Database Fundamentals

Eight lessons on relational database concepts and basic SQL for people who work with data but are not software developers. Free, beginner-friendly.

• Difficulty: Beginner
• 8 lessons reading
• No prior technical experience required

• Data 101
• Spreadsheet Fundamentals

These are suggestions, not requirements.

What Is a Database?

Understand what databases are, how they differ from spreadsheets, and when you need one.

Tables, Rows, Columns, and Data Types

Learn how data is structured in a relational database and why correct data types matter.

Primary Keys and Unique Records

Understand primary keys, unique identifiers, and why stable record identification matters.

Relationships and Foreign Keys

Learn how tables connect through foreign keys and why avoiding repeated information improves data quality.

Introduction to SQL

Learn what SQL is, how to write basic SELECT queries, and safe practices for reading data.

Filtering, Sorting, and Aggregating

Use WHERE, ORDER BY, and aggregate functions to filter, sort, and summarize data in queries.

Joining Tables

Understand why joins are needed, how inner and left joins work, and how to validate join results.

Database Design and Good Practices

Learn the principles of good database design — naming, normalization, constraints, documentation, and privacy.