Data Engineering Courses

These data engineering courses teach essential tools like PostgreSQL, Spark, and pandas using practical, beginner-friendly projects. You’ll learn how data flows through systems, how pipelines are structured, and how clean data is prepared for analytics and machine learning.

1M+ learners
Hands-on projects
No credit card required
4.8

Recommended Path for Beginners

Start your data engineering journey with these expert-curated learning paths.

Data Engineer (Python)

Design, build, and automate reliable data pipelines with Python, SQL, and cloud-ready tooling for production workloads.

29 courses 12 projects 121.2k

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Explore All Data Engineering Courses

Data Engineer (Python)

Design, build, and automate reliable data pipelines with Python, SQL, and cloud-ready tooling for production workloads.

29 courses 12 projects 141 hours 121.2k

Building Data Pipelines with Apache Airflow

Outgrow fragile scripts and cron jobs by orchestrating reliable, production-ready data pipelines with Apache Airflow.

8 hours 10

Introduction to Cloud Computing

Understand cloud computing fundamentals and deploy scalable infrastructure on demand without managing physical servers.

12 hours 7

PySpark for Data Engineering

Move beyond notebooks to build production-grade PySpark ETL pipelines that handle messy data, scale efficiently, and run reliably in the cloud.

4 hours 8

Docker Fundamentals

Create reproducible data engineering environments with Docker, ensuring pipelines run the same across machines and teams.

6 hours 11

Introduction to Kubernetes

Orchestrate containerized applications with Kubernetes, automating deployment, scaling, networking, and resilience for production systems.

6 hours 4

Production Database Tools

Move beyond traditional SQL by working with Snowflake and NoSQL databases to design scalable, production-ready data systems.

6 hours 15

Recursion and Trees for Data Engineering

Explore recursion, binary trees, binary heaps, and more with ready-to-use tactics for real projects.

6 hours 1.8k

Building a Data Pipeline

Build a practical Python data pipeline using imperative and functional patterns, including scheduling, decorators, and real-world workflows.

4 hours 11.6k

Parallel Processing for Data Engineering

Scale data processing workflows by applying parallel processing and MapReduce techniques to efficiently analyze large datasets.

5 hours 2.5k

Introduction to Data Structures

Build core data structures such as linked lists, stacks, queues, and dictionaries to write more efficient and scalable programs.

4 hours 2.8k

Introduction to Python for Data Engineering

Develop core Python skills used in data engineering, including working with data, control flow, and notebooks.

4 hours 55k

Dictionaries and Functions in Python

Build reusable Python programs by working with dictionaries, functions, and Jupyter Notebook to support data engineering and analysis workflows.

5 hours 15.2k

Intermediate Python for Data Engineering

Extend your Python skills for data engineering by working with real datasets, text processing, and object-oriented programming.

6 hours 6.6k

Programming Concepts in Python

Develop a practical understanding of how Python represents data, encodes text, and works with files to optimize memory and disk usage.

4 hours 5.2k

Introduction to Algorithms

Evaluate algorithm time and space complexity in Python, trade memory for speed, and design efficient solutions for data engineering workflows.

8 hours 5.9k

PostgresSQL for Data Engineering

Build hands-on PostgreSQL skills for data engineering by designing tables, loading CSV data, and managing databases beyond SQLite.

8 hours 19k

Optimizing PostgreSQL Databases

Optimize PostgreSQL performance by diagnosing slow queries, using EXPLAIN, indexing tables, and applying core database internals in practice.

5 hours 3.9k

Learn Data Engineering Courses by Building Projects

Apply your skills to real-world scenarios with these guided projects

Project

Profitable App Profiles for the App Store and Google Play Markets

For this project, we’ll assume the role of data analysts for a company that builds free Android and iOS apps. Our revenue depends on in-app ads, so our goal is to analyze data to determine which kinds of apps attract more users.

14 Steps
Project
Free

Analyzing Kickstarter Projects

For this project, you’ll assume the role of a data analyst at a startup considering launching a Kickstarter campaign. You’ll analyze data to help the team understand what might influence a campaign’s success.

8 Steps
Project

Exploring Hacker News Posts

For this project, we’ll step into the role of data analysts to explore Hacker News submissions, analyzing trends using skills in string manipulation, object-oriented programming, and date handling in Python.

8 Steps
Project
Free

Building Fast Queries on a CSV

For this project, we’ll step into the role of Python developers to build an inventory system for a laptop store. We’ll apply efficient data structures and algorithms to enable fast queries.

10 Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you choose the right data engineering course for your goals?

