What is SQL?

In our increasingly data-driven world, certain tools are invaluable to data professionals. One such tool is Structured Query Language (SQL). It is a domain-specific programming language used to interact with and manipulate databases. Developed in the 1970s by IBM researchers, SQL’s utility and flexibility have cemented its position as a popular programming tool for coders.

SQL is available in various versions and frameworks, the most common being MySQL. According to experts, leading organizations like NASA, JPMorgan Chase, and Uber employ SQL for back-end storage and data processing. Relational databases have significantly proliferated as practical data management systems with their consistent and logical tabulation of data. This, in turn, has led to the emergence of several online SQL courses.

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How Is SQL Used?

According to the University of California, Berkeley, SQL is the standard for the American National Standards Institute and International Organization for Standardization handling fully unstructured and semi-structured information. It also provides unified access to data in formats such as text, XML, and JSON. The Big Data boom, together with the expansion of e-commerce and the Internet of Things (IoT), has further enhanced SQL’s prominence.

Developers utilize SQL for a variety of tasks, including:

• Creating a database
• Data input
• Data modification
• Data retrieval
• Data deletion
• Creating or dropping new tables
• Granting access permissions
• Creating view, function, and stored procedures

What Jobs Use SQL?

The power of data allows professionals to create a significant impact. A dependable analyst is one who helps bridge the gaps between data and the way the human mind functions. The growth of granular data sets and the need to derive value out of the same requires a common language. This is where SQL comes into play and proves immensely helpful in many professions, some of which are listed below.

• Software developer - Software developers use code to design, develop, and implement software programs. Their job is to facilitate smooth and efficient operation by automating various functions and drafting flowcharts. Databases are the backbone of software development, so knowledge of SQL is essential.
• Data analyst - The primary duties of a data analyst include accessing, analyzing, and cleaning up data. With the help of SQL, analysts assist businesses and institutions recognize patterns within colossal datasets. Therefore, proficiency in SQL, along with statistics and programming, is a must.
• Database developer - Database management systems (DBMS) must effectively tackle massive volumes of data and it’s the database developer’s job to ensure the same. This is where SQL lends its capabilities in designing, managing, and troubleshooting databases.
• Quality assurance (QA) tester - It’s crucial to identify and address coding flaws before the software reaches the market. Furthermore, it should also be ensured that it meets the standards of operation and all other guidelines. This is the job of quality assurance testers who collaborate with developers to promote and ensure efficiency and functionality.

What Skills Are Related to SQL?

Although SQL is a straightforward tool to learn, familiarizing yourself with some basic concepts is helpful.

• Relational Databases - Corporations use relational databases to store and manage large amounts of data., You can “query” or question the data in a relational database using SQL. Essentially, SQL is the tool of interaction between the user and the database.
• SQL Dialects - All databases use their own SQL dialects but share a common syntax. Popular ones include MySQL, SQLite, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server. You should be aware of a compatible dialect if your company has an existing database.
• Fundamental SQL Syntax - Certain functions like SELECT, FROM, WHERE, GROUP BY, ORDER BY, HAVING, and LIMIT comprise the basics of SQL syntax. Barring a few exceptions, these are universal across various SQL dialects. In addition, knowing the order of execution is important.

How to Learn SQL?

For any data scientist, analyst, or data engineer, knowledge of SQL is crucial, whether they want to advance their career or simply keep an important tool handy. The good news, however, is that it’s a simple programming language and only takes a month or two to grasp. But, what’s the best way to learn SQL online? The best way to learn SQL is to register for an online coding bootcamp. With our online bootcamps, you'll not only learn SQL, but you'll also have a chance to learn python, javascript, DevOps, and more.

Additional ways to learn SQL online include:

• Videos - Numerous online SQL video tutorials have emerged and continue to grow in number. Videos are especially helpful for visual learners; anybody can access them on Youtube for free. Some of these videos use pop culture icons to explain the concepts and are highly engaging.
• Tutorials - In the wake of the pandemic, interactive tutorials have sprung up all over the Internet. Helpful for beginners and experienced programmers alike, most tutorials are self-paced and packed with exercises, references, and lessons.
• Online SQL courses - Videos and tutorials are excellent ways to learn SQL but do little to match up to the depth and range offered by online courses. Online courses taught by industry professionals within a structured environment move from the fundamentals of SQL to its more complex aspects, such as hierarchical queries, stored procedures, triggers, and transactions.

Why take an online course at Emeritus?

Each Emeritus online course is designed keeping key learning outcomes in mind by a team of experts. We use the backward design methodology to develop instruction for learners of all ages. This enables us to craft unique, interactive, learning experiences that include a combination of assessments, hands-on activities, skill applications, and more.

Emeritus also teams up with the best universities and faculty around the world to curate the course curriculum that can effectively tackle present challenges in the industry, while preparing you for the trends and risks in the future. Our courses consist of assignments, exams, capstone projects, networking opportunities, a fine balance of practical and theoretical concepts and the opportunity to learn from the top minds. This adds to the holistic experience we try to provide for each learner.

We are also focused on providing courses that are standardized in quality. This is done by adhering to standards set by a global organization called Quality Matters, which is focused on providing quality standards for online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. The rigorous criteria ensures all our learners invest in quality education.

Can I work full-time while learning SQL online?

Beginners can grasp the fundamentals of SQL in a matter of weeks. However, professional SQL developers must have a higher level of proficiency which one can gain over six months approximately.

That said, working full-time while learning SQL online is possible if you dedicate time to it regularly. Practice makes perfect, and enrolling in an online SQL course is a surefire way to master the more complex techniques.

How valuable is an online SQL certificate?

Strictly speaking, there is no formal SQL certification, nor is it a requirement for jobs. A portfolio is good enough to showcase one’s fluency in the subject. However, an online SQL certificate is a testament not only to a potential employee’s credibility as an SQL professional but also reinforces their employability.