
Module 2: Database Fundamentals
- Learn database concepts, terminology, and how to read entity relationship diagrams.
- Database Terminology
- Data Types in SQL Server
- Reading Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs)
- Quiz: Database Fundamentals
Module 3: Setup
- Set up your development environment using Docker and explore the course database schemas.
- A Gentle Introduction to Docker
- Guide: Setting up your Environment
- Demo: Setting up your Environment
- Overview - 4th Wall Café ERD
- Overview - 4th Wall Academy ERD
Module 4: Selecting Data with SQL
- Master the fundamentals of querying databases using SELECT statements and SQL joins.
- Selecting Data from a Single Table
- Demo: Selecting Data from a Single Table
- Exercise: Selecting Data from a Single Table
- SQL Joins
- Demo: SQL Joins
- Exercise: SQL Joins
- Quiz: Selecting Data with SQL
Module 5: SQL Aggregation & Grouping
- Learn advanced SQL techniques including aggregation, grouping, date functions, conditional logic, and set operations.
- Aggregating Data with GROUP BY
- Demo: Aggregating Data with GROUP BY
- Exercise: Aggregating Data with Group By
- Introduction to Dates in SQL
- CASE Expressions
- Demo: Case Expressions
- Exercise: Case Expressions
- Set Operators
- Demo: Set Operators
- Exercise: Set Operators
- Quiz: SQL Aggregation & Grouping
Module 6: Subqueries
- Explore enhanced query techniques using subqueries, EXISTS, and NOT EXISTS operators.
- Subqueries
- Demo: Subqueries, EXISTS, and NOT EXISTS
- Exercise: Subqueries, EXISTS, and NOT EXISTS
- Quiz: Subqueries
Module 7: Data Manipulation Language (DML)
- Learn to insert, update, and delete data using SQL's Data Manipulation Language commands.
- Modifying Data with SQL
- Demo: Data Manipulation Language
- Exercise: Data Manipulation Language
- Quiz: DML
Module 8: Normalization and Database Design
- Understand database normalization principles and design professional database schemas for real-world applications.
- Normalization and Schema Design
- Walkthrough: Creating a Movie Tracking Schema
- Scenario: IT Asset Tracking
- Exercise: IT Asset Tracking Schema
- Solution: IT Asset Tracking Schema
Module 9: Data Definition Language (DDL)
- Create and modify database structures using Data Definition Language commands.
- Creating and Altering Databases and Tables
- Exercise: Finish Movie Catalog Build Script
- Solution: Finish Movie Catalog Build Script
- Exercise: IT Asset Tracking Build Script
- Solution: IT Asset Tracking Build Script
Module 10: Extras
- Want to roll your own databases from scratch? Here are setup instructions for SQL Server configurations.
- Installing an empty SQL Server Image
How We Build Developers
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Written Lessons That Actually Make Sense
Our written content explains complex concepts in plain English, with real examples you can quickly apply. You'll understand not just what to do, but why pros make the decisions we do.
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Hands-On Practice That Builds Confidence
Every concept comes with code samples and exercises. You can't learn to play guitar without putting your fingers on the strings and you can't learn to code without writing a lot of code!
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Videos That Show, Don't Just Tell
You'll see how professional developers think, debug, and refactor code. These aren't just lectures, but applied theory. See concepts actually used together!
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Rigorous Capstone Projects That Prove Your Skills
You'll build substantial applications that demonstrate your ability to architect solutions, handle complexity, and deliver professional-quality code.
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depth over speed,
understanding over memorization, and
professional skills over participation certificates.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any prior coding experience to take this course?
Nope! This course is beginner-friendly and designed for anyone curious about working with data. If you’ve never written a line of code, you’ll still be able to follow along.
What kinds of projects will I work on?
You’ll practice querying and designing databases for fictional but realistic scenarios like a coffee shop point of sale system, a school for up-and-coming super heroes, and an IT asset tracker. These help simulate the kinds of problems you’d solve in a real tech role.
Will I learn both reading and writing SQL?
Absolutely. You’ll write queries to read and transform data, and also learn how to insert, update, delete, and structure data through DDL and DML commands.
Do I need to know testing or design patterns before taking this?
Nope! We introduce everything from scratch — including unit testing, dependency injection, and interface-based design. You’ll learn what they are and how to use them effectively.
Is this course focused on a specific database platform?
Yes! We use Microsoft SQL Server for a consistent experience. But the SQL syntax and concepts you learn apply to most other database platforms (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, etc.).
Do I need to install anything complicated?
We make setup easy by walking you through SQL Server inside a Docker container.
You will need a mid-range computer to run the Docker containers. We recommend at least 16GB of RAM and a recent, mid-range processor (Intel i5, Ryzen 5, or equivalent). No Chromebooks or Tablets for this course!
You will need a mid-range computer to run the Docker containers. We recommend at least 16GB of RAM and a recent, mid-range processor (Intel i5, Ryzen 5, or equivalent). No Chromebooks or Tablets for this course!
How is this different from free SQL tutorials?
We go beyond syntax and toy problems. You’ll work through real scenarios with full ERDs, normalized schemas, and multi-table datasets, just like you would in a job.
Is this course included in my Skill Foundry subscription?
Yes! Your membership gives you access to this course along with our entire catalog: Python, C#, ASP.NET Core, Docker, career prep tools, and more.
About the Author
Eric Wise
Software Architect | Mentor | Entrepreneur
Eric isn't just another online instructor, he's a veteran software architect, multi-time tech entrepreneur, and someone who's been in every corner of the industry from tech start ups, big corporations, and freelancing.