Free course · Programming & Development

Database and SQL Starter

A free introduction to relational databases and SQL: creating tables, querying and filtering, joining related tables, summarising data and keeping a database fast and safe.

Free · self-study · no certificate About 6 hours 2 modules · 5 lessons

What you will be able to do

  • Create a table and insert records with SQL
  • Write SELECT queries that filter, sort and join tables
  • Summarise data with COUNT, SUM and GROUP BY

Who it's for

  • Beginners who keep records in spreadsheets and want something sturdier
  • Learners heading towards data or software work

Before you start

Basic computer use. SQLite or any free SQL environment.

Module 1 · about 120 minutes

Tables and Queries

Database basics, querying and filtering, and joining related tables.

  • Create tables and query them
  • Join two related tables
  1. 1Lesson 1Database Fundamentals & SQL Basics (MySQL & PostgreSQL)
  2. 2Lesson 2Querying & Filtering Data
  3. 3Lesson 3Joins & Table Relationships

Module 2 · about 80 minutes

Reporting and Care

Aggregation for reports, plus indexing, performance and security basics.

  • Produce summary reports with GROUP BY
  • Explain indexes, backups and access control
  1. 4Lesson 4Aggregation & Reporting
  2. 5Lesson 5Indexing, Performance & Database Security
Final checkQuick Quiz — Database Management BasicsTest what you learned with a short quiz, marked instantly.

Further learning

  • Database Management — Design and manage databases for schools, NGOs, and businesses using SQL and modern tools.
  • Business Data Analytics & Advanced Excel — Clean data, build dashboards, create reports, and visualize business insights using Power BI.
  • Python — Practical Python programming for automation, data work and back-end development — from first scripts to a deployed, tested application.

Want the full Database Management program?

This free course is an introduction. The full program is taught live by an instructor, with practical assignments, assessments, projects and a certificate.

See the Database Management program