How to Learn SQL

SQL, short for structured query language, is a programming language you can learn on your own, through boot camps, or traditional college classes. SQL is useful for performing various tasks within a relational database, such as modifying or retrieving data. Relational databases provide access to data points related to each other in rows, columns, and tables, in addition to storing that data. 

One advantage of SQL is that it’s easy to learn since it uses a simple structure and regular English words. Additionally, SQL integrates well with other popular programming languages, including Python and R, making it worth adding to your coding skills, particularly if you aspire to become a data scientist or enter other programming careers. Keep reading to explore why and how to learn SQL.

What is SQL?

SQL is a programming language that enables you to navigate relational databases using simple commands. SQL offers a simple syntax that makes it a great language to learn for beginners without any prior programming experience, using basic commands such as update, select, insert, delete, and create. However, it’s a useful tool for more advanced programmers as well. With SQL, you can extract significant amounts of data quickly while also being able to manage information in a relational database. Initially created by IBM researchers in the 1970s, SQL now has many versions, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Microsoft SQL Server.

Read more: SQL vs. MySQL: Differences, Similarities, Uses, and Benefits

When is SQL used?

You can use SQL when performing tasks in a relational database. Common tasks include creating tables, combining data sets, defining database functions, and altering, analyzing, and retrieving data. Additionally, you can use SQL as a data control language, or DCL, to control who has access to a database, protecting it from unauthorized users. You can also use SQL to build dynamic web pages when applied with a scripting language. SQL is diverse in terms of its career applications, with uses ranging from data analysis to software development and more. 

Why you should learn SQL

Learning SQL comes with many benefits. Even if you work in a non-technical position, the ability to navigate a relational database to find information can be beneficial to your career. Below, we explore some primary reasons you should learn SQL.

Learning SQL can help you learn other programming languages.

SQL is an excellent beginner’s language as it is less difficult to learn than other languages. This makes it an excellent option for those building their coding skills. After gaining experience with SQL, you may find that learning other programming languages comes much easier. 

SQL has remained popular for many years.

Even though SQL has been around since the 1970s, it continues to be a popular programming language. This means you can anticipate demand for this skill to continue into the future. 

SQL integrates well with other programming languages.

You can combine your knowledge of SQL with other programming languages, such as Python and R, to manage and manipulate data and share and present data. SQL’s ability to integrate is helpful for many different careers, including data analysts and web developers.

SQL has many features.

By learning SQL, you are gaining the ability to perform various tasks, whether that involves searching for data, creating a new database entirely, or managing access control using data control language (DCL). 

Read more: What Is Data Analysis? (With Examples)

How to learn SQL

With regular practice, you can become comfortable with the basics of SQL in just a few weeks and proficient in SQL in a matter of months. Whether you want to learn independently or enroll in a program, you can choose how you want to learn SQL.

Teach yourself

You can learn SQL on your own. You can find free online resources to develop your skills through free courses or YouTube videos. This is a great option if you want to set your own schedule, learn at your own pace, and focus on specific SQL skills you want to learn. That’s not to say that self-teaching doesn’t have its own challenges. For example, you won’t have an instructor you can rely on for assistance. 

Boot camps

Boot camps can help you learn SQL quickly; unlike the self-taught strategy, boot camps provide an instructor to answer questions and offer support. Boot camps also teach you relevant skills that can help you qualify for job opportunities. During a boot camp, you will work on projects that you can add to your portfolio to demonstrate your abilities to employers. When considering the best option to learn SQL, it’s important to factor in the financial and time commitment boot camps require.

Read more: How to Choose a Data Science Bootcamp (+ 5 to Consider)

Degree programs

You can learn SQL through traditional college and university coursework. Many schools offer courses related to SQL, depending on the area of your studies. While some business programs may cover the topic, you can also find SQL as part of the computer science or data analytics program curriculum.

Certificate programs

You can earn an online certificate to demonstrate your SQL skills to employers. For example, on Coursera, you can earn a Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate. This program covers various relevant skills, including SQL, to help you be job-ready.

Job titles that use SQL

Having SQL as part of your skill set is beneficial in various careers. Explore some jobs where knowledge of SQL is important and the median annual salary of each according to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data scientist

Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $108,020 [1]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 35 percent [1]

Data scientists work with data to solve real-world problems. You will build algorithms and predictive models to develop analytical insights as a data scientist. This process includes acquiring and cleaning data, using techniques such as machine learning to analyze the data, and reporting findings to others in your organization.

Software developer

Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $130,160 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 25 percent [2]

Using your knowledge of coding languages, as a software developer, you will design and build software applications. Some software developers focus on developing application software for mobile and desktop applications, while others work on system development for operating systems. 

Database administrator

Median annual US salary (BLS.gov): $117,450 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 8 percent [3]

As a database administrator, you will be responsible for developing the plan your organization uses for storing information in a database and maintaining the overall database system. This position also includes ensuring users have reliable access to the database, in addition to responding to and preventing any outages that may occur. 

Quality assurance tester

Median annual US salary: $130,160 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2022 to 2032): 25 percent [2]

Quality assurance testers perform tests on software to identify any possible problems and their causes prior to the release of a product to the market. This process will involve you designing specific plans to test the software and documenting your testing results. You will also be responsible for testing any upgrades made to the software before being introduced to consumers.

Learn more about SQL

Learning SQL will help you qualify for careers as a data analyst, data scientist, and software developer, among others. Several learning paths are available, such as self-learning or a boot camp, so you can choose the one that makes the most sense for you.

On Coursera, you can find highly-rated courses to learn more about SQL and develop your skills in structured query language. For example, Introduction to Structured Query Language from the University of Michigan can help you learn the fundamentals of SQL and basic syntax. 

If you are interested in a career in data science, UC Davis offers Learn SQL Basics for Data Science Specialization. This course is for people with no programming experience. It teaches students how to answer specific business questions using SQL.