Optimize SQL: Build Fast Data Pipelines
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Optimize SQL: Build Fast Data Pipelines
This course is part of multiple programs.
Instructor: John Whitworth
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What you'll learn
Parameterized SQL with CTEs and window functions builds scalable, maintainable pipelines that adapt as business needs change.
Query optimization is systematic: analyze execution plans, find costly steps, then resolve them with indexing or rewrites.
Materialized summary tables and well-timed processing, like morning refreshes, support reliable analytics infrastructure.
Understanding execution internals helps analysts build self-sufficient workflows without recurring engineering delays.
Skills you'll gain
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January 2026
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There are 2 modules in this course
In today's data-driven landscape, the difference between slow analytics and lightning-fast insights often comes down to how efficiently you can transform raw data into meaningful summaries and optimize query performance.
This Short Course was created to help data analysts transform their SQL skills from writing basic queries to building production-ready, scalable data pipelines. By completing this course you'll be able to create parameterized SQL scripts for daily data materialization, systematically diagnose performance bottlenecks that slow down analytical workflows, and build automated data transformation pipelines that previously required senior engineering supportβmaking you an indispensable asset to any data-driven organization. By the end of this course, you will be able to: Master creating parameterized SQL scripts for daily data materialization Systematically diagnose performance bottlenecks in analytical workflows Build repeatable ETL processes using advanced SQL techniques like CTEs and window functions Develop diagnostic expertise to interpret execution plans and optimize query performance through strategic indexing and query restructuring Confidently build automated data transformation pipelines and troubleshoot performance issues independently This course is unique because it empowers data analysts to master the critical skills of building repeatable ETL processes and developing diagnostic expertise that bridges the gap between basic SQL knowledge and production-level data engineering capabilities. To be successful in this course, you should have a background in basic SQL querying, fundamental database concepts, and experience working with data analysis workflows.
Learners will master building scalable, maintainable data transformation pipelines through parameterized SQL scripting techniques.
What's included
3 videos1 reading2 assignments
3 videosβ’Total 13 minutes
- Why Parameterized SQL Scripts Transform Data Analytics Teamsβ’3 minutes
- Building Your First Parameterized Script: Syntax and Structureβ’7 minutes
- Step-by-Step: Building a Customer Summary Pipelineβ’3 minutes
1 readingβ’Total 3 minutes
- Core Components of Parameterized SQL Data Transformationβ’3 minutes
2 assignmentsβ’Total 21 minutes
- Build Your E-commerce Revenue Pipelineβ’18 minutes
- Parameterized SQL Pipeline Knowledge Checkβ’3 minutes
Learners will master systematic performance analysis techniques to identify and resolve database bottlenecks that impact analytical workflows.
What's included
2 videos2 readings3 assignments1 ungraded lab
2 videosβ’Total 10 minutes
- Why Query Performance Optimization Transforms Data Teamsβ’3 minutes
- Reading Execution Plans: Identifying Your Biggest Bottlenecksβ’7 minutes
2 readingsβ’Total 22 minutes
- Systematic Performance Analysis: From Execution Plans to Optimization Strategiesβ’10 minutes
- Diagnosing and Fixing Slow Analytics Queries: A How-To Guideβ’12 minutes
3 assignmentsβ’Total 35 minutes
- SQL Performance Optimization Mastery Assessmentβ’12 minutes
- Optimize Your Data Warehouse Query Performanceβ’20 minutes
- Query Performance Analysis Knowledge Checkβ’3 minutes
1 ungraded labβ’Total 60 minutes
- SQL Performance Tuning: Daily Summary Table Optimizationβ’60 minutes
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