Learn the technical skills you need for the job you want. As leaders in online education and learning to code, we’ve taught over 45 million people using a tested curriculum and an interactive learning environment.
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Which is more popular?
Based on our record, Codecademy
seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned
113 times
since March 2021.
social mentions
113 vs 0
Online Learning popularity
98% vs 2%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 12
Base details
Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.
Interactive Learning Codecademy provides interactive coding lessons that allow users to write code directly in the browser and receive instant feedback, which can enhance learning and retention.
Wide Range of Courses Codecademy offers a variety of courses across several programming languages and topics, including web development, data science, and computer science, catering to a diverse set of learners.
Beginner-Friendly The platform is designed with beginners in mind, offering step-by-step instructions, guided projects, and comprehensive explanations to help new learners get started with coding.
Flexible Learning Paths Codecademy provides learning paths and career tracks that guide users through a series of courses to build specific skills or prepare for certain tech roles, offering a structured learning experience.
Community Support Codecademy has a strong community forum where users can ask questions, share knowledge, and collaborate with other learners, providing additional support and motivation.
Certificate of Completion Upon finishing courses or career tracks, learners receive a certificate of completion, which can be added to their resumes or LinkedIn profiles to showcase their achievements.
Possible disadvantages
Limited Free Content While Codecademy does offer some free courses, many advanced and specialized courses are locked behind a Pro subscription, which may be a barrier for some users.
Lack of Deep Dives Some users may find that Codecademy's courses do not go into great depth on advanced topics, which might require learners to seek additional resources to fully master certain subjects.
Dependence on Interactive Environment Codecademy's reliance on an in-browser coding environment means that learners may not gain experience setting up and using real-world development tools and environments.
Pro Subscription Cost The cost of Codecademy Pro can be relatively high for some learners, which may be a drawback considering that there are other platforms offering similar content at different price points.
Periodic Updates and Bugs As with any online platform, Codecademy occasionally has bugs or requires updates that can impact the user experience or temporarily disrupt learning.
Assessment and Quizzes Some users have noted that the assessments and quizzes may not be as challenging as they could be, potentially limiting the evaluation of a learner's true understanding.
Completely Free Select Star SQL is entirely free to use with no paywalls, subscriptions, or hidden costs. This makes it accessible to anyone who wants to learn SQL regardless of their financial situation.
Interactive Hands-On Learning The platform provides an interactive SQL environment directly in the browser where learners can write and execute real SQL queries against actual datasets, reinforcing concepts through practice rather than passive reading.
Real-World Dataset The course uses a compelling real-world dataset about Texas death row executions, which makes the learning experience more engaging and meaningful compared to abstract or contrived examples.
Well-Structured Progressive Curriculum The course is organized in a logical progression from basic SELECT statements to more advanced concepts like aggregations, joins, and subqueries, allowing learners to build knowledge incrementally without feeling overwhelmed.
No Setup Required There is no need to install any software, set up a database, or configure an environment. Learners can start writing SQL queries immediately in their web browser, removing a significant barrier to entry for beginners.
Possible disadvantages
Limited Scope The course covers only fundamental SQL concepts and does not address more advanced topics like window functions, CTEs, indexing, database design, or performance optimization, which are essential for professional SQL usage.
Single Database Dialect The platform teaches SQL using SQLite, and does not cover syntax differences or features specific to other popular database systems like PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, or Oracle, which learners may encounter in real jobs.
No Certificate or Credential Completing the course does not provide any formal certificate, badge, or credential that learners could use to demonstrate their SQL skills to potential employers or on professional profiles.
Limited Practice Exercises While the course includes some exercises, the total number of practice problems is relatively small compared to dedicated SQL practice platforms, which may not be sufficient for learners who need extensive repetition to solidify their skills.
Single Dataset Can Feel Restrictive Using only one dataset throughout the entire course means learners do not get experience working with diverse data schemas, table relationships, or different types of data, which limits exposure to varied real-world scenarios.
Analysis
An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.
Codecademy
SSS
Select Star SQL
Overall verdict
Overall, Codecademy is a reputable and effective platform for learning to code. It is particularly well-suited for beginners who appreciate interactive learning and need structured guidance. However, some advanced learners might seek additional resources to deepen their understanding beyond what Codecademy offers.
Why this product is good
Codecademy is considered a good platform because it offers interactive learning experiences, a wide range of programming languages, and real-world projects that help learners understand coding concepts better. It provides a hands-on approach and immediate feedback in its exercises, which is beneficial for reinforcing learning. Additionally, the platform caters to different skill levels, from beginners to more advanced programmers, along with a supportive community and resources.
Recommended for
Beginners interested in learning how to code
Individuals looking for interactive and engaging learning experiences
Students wanting a flexible learning schedule
Career changers aiming to acquire new technical skills
Those who appreciate structured, step-by-step tutorials
Overall verdict
Select Star SQL is an excellent free, interactive online book for learning SQL, praised for its engaging, hands-on approach that lets you write and run queries directly in the browser while working through a compelling real-world dataset.
Why this product is good
It's completely free and accessible online with no signup required
Features an interactive interface where you can write and execute SQL queries directly in the browser
Uses a compelling, thought-provoking dataset (Texas death row executions) that keeps learners engaged
Teaches SQL through active problem-solving rather than passive reading
Progresses logically from basic concepts to more advanced topics like window functions and self-joins
Includes exercises with solutions to reinforce learning
Well-written and clearly explained, making complex concepts approachable for beginners
Recommended for
Complete beginners who want to learn SQL from scratch
Self-taught learners who prefer hands-on, interactive practice
Students and professionals looking to build a solid foundation in querying databases
Aspiring data analysts and data scientists
Anyone wanting a free alternative to paid SQL courses
People who learn best by doing rather than just reading theory
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