Data science is an evolving field that requires continuous learning and improvement. The field is challenging and requires a specific set of skills that can only be acquired through hard work and dedication. Thankfully, many online platforms offer courses and paths that can help you get started or enhance your skills as a data professional. Two of the most prominent names in this field are DataCamp and Dataquest. These two platforms offer a range of courses and paths that can help you gain new skills or refine your existing ones. In this article, we will compare the strengths and weaknesses of both platforms and provide you with the information that can help you make an informed decision about which platform is the right one for you.
Dataquest – Strengths, Weaknesses, Pricing
Dataquest is an online learning platform that offers interactive courses in Python, R, SQL, and data analysis. The courses are project-based and teach students practical skills that are relevant to the industry. The platform offers over 50 courses and paths, and it’s an excellent choice for beginners who want to learn the basics of data science. The platform also has a large community of data professionals who can offer advice and support to students.
Strengths
Project-based learning Dataquest’s courses are project-based, which means that students learn by working on practical projects that simulate real-world scenarios. This approach is beneficial because it helps students develop problem-solving skills, which are essential in data science.
Weaknesses
While Dataquest is a great platform for learning data science, it has its fair share of weaknesses. One of the main drawbacks of Dataquest is its learning content for R and SQL, which could be better. While the Python learning material on the platform is excellent, the subject matter for R and SQL isn’t up to the same high standard. This can be frustrating for students who are looking to learn these languages in-depth.
However, it’s important to note that prioritizing Python over R and SQL makes sense. According to a survey conducted by Kaggle in 2019, 78% of data professionals said they use Python regularly. In comparison, the number of respondents using SQL and R was 38% and 21%, respectively. This means that Python is the most widely used language in data science, making it a priority for Dataquest to prioritize.
Pricing and Certification
When it comes to pricing and certification, Dataquest offers a variety of options for its users. The platform has a free offering that gives users access to approximately 1/3 of the total website content. While this is a great way to get a taste of what Dataquest has to offer, users will have limited access to lessons, practice problems, and community features. Upgrading to a premium plan is necessary to get full access to these areas, along with unlocking the projects section of the site, giving you access to additional projects on top of those included in the lessons.
Dataquest uses annual plans for its premium membership, coming in at $588. However, the platform frequently offers a 50% discount, bringing the price down to a more affordable $294. This makes Dataquest one of the more affordable options for those looking to learn data science online.
Premium members on Dataquest receive a certificate for every course or path they complete. While these certifications on their own may not be enough to land you a job in the industry, they do show your commitment to self-improvement and can be a great addition to your resume. Additionally, premium users get access to one-on-one office hours with data scientists. These sessions can be incredibly valuable for gaining insight into the data science industry and getting some pro tips to help with landing your dream job.
DataCamp – Strengths, Weaknesses, Pricing
DataCamp is an online learning platform that offers interactive courses in Python, R, SQL, and data analysis. The courses are also project-based and teach students practical skills that are relevant to the industry. The platform offers over 300 courses, paths, and skill assessments, and it’s an excellent choice for intermediate and advanced learners.
Strengths
Project-based learning DataCamp’s courses are project-based, which means that students learn by working on practical projects that simulate real-world scenarios. This approach is beneficial because it helps students develop problem-solving skills, which are essential in data science.
Weaknesses
- Exercises only require filling in the blanks, which reduces the challenge of the exercises and can result in less content retention.
- Not enough emphasis on building solutions from scratch, which is how data science is done in the real world.
- Projects, which are a more practical way of learning, are not required for course completion.
- Some users have complained about technical issues, such as the platform freezing or crashing.
- While DataCamp offers a decent amount of content, some users feel that the curriculum is not as comprehensive as it could be.
- DataCamp is focused primarily on teaching Python, which can be limiting for those who want to learn R or SQL.
- Some users have criticized DataCamp’s community features, such as the discussion forums, as being unhelpful or inactive.
Pricing and certification
DataCamp offers several membership options, with a limited free package available. The free plan provides access to the first chapter of each course, limited practice challenges, limited project access, and unlimited access to practice assessments. Upgrading to a standard membership provides access to all courses, practice challenges, and the data science certification assessment. However, full project membership requires a premium membership, which users will need to purchase.
The pricing for DataCamp is relatively affordable, with an annual billing system for its standard and premium memberships. A standard membership costs $300 per year, and a premium membership costs $400 per year. They also offer regular deals on paid memberships, with a 50% discount available when this article was written, bringing the premium membership cost down to $200.
DataCamp offers users certificates of achievement for courses they have completed. In addition, users can earn the DataCamp data science certification by completing six timed assessments, a coding challenge, and a case study.
Dataquest Vs Datacamp: Curriculum Comparison
When choosing an online data science learning platform, the curriculum is a critical factor to consider. Both DataCamp and Dataquest offer courses on a range of topics, including maths and statistics, machine learning, data engineering, and data visualization. However, the scope and depth of the course offerings differ between the two platforms. In this section, we will delve into the specifics of each platform’s curriculum, compare them, and evaluate which one better suits your learning goals.
Maths and Statistics
Both Dataquest and DataCamp offer courses in math and statistics, which are essential skills for any data professional. Dataquest’s math and statistics courses are more basic and suitable for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals. DataCamp’s courses are more advanced and cover a wide range of topics, making them suitable for intermediate and advanced learners.
Machine Learning
Both platforms offer courses in machine learning, which is a crucial skill in data science. DataCamp’s courses are more comprehensive and cover a wide range of topics, making them suitable for intermediate and advanced learners. Dataquest’s courses are more basic and suitable for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals.
Data Engineering
Both platforms offer courses in data engineering, which is a crucial skill in data science. DataCamp’s courses are more comprehensive and cover a wide range of topics, making them suitable for intermediate and advanced learners. Dataquest’s courses are more basic and suitable for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals.
Data Visualization
Both platforms offer courses in data visualization, which is a crucial skill in data science. DataCamp’s courses are more comprehensive and cover a wide range of topics, making them suitable for intermediate and advanced learners. Dataquest’s courses are more basic and suitable for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals.
Dataquest Vs Datacamp: Job Prospects
As mentioned in the introduction, both platforms offer certifications for completing their courses and paths. However, on their own, these certifications are not enough to land you a job in the industry. But, that being said, completing courses and earning certifications from DataCamp or Dataquest can be a massive part of your journey towards getting a job in data science. These certifications show that you are committed to self-improvement and are willing to invest time and effort into your career development. Employers value candidates who are committed to learning and growth, and having certifications from these platforms can make your job application stand out.
Additionally, the platform projects offered by both DataCamp and Dataquest can inspire you to start building your own project portfolio. In the absence of experience, projects are the best way to demonstrate your competencies, and they can make a great discussion point in an interview. By including portfolio links in your job applications, employers can see firsthand what your capabilities are and what you can bring to their team.
The community sections on both platforms can also be a big boost if used correctly. Both DataCamp and Dataquest have vibrant communities of data professionals who can offer advice, support, and networking opportunities to students. Networking with other data professionals can help you gain new project ideas, get career advice, and receive great tips for improving your code. Building relationships with other professionals in the field can help you stay up to date with the latest trends and developments, which can be invaluable in your job search.