Start by identifying the core skills needed for data engineering roles. These include Python, SQL, database management, and pipeline orchestration. Together, they form the basis of data engineering fundamentals.

If you are new to the field, choose a structured course that focuses on hands-on learning. Practical exercises and real examples help you understand how data engineering solutions work in real systems. Dataquest’s career paths teach these skills step-by-step through guided, practical courses.

What is data engineering?

Data engineering focuses on building systems that collect, store, and process data at scale. Engineers use tools like SQL, Python, and cloud platforms to create pipelines that keep data clean, reliable, and accessible for analysts and data scientists. Dataquest teaches these data engineering fundamentals through interactive lessons where you build pipelines and manage databases hands on.

Is data engineering hard to learn?

No, data engineering is not hard to learn, but it does require time and practice. It builds on concepts from software engineering and computer science, including coding, data management, and distributed systems.

Dataquest makes learning manageable by breaking complex topics into small lessons and providing hands-on exercises with immediate feedback. This structured, project-based approach helps you understand how data flows through systems while building confidence step by step.

What are the best data engineering courses online?

The best courses focus on building real systems such as pipelines, databases, and data architectures. They teach data engineering foundations using industry-standard tools like Python, SQL, and Spark.

Dataquest stands out by going beyond video lessons. You write code and configure systems directly in your browser, which helps you understand data engineering basics through practice. Learners say this hands-on approach gives them the practical experience employers expect.

Are data engineering skills still in demand?

Yes, demand is incredibly high. As companies collect more data and adopt AI, they need engineers to build the infrastructure that supports it. AI cannot function without the clean, accessible data pipelines that engineers build. Dataquest’s projects help you build the foundational skills to stay essential in this data-driven economy.

What jobs can you get with data engineering skills?

Data engineering skills prepare you for data engineering roles such as: Data Engineer, Analytics Engineer, Database Administrator, ETL Developer, Cloud Data Engineer

Your opportunities expand as you master tools like Python, SQL, PostgreSQL, and cloud concepts. Dataquest paths help you build these skills step by step.

Which programming language should you learn first for data engineering?

Python and SQL are the non-negotiable foundations. SQL is used to manage and query data, while Python is used to write the scripts that move and transform that data (ETL). Dataquest teaches both in parallel, ensuring you have the complete toolkit needed for the job.

How is a data engineer different from a data scientist or data analyst?

A data engineer builds and maintains the systems that move and store data. This includes data pipelines, data storage, and data processing.

A data scientist analyzes data to build models and generate insights, often using statistics and machine learning.

A data analyst focuses on querying data, creating reports, and supporting business decisions. Data engineers support both roles by making sure data is reliable and accessible.

What is the difference between a data engineer and a data architect?

A data engineer implements and maintains data systems in practice. This includes building pipelines, managing databases, and handling data ingestion.

A data architect designs the overall structure of data systems. They define how data flows, how it is stored, and how different systems connect. Data engineers turn this architecture into working systems.

Do you need a technical background before starting data engineering courses?

While helpful, it is not required. Many learners start from zero. Our courses begin with the basics of Python and SQL and progressively introduce more complex engineering concepts, using hands-on practice to build your confidence.

What tools are commonly used in data engineering?

Key tools include Python, SQL, PostgreSQL, Spark, command line (Bash), Airflow, and cloud services (AWS/Azure). Dataquest integrates many of these tools directly into your browser, allowing you to learn the modern data stack by using it.

What is the best way to learn data engineering fast?

Follow a structured path that combines coding practice with architectural concepts. Dataquest speeds up learning by removing fluff and focusing on the practical skills used on the job, reinforced by projects that simulate real engineering tasks.

How long will it take to become job-ready in data engineering?

Most learners are ready to apply for a data engineering job in 6 to 12 months, depending on their prior experience and the time they dedicate each week.

Dataquest’s paths focus on practical work with hands-on projects and portfolio-building exercises. You gain experience with coding, data systems, and cloud tools, and you can show employers what you can build.

How much do data engineering courses cost?

Costs vary widely, from free introductory courses to monthly subscriptions on learning platforms to university programs costing thousands.

Dataquest offers an affordable subscription with full access to all data engineering, data science, analytics, and AI courses. It also includes free lessons and a 14-day money-back guarantee, so you can start learning risk-free.

Will you get a certificate, and does it help you stand out?

Yes. You earn a data engineering certificate for each course and path you complete. However, in data engineering, your ability to code and design systems matters most. The real-world projects you build on Dataquest demonstrate these practical skills to employers better than a certificate alone.