What are databases, and why are they important?

Databases are organized collections of data stored on, and accessible from, computer systems. In this era of big data, databases are especially important because of the vast amounts of information organizations need to sort and analyze. In the business world in particular, the ability to leverage data effectively to generate actionable insights is a major competitive advantage, making databases a critical resource. Once a database design is created, data can be stored in it and managed with the use of a relational database management system (DBMS) such as MySQL, Microsoft Access, or Oracle. For a quick exploration of a database, a data scientist can use a query language like SQL (Structured Query Language) to retrieve the data needed for the analysis, and then use a programming language like Python or R to process it and present the findings through data visualization. Long-term decision-making requires the ability to query multiple databases. Business intelligence software like Pentaho or Tableau have the needed extract, transform, load (ETL) capabilities to merge data from many different sources in a data warehousing process that can give executives greater insight into corporate performance over time.

What careers can I have with database skills?

The ability to work closely with data is increasingly essential for many jobs. Whether you are a sociologist querying databases on policing data for a research project or a chief operations officer trying to harness data analysis for process improvement initiatives, database skills can help you discover important insights. Database administrators (DBAs) work particularly closely with databases, and are responsible for ensuring that database management systems are operating efficiently, free from errors, and protected from security breaches. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , DBAs make a median salary of $83,750 per year, and their expected job growth is faster that the average for all occupations due to the increasing use of data in all sectors of the economy. And, with small and medium sized businesses increasingly using cloud services, DBAs are needed more and more for third party cloud databases.

Can I learn about databases by taking online courses on Coursera?

Yes! Coursera offers courses and Specializations on database and data science, including topics in Python, cloud computing, and data warehousing. With these courses, you can learn remotely from top-ranked institutions and organizations including the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Michigan, IBM, and AWS. The opportunity to complete coursework on a flexible schedule can allow you to add skills to your repertoire whether you are supplementing your current career or preparing for a new one. Coursera Projects also offers Guided Projects on databases and SQL, enabling you to learn with step-by-step tutorials from experienced instructors.

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn database?

Having skills and experience in SQL is important before starting to learn database because, even though the language has been around since 1997 , SQL is still among the most popular languages in database work, many companies use it including big names like Google and Amazon, and a majority of job positions in database require SQL. Learning other languages is also helpful, including Python, C, and Java. If you don't already have your high school diploma or GED, you should be working toward it as you start learning database, especially if your goal is to be a database administrator. Expect to earn a college degree, preferably in computer science, if you want a future management position in database.

What kinds of people are best suited for roles in database?

The kinds of people who are best suited for roles in database include analytical thinkers because analyzing large amounts of data is an integral part of the field. Being skilled at recognizing patterns in unstructured data is another key trait, as well as being flexible and open to change since technology is a rapidly changing field. People who are good at problem-solving and have good organizational skills are also well suited for roles in database. And those who have good communication skills and can explain complex information in clear, understandable ways are likely to be successful in database roles.

How do I know if learning database is right for me?

Learning database may be right for you if you enjoy working with numbers, data, statistics, and computers. If you're preparing for a career in information technology or computer science, learning database is most likely right for you. Learning database can prepare you to either create databases, manage databases, troubleshoot problems in databases, or analyze databases for various roles with the database field. If any of these sound interesting to you, learning database is right for you.

What are the benefits of taking an online Database course?

Online Database courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Database skills. Choose from a wide range of Database courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Database courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Database, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Database Courses - Learn Database Online

Results for "database"

Meta
Meta Database Engineer
Skills you'll gain: MySQL, Database Design, Version Control, Database Management Systems, MySQL Workbench, Extract, Transform, Load, Stored Procedure, Data Modeling, Data Structures, SQL, Database Theory, Unix Commands, Relational Databases, Databases, Git (Version Control System), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Database Management, Unit Testing, Algorithms, Django (Web Framework)
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
6.9K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Google Cloud
Google Cloud Database Engineer
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Infrastructure, Application Deployment, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Kubernetes, Database Architecture and Administration, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Identity and Access Management, Cloud Computing, Data Migration, Cloud Management, Cloud API, Oracle Databases, Databases, Cloud Storage, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Security, Cloud Applications, Google Cloud Platform, Database Administration
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
49K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Relational Database Administration (DBA)
Skills you'll gain: Database Management, Database Architecture and Administration, Relational Databases, Database Software, Database Systems, IBM DB2, MySQL, Performance Tuning, Stored Procedure, PostgreSQL, Disaster Recovery, Data Storage Technologies, System Monitoring, Authorization (Computing), Authentications, User Accounts
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
226 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Meta
Database Structures and Management with MySQL
Skills you'll gain: MySQL, Stored Procedure, Database Design, Database Management Systems, Relational Databases, SQL, Database Development, Query Languages, Data Integrity, Data Validation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
488 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Meta
Introduction to Databases
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, Database Management Systems, SQL, Database Theory, Relational Databases, Databases, MySQL, Data Integrity, Query Languages, NoSQL, Data Manipulation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
Databases and SQL for Data Science with Python
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Databases, Stored Procedure, Relational Databases, Database Design, Query Languages, Database Management, Data Analysis, Jupyter, Data Manipulation, Pandas (Python Package), Transaction Processing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
21K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado System
Database Management Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, Relational Databases, Data Modeling, Database Management Systems, Databases, Oracle Databases, SQL, Data Warehousing, Data Integrity, PostgreSQL
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
3.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Analyze Data in a Model Car Database with MySQL Workbench
Skills you'll gain: MySQL Workbench, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Exploratory Data Analysis, MySQL, Business Analytics, Data Analysis, SQL, Analytical Skills, Database Management, Technical Communication, Relational Databases
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Database systems
Skills you'll gain: NoSQL, Data Warehousing, Relational Databases, Extract, Transform, Load, SQL, Databases, Database Design, Data Mining, Business Intelligence, Database Management Systems, Big Data, Information Systems, Database Systems, MySQL, Predictive Analytics, MongoDB, Analytics, Data Modeling, Query Languages, Scalability
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
678 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
SQLServer for Beginners: Database Design & CRUD Operations
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, Relational Databases, Database Development, Microsoft SQL Servers, SQL, Database Management, Databases, Query Languages, Business Requirements, Web Applications
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
IBM
IBM Relational Database Administrator
Skills you'll gain: Data Warehousing, SQL, Extract, Transform, Load, Apache Airflow, Web Scraping, Linux Commands, Database Design, MySQL, Data Pipelines, Apache Kafka, Database Management, Bash (Scripting Language), Shell Script, Database Architecture and Administration, Data Transformation, IBM DB2, Relational Databases, PostgreSQL, Jupyter, Generative AI
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
56K reviews
Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Databases for Data Scientists
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, SQL, Database Management Systems, NoSQL, Data Warehousing, Database Theory, Relational Databases, Database Architecture and Administration, Database Systems, Databases, Data Modeling, Query Languages, MongoDB, Big Data, Apache Cassandra, Data Integrity, Data Access, Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Processing
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months