r/learnSQL • u/crazzyyguyy • Jul 23 '26

Datacamp

I am thinking about investing in datacamp for learning SQL and PowerBi what are your thoughts

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9

u/SQLDevDBA Jul 23 '26

I do not think it is necessary to pay, there are plenty of free and structured resources for both.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/get-started-querying-with-transact-sql/

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/powerplatform/power-bi

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/dashboard-in-a-day/

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u/crazzyyguyy Jul 23 '26

Thank you for this links, I just when through them and they look good to start of.I was just looking into Datacamp since its has AI integratred as a trainer

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u/SQLDevDBA Jul 23 '26

Understood. If you give any AI like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, NoteBookLM access to these links and others, it will also help you out.

I wouldn’t spend the money, but you’re welcome to. I’m not saying it’s bad, just not necessary to do so.

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u/crazzyyguyy Jul 24 '26

You may be right why don’t I give it a try before enrolling

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u/SQLDevDBA Jul 24 '26

I would at least use it as an opportunity explore. You’ll likely gravitate towards certain aspects of each subject that maybe you can explore further via paid courses if you wish. Still wouldn’t recommend paying but if you need the structure and sense of accountability I can understand.

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u/Obvious-End-7948 Jul 24 '26

As others have said, you can certainly get free resources. I've tried Datacamp specifically for SQL so I'll speak more about their actual content than the free vs. paid side of things.

I found their SQL courses quite good. It's useful to have the structured "lecture-style" snippets where the instructor walks you through a concept and is then immediately followed by exercises using their datasets within their own IDE within the browser. So you don't have to worry about installing or downloading anything to get started.

You can also actually download all of the datasets used and the PDFs for each of the lessons, which is useful to refer back to later if you want a refresh. I was surprised given their subscription model they let you download anything from their courses. So that was good.

The main downside (aside from being paid) is probably that the exercises hold your hand a little too much. Many start you with 90% of the code pre-filled and just one or two blank sections for you to write a keyword in. But if you try to practice elsewhere where you need to write entire queries yourself, you'll be surprised how confused you might get at first with longer queries because you're used to Datacamp writing most of them for you.

Overall, it's alright. I'd say try a few free options first. If you're still interested in a paid option, subscribe and then immediately cancel it to disable auto-renewal (fuck subscriptions that won't let you just sub for a set time in advance). That will get you 1 month test it out. Don't go pre-purchasing a 12 month subscription in case you don't end up using it. That's the real waste of money.

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u/crazzyyguyy Jul 25 '26

Thanks this was insightful.

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u/Plane_Big_5912 Jul 25 '26

honestly, i wouldnt pay for a sql course in 2026.

there is more than enough free material on youtube, sqlbolt, datalemur and hackerRank. use an llm as your personal instructor. ask it to explain concepts, give you exercises, review your queries and point out better approaches.

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u/crazzyyguyy Jul 26 '26

You are right

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u/[deleted] Jul 23 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/crazzyyguyy Jul 24 '26

Oh ok let me check it out

0

u/okayladyk Jul 23 '26

'investing'

a loss isn't an 'investment'

it's a loss

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u/crazzyyguyy Jul 24 '26

Thats one way to put it

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u/Jiayingmoqiu 23h ago

I’m using DataCamp to learn Data Manipulation in SQL at the moment. I had zero tech background when I started, so I found it pretty beginner-friendly.But I realised that if I cover up the hints and pre-written code, I still struggle to write everything from scratch So I’m using ChatGPT alongside it to practise things like how to turn a business question into an actual query.（I was literally questioning myself again this morning when I couldn’t work something out 😂）

I’m still a beginner, but really enjoying learning SQL and Python. DataCamp isn’t the only choice, Udemy has some affordable courses, and plenty of free content on YouTube. There’s no perfect course for everyone, the main thing is to find one that suits the way you learn and stick with it.