In the fast-paced world of database management, Vertabelo emerged from the need to simplify and streamline database design.
Inspired by the challenges faced by data engineers, the team created a user-friendly platform that supports every stage of database management. In an interview with
Website Planet, Jarosław Błąd discussed how LearnSQL.com was developed to address the growing demand for in-depth SQL knowledge, offering tailored, interactive courses that set it apart in the e-learning landscape.
With innovative features and a commitment to practical learning, Vertabelo and LearnSQL.com continue to transform the way users approach database education and skills development.
What inspired the creation of Vertabelo and what is its primary mission?
As engineers working with databases, my colleagues and I were inspired to create a tool that simplifies and streamlines database design. We understood the challenges data engineers face and developed Vertabelo to address these needs. Our mission is to provide a user-friendly, efficient platform for designing and managing database models, supporting the entire process from conceptualization to implementation.
Additionally, we launched Vertabelo Academy with short tutorials on SQL – the language of databases. However, we discovered a significant demand for deeper SQL knowledge. In response, we developed more SQL courses that quickly gained popularity. This success led to the creation of
LearnSQL.com, a dedicated e-learning platform that has become our primary focus due to its success among users. The mission of LearnSQL.com is to provide the best learning experience for those who need SQL for data-related projects and career advancement.
How does Vertabelo streamline the e-learning process for its users?
Vertabelo streamlines the e-learning process by integrating practical, hands-on experiences with theoretical learning. We focus on providing tailored learning paths that meet each user’s individual needs, offering courses and tracks dedicated to specific topics such as SQL dialects, reporting, and various types of functions. This ensures users only study the areas they will use, saving time and maximizing efficiency.
In addition to interactive paid courses, we offer a wealth of structured free materials covering all stages of learning:
- Blog articles
- Cookbooks (“How to” articles with SQL code solutions)
- Cheat Sheets (hands-on reminders)
- SQL Flashcards (key concept study aids)
We regularly conduct user research to stay up-to-date with their needs and motivations. This led to the development of the SQL Skills Assessment, a free tool that allows users to showcase their skills to employers and earn a Certificate of Competency in SQL. Our approach is based on tailored learning paths and a clear structure of materials, designed to meet actual user demand.
What are the key features that set LearnSQL.com apart from other online learning tools?
Our courses at LearnSQL.com stand out because they are designed to be interactive and hands-on. You can learn at your own pace, with each SQL command or tool explained in simple terms and illustrated with code examples. After learning a concept, you get to practice with similar tasks on your own.
We provide a tailored database and a code editor within each course, so you can immediately see the results of your SQL queries, even if they’re not correct. This helps you understand SQL better by recognizing patterns and learning from mistakes.
If you enter an incorrect code, we offer hints to explain the error and its location, such as syntax issues or incorrect column numbers. You can also view the correct answers to compare with your own code, making it easier to learn and improve.
We also implemented a new feature – separate datasets without tasks for practice. We believe that freeing your creativity and experimenting is the best way to master a new skill.
Can you share a success story that demonstrates how LearnSQL.com significantly improved a user’s project?
Absolutely! One of our most remarkable success stories is with Uber. They needed to train over 30K of their data analysts to use SQL efficiently for data-driven decision-making. Uber turned to LearnSQL.com for comprehensive training, and the results were fantastic. Our courses significantly boosted their team’s SQL skills, enabling them to handle complex data queries and analyses with ease. This led to a 30% improvement in their data processing efficiency and more informed decision-making, which was crucial for their operations and strategic planning.
On a more personal level, I’d like to share the
story of Shannon Sanders, a seasoned data analyst who shared his insights in a conversation with us. Shannon was looking to advance his SQL skills to enhance his data analysis projects. Through LearnSQL.com’s interactive courses, he not only deepened his understanding of SQL but also earned a certificate of competency. This certification played a crucial role in advancing his career, providing him with the credentials to secure more challenging and rewarding projects. Shannon mentioned that the practical approach of our courses allowed him to immediately apply what he learned, leading to more efficient data management and analysis.
Shannon’s experience is a perfect example of how our platform helps individuals enhance their skills and achieve their professional goals. It’s stories like these that make us proud of what we do at LearnSQL.com, seeing both companies and individuals benefit greatly from our training.
How does LearnSQL.com ensure the security and reliability of its platform?
Security is a fairly thankless task, as it involves imposing procedures and restrictions that people dislike. Additionally, there is no direct return on investing in security—only a lack of problems that are difficult to quantify. At Vertabelo, we have adopted three security principles:
Security must be approached holistically—the system is only as secure as its weakest link.
Components that must be implemented in every hosting environment managed by Vertabelo, without exception, need to be clearly defined.
The cost of a security measure must be proportional to the value of the data it protects.
These principles need to cover almost everything, from physical security, networks, operating systems, and middleware to applications and the education of Vertabelo staff. Only such a comprehensive approach allows for success.
What new features or improvements are in development for Vertabelo and its projects?
We’ve got some exciting projects in the pipeline! Recently, we completed a significant redesign of our platform. Our goal was to make the site more user-friendly and to better align it with our focus on tailored learning paths. We wanted to ensure that our design helps guide students to the best options based on their individual goals and objectives. We also aimed to express our brand values through the new design and build strong associations with our service. I think we did a great job, but there’s always room for improvement, and we’re not stopping here.
In addition to the design updates, we’re constantly working on making the user experience more convenient. As our audience grows globally, we need to meet their diverse needs. This year, we launched LearnSQL.com in five new languages, and we’re now working on integrating PayPal to offer more flexible payment options.
I’m also excited to give you an exclusive preview of something special: very soon, our users will meet Cody, our new virtual assistant. Cody will help guide learners through their courses, offering features like note-taking, answering questions, and providing additional explanations. We’re really excited about Cody and other upcoming features, and we hope our users will love them as much as we do.
