How to Learn PostgreSQL: The Best Courses and Resources

Whether you are working for a large corporation or a small business, accessing and creating databases for data analysis can be tricky. However, there are a few ways to simplify this exponentially. One fundamental way is to learn PostgreSQL. 

PostgreSQL is a great way to connect with a community of software developers to assist in projects and master SQL in the process. But first, what exactly is PostgreSQL? Can it land you one of the best tech jobs? 

Let’s dig a bit deeper and find out.

What Is PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL, colloquially known as Postgres, is an open-source object-relational database management system. More than that, it is optimized to run with SQL. As such, it adopted ‘SQL’ in its name. SQL stands for Structured Query Language, a programming language that assists users in compiling, modifying, and storing data.

PostgreSQL is exceptionally versatile for storing projects and files in database systems and utilizing add-ons for additional features. Chances are that if you or your company is using PostgreSQL databases, you have a fantastic amount of control over your data. Using PostgreSQL open-source databases allows for an advanced level of control, customization, and execution, regarding data files.

It was developed by a dedicated group of software experts, led by Michael Stonebraker at the University of California. It launched in 1996, and it uses the PostgreSQL License. 

Which Jobs Use PostgreSQL Skills?

Okay, so let’s say you have undergone PostgreSQL training and are eager to start a career using those new skills. Which real-world jobs use PostgreSQL? 

• Database Administrators. Database admins are crucial employees at any number of businesses. Data admins find the most work where large swathes of data are gathered. Think of something like a college or multinational technology corporation. 
  
  

Data admins also have great earning potential: the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary is $93,750 per year. It’s a growing occupation and will see a reasonably quick uptick in job growth over the next 10 years.

• Computer Network Architects. These masters of using data to build and maintain network connections should be intimately familiar with SQL and PostgreSQL. That’s because these experts need every asset possible to get the job done. Computer network architects use the Internet to create a robust and fully functioning database for both small and large companies. 
  
  
• Data Scientist. Becoming a data scientist is a lot of hard work. However, it usually pays off handsomely. Data scientists record, observe and parse through large amounts of data to form hypotheses and arrive at conclusions. 
  
  

Since PostgreSQL is an integral part of effectively storing big data, knowing how to use it properly can seriously help your chances of executing a data scientist’s duties.

Steps to Learn PostgreSQL

Depending on your proficiency with SQL databases and your ability to pick up new skills, you should be able to feel a lot more comfortable with PostgreSQL in two to three weeks. 

Below are a few steps to follow to make the process a little more clear-cut.

1. PostgreSQL Tutorials 

Tutorials are great resources for any subject, including PostgreSQL. There is no shortage of fantastic walkthroughs, documentation, and other PostgreSQL tutorials out there. Exploring PostgreSQL tutorials allows you to learn the in-depth process alongside experts and see what it takes to learn the open source object-relational database management system.

2. Take PostgreSQL Courses

Taking online courses is a surefire way to learn nearly any subject from the comfort of your own home. Receiving adequate PostgreSQL training in this manner is just one of the best ways to master advanced levels of PostgreSQL. We’ll delve deeper into some of the best courses, including supplemental resources to give you a little boost. 

3. Enroll in a Coding Bootcamp

Coding bootcamps are unique, precisely tailored coding programs that teach you specific software development skills. There are numerous programs dealing in everything from JavaScript to UI/UX design. 

If you’re looking to learn PostgreSQL, enrolling in an intensive coding bootcamp can teach you all you need to know about open-source databases, as well as SQL. These fundamentals will enhance your knowledge to such a degree that you’ll pick up the basics in no time. Coding bootcamps can be an attractive alternative to a more generalized degree in computer science, too.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

You can’t expect to learn PostgreSQL without a bit of practice. Once you peruse some resources, take online courses, or enroll in a coding bootcamp, ensure that you feel comfortable with the open-source database. 

Choose what you want to focus on. Since PostgreSQL can help in things like geospatial tech, why not see how to master those more advanced levels of operation? Try exploring PostGIS to discover how to store notable geographic location data easily, for example.

The Best Courses to Learn PostgreSQL

Taking online courses is a crucial step in your quest to learn PostgreSQL, and one of the best ways to enhance your knowledge of the open-source database tool. Let’s see which courses you need to check out for optimal learning. 

SQL & PostgreSQL for Beginners: Become an SQL Expert

Offered through the comprehensive Udemy, this wide-reaching SQL course gives you all of the foundations you need to learn PostgreSQL. Taught by SQL instructor Jon Avis, this nine-hour course covers everything from learning to craft your own database to perform your own data analysis using SQL. A vital facet of the course is the in-depth resume-building that Jon Avis has students engage in.

You don’t need any sort of grasp on SQL or PostgreSQL to learn the course’s material. 

