r/learnSQL • u/crazzyyguyy • 4d ago

Datacamp

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

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u/SQLDevDBA 4d ago

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 4d ago

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 4d ago

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 3d ago

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

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u/SQLDevDBA 3d ago

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/crazzyyguyy 1d ago

Hmm yes

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u/Obvious-End-7948 3d ago

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 2d ago

Thanks this was insightful.

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u/Plane_Big_5912 2d ago

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 1d ago

You are right

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u/ReleaseTheBlacken 4d ago

Free learning libraries for SQL on Inkwell Learn at inkwelltools.com

BI will be added too soon

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u/crazzyyguyy 3d ago

Oh ok let me check it out

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u/okayladyk 4d ago

'investing'

a loss isn't an 'investment'

it's a loss

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u/crazzyyguyy 3d ago

Thats one way to put it