The Best Way To Learn SQL
Brushing up your skills and knowledge related to any programming language is an incredibly valuable skill to have in today’s world as all programs, software, and apps are built on them. And the best part is that there is no bar on who can start learning them. You might be just a beginner or even a professional with over 10 years of experience, programming languages can be learned by almost anyone.
SQL is one such programming language that’s seen a spike in demand over the past few years given just how much data is being generated by businesses, and you can definitely opt for acquiring command over this language to ensure you too can work with data and manage it to benefit your business.
SQL is unlike other programming languages as it’s only used for a very specific task. Its main purpose is to allow individuals to build and manage relational databases which are often quite large and complex, containing multiple types of data and queries.
SQL is extremely beneficial for all types of firms, especially those who generate vast amounts of data and they want to acquire actionable insights from it in order to make informed decisions. For e.g., if there is a site that works on the Amazon affiliate marketing model, it might want to see which type of people convert the most in order to optimize the site to suit their needs further.
All such data can make a lot of sense once put in a relational database but to build that, individuals need a high amount of command over SQL. We will not mislead you by saying that it’s very easy to learn SQL and go from a complete beginner to a pro-level manipulator of data in just a few months. SQL is complex and you definitely need to put in a lot of effort to learn it, but one thing is certain if you know the right way, it’s definitely learnable.
So to ease out this journey for you, here is a streamlined approach that’s best suited towards gaining command over SQL in a gradual manner.
Where to Start Your Learning Journey From?
The most difficult part of learning any programming language is knowing where exactly you could start your journey from and SQL is no different. There are multiple avenues from where you can initiate your learning curve, but conventionally, these three areas are the most suitable for beginners in SQL:
Language Reference Guides
SQL is a complex programming language with various nuances related to things like syntax and core concepts. So unless you have an eidetic memory, you will need to familiarize yourself with Language reference guides as long as you are practicing as a beginner. In the first few months of learning this language, you will definitely get confused over what type of syntax to use and where among other things and whenever you find yourself in such a situation, you can always fall back on LRGs to find what you are looking for and get on with the task.
Video Tutorials
YouTube is filled with SQL tutorials of all types. From videos targeting beginner level concepts to tackling advanced-level issues, there’s a video for nearly everything and anything related to SQL there. It’s a great and highly accessible learning resource that you definitely need to tap in to as a beginner.
Professional Level Courses
The most streamlined method to learn SQL as a beginner by a fair distance is through undertaking a professional SQL online course. These courses are built in such a way that they cover everything in detail right from the start and follow a fixed format that’s aimed towards fostering a faster learning curve. If you enroll yourself in one, you won’t need to scour YouTube or other places to find niche topics like SQL server training, as you will know what you need to learn without missing out on anything important.
Time Investment for Learning SQL
Most individuals are up to speed with base-level concepts related to SQL within a few weeks of starting their learning journeys but as things get more advanced, concepts take a lot more time to master, so there’s no set timeline for mastering SQL completely. Some pick it up really fast while others take years to become pro-level SQL coders, so it really varies from individual to individuals and the amount of effort one is willing to put in learning the language.
Common Mistakes To Avoid While Learning SQL
Don’t Just Practice, Practice Meaningfully
A lot of people believe that the harder they practice, the better they will get at SQL programming, but unless their practice is not augmented by best practices, it will amount to nothing and lead them nowhere. SQL requires precision and rigidity in terms of following the best practices if one wants to become a pro-level coder, so don’t just practice, practice with relevance to top industry practices.
It’s a Marathon Not a Sprint
SQL coders who are masters of the language took years to polish up their skills and knowledge and they are still continuously learning in order to accommodate even more complex issues related to the language. Beginners don’t often realize this and expect that just by taking a single course in SQL, they will become top-level coders. This simply doesn’t happen as learning this language is a long, drawn-out process and if you are not in it for the long run, you won’t amount to much.
Wrapping Things Up
Experienced coders get involved in activities like coding challenges, network building, building their own databases, etc. and once you are done with beginner-level activities, you too can initiate these activities on your own and make yourself progress towards becoming a pro-level SQL coder.