Learn SQL Using PostgreSQL: From Zero to Hero

This course from Udemy aims to help tech-heads learn everything about SQL and PostgreSQL from scratch. Students will learn more advanced level material in the later modules of the course. By the end, students not only have a good grasp of SQL, but will be able to manifest and store data for geospatial purposes, aggregate functions, and modifying data tables. 

Instructor Will Bunker takes learners through a fantastically structured course over the course of over 25 sections and 16 hours of Grade-A materials.

Learn SQL Basics for Data Science Specialization

Coursera and the University of California, Davis, delivers this comprehensive specialization track to you. This track, in particular, will help you learn the basics of a career in data science. 

This is an in-depth specialization, with courses including: 

• SQL for Data Science
  
  
• Data Wrangling, Analysis and AB Testing with SQL
  
  
• Distributed Computing with Spark SQL
  
  
• SQL for Data Science Capstone Project
  
  

The capstone project is perfect for taking learned concepts and transforming them into a tangible project to test your skills.

Taught by five experts, all majoring in fields including data science, AI, and machine learning, this course aims to make you a data science expert through the help of SQL and PostgreSQL.

Performing Data Definition and Manipulation in SQL

Learning how to store and modify your data is one of the main functions of this open-source database. As such, learning how to do these actions is essential for your success. Coursera offers this online class where students will engage in a crash course in data manipulation. 

By the end of this short class, students will be able to:

• Create a database
  
  
• Modify a database
  
  
• Manipulate data tables
  
  
• Upload CSV files
  
  
• Update records
  
  
• Delete data
  
  

SQL for Statistics Essential Training

If you are looking to learn how to enhance your statistics knowledge, this Lynda course is perfect for you. Before learning PostgreSQL, you’re going to need SQL knowledge. In this statistics-based course, instructor Dan Sullivan has students utilize the Structured Query Language to help define variance, calculator percentiles, and analyze correlations. This is a quick 49-minute course, so what do you have to lose?

Even if statistics aren’t your area of expertise, learning it in conjunction with SQL is perfect for diversifying your developers’ toolkit. By the end of this course, you will have more substantial knowledge of information technology, big data, and SQL to start mastering PostgreSQL.

PostgreSQL Essential Training

Adam Wilbert helps students to engage in this essential PostgreSQL course. We recommend taking a primer course before this one, as it’s intended for intermediate and advanced-level learners. 

Students are guided by Wilbert through the first steps with PostgreSQL, from learning the user interface, all the way to using pgAdmin to manipulate data, creating databases, and modifying everything. Want to become a database administrator? This may be the best PostgreSQL training resource to have in your toolkit.

Best PostgreSQL Resources

If you finish up your courses, including possible certificate training, and need more PostgreSQL training, there are fantastic resources out there. Let’s explore some of the supplemental material you can access to get you more comfortable with the open-source database. 

The Official PostgreSQL Tutorial 

One of the best resources to learn PostgreSQL is the official PostgreSQL tutorial. This entire website could potentially be the one-stop-shop for all things PostgreSQL. If you take an online course or not, make sure that the PostgreSQL tutorial website is high on your list of resources to check out.

This PostgreSQL tutorial takes you all the way from learning what PostgreSQL is to executing more advanced level commands and functions. Check out one of the first pages, where the PostgreSQL tutorials show users sample database systems. 

PostgreSQL 13.1 Documentation

It’s always a great idea when learning any software or programming language to peruse the official documentation. 

Straight from the PostgreSQL developers comes the very detailed documentation for the open-source database. Created by the PostgreSQL Global Development Group, the documentation covers eight main sections, ranging from an introductory preface to advanced level functions, and even shows how to integrate Postgres with Python programming. 

PostgreSQL Tutorial from Tutorialspoint

If you are eager to learn every nook and cranny of the open-source database, why not check out one of the other premier PostgreSQL tutorials? 

This one, brought to you by Tutorialspoint, is perfect for those who have already experimented with PostgreSQL. Although it is suitable for complete novices to start their learning journey here, too. 

Instead of presenting topics more linearly, the Tutorialspoint PostgreSQL tutorial shows topics in an index format. You will see all of the crucial topics on the left-hand side toolbar. All you need to do is explore the sidebar, see what you want to know, and you’ll be well on your way. 

Why Learn PostgreSQL?

If you are proficient with SQL, PostgreSQL is an excellent addition to your developer’s toolkit. PostgreSQL is a necessary open source object-relational database management system involved in various tech-related businesses’ day-to-day operations. Experts in data analysis, web and mobile applications, and even geospatial technology, take cues from PostgreSQL.

If you are willing to put in the time, effort, and sometimes money, to undergo PostgreSQL training, it can significantly benefit you and your resume.