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What is SQL?

Structured Querying Language (SQL) is a programming language that deals with constructing and maintaining relational database management systems. SQL is primarily used to build programs that collect and organize data in databases and then query that data in response to specific user requests. In simple terms, SQL is the language used to communicate with relational databases. With SQL programming, users can make complex queries that join together or exclude certain results based on a user’s needs. SQL is a vital programming language for anyone who works with large amounts of data or who works with the databases that house and utilize this information. Databases are used to store important financial data, user information, and important personal information, meaning that having skilled SQL programmers is an important part of almost any business operation.

Living in a world driven by data, crafting efficient SQL queries is a must-have skill in any programmer’s toolbox. Data is used by most businesses, and collecting and analyzing it has also become an integral part of digital technology. All of the information that is collected is stored in huge relational databases. Companies rely on that information to inform a wide variety of business decisions related to strategy, operations, and marketing.

However, that data isn’t too useful without the ability to “talk” to servers to get the data that is needed to make informed decisions. This is where SQL comes in really handy. Learning to query databases with SQL will let you better understand what insights you can draw from your databases, particularly when you learn more advanced SQL techniques, such as how to filter data or write subqueries.

SQL in a Data-Driven World

Learning SQL will prepare you to manage relational databases, modify index structures, and create new tables. As a programming language, SQL forms the foundation of many technological functions, such as tracking username and password data. In fact, without SQL, data-driven companies could not query their relational databases, and that would affect all aspects of their business. SQL is an essential programming language for many of the basic functions of large organizations and businesses since it is used to store and organize the data and information that handles tasks as simple as authorizing an individual to access a server or share certain files on a company network.

As more companies become data-driven, it is important to understand why companies use different types of SQL. To understand why there are so many different types of SQL, you have to go back to the ‘70s when there were a lot of database systems! Each computer manufacturer decided to create their own proprietary database system with unique languages and interfaces. If you wanted to transfer data from one system to a different one, you would have had to rewrite and reformat the whole data structure.

To solve this issue, a computer scientist named Edgar Codd showed how information could be stored in “data banks” and retrieved without knowing the data’s structure or location. This was a revolutionary idea, and it helped unify many different data management systems under SQL. When the first SQL standard was developed and approved, people already used different versions. These versions had to conform to the standard, but as different data types and technologies emerged, developers found that the standard’s relational model had some limitations. It became apparent that the SQL standard had to grow and further develop to address gaps. The other SQL versions had to adapt to catch up with the standard’s innovations, and we are seeing this “leap-frogging” to this day.

Flavors of SQL

The most common types of SQL used today are SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, and Oracle. You might be wondering which one to choose, but the truth is, it doesn’t really matter since they are all designed to work interchangeably with one another. The different “flavors” all subscribe to the same syntax, and the only major difference among all of them is the different functions that are available in each one to address specific data types. You’ll be okay using any one of the major flavors when you’re starting out because they all follow the same syntax rules. Learning the syntactical structure and developing a foundational understanding is key when starting out.

These are the major syntax differences in SQL flavors that you should be aware of:

Datetime Data
(FULL) OUTER JOIN
Creating and Adding Data
Limit vs. Top
Pivots

It is best to check the documentation for nuances, but it is easy to adapt to others when you master one. Since the languages are so similar, if you start out by learning SQL Server, you will likely find it relatively easier to learn Oracle than if you were trying to learn a new programming language entirely.

Applications of SQL

A foundational understanding of SQL will give you the skills you need to manipulate data, perform queries, aggregate functions, and build related tables in relational databases. Creating and manipulating data tables is a critical skill for any Analyst because if you input incorrect data, you’ll receive an incorrect analysis. In other words: garbage in, garbage out. Querying is often an overlooked skill for Data Scientists because they specialize in deploying and fine-tuning models. However, without knowing how to query data from databases, you will not understand the nature of the data you use as intimately as you should. If your data is being queried poorly, you are likely to miss important data points or end up without the proper context for the data your query is returning.

SQL also has applications for Managers, Programmers, and people in countless other occupations, regardless of industry or geography. Begin by learning any flavor you wish, and it will empower you to harness the power of data to make data-driven decisions. For this reason, learning SQL will equip any learner with useful and marketable skills for today and the future. Businesses and organizations rely heavily on databases to perform even the most basic functions that keep their operations running smoothly. If you log into a company server in order to access sales data, you are utilizing SQL. If you visit a webpage and need to enter log-in information in order to access any part of the webpage, you are using a program that was likely built using SQL. Databases play an important role in the data science and data analytics aspects of running a business but they are also incredibly important for seemingly mundane parts of the workday that are nevertheless necessary for successful business operations.

How Does SQL Differ From Comparable Subjects?

SQL is not the only language used to work with data. Python is another popular programming language used in data science. Like SQL, Python is considered to be relatively easy to learn, however, most people say that SQL is easier because it has a very basic syntax. Some people say that SQL is a good introduction to basic programming concepts, and is a good language to start with, because it makes it easier to learn other languages like Python, later. While SQL and Python are used for some of the same things, they also have differences. SQL is used to communicate with relational databases, and this is often the first step in a data analysis project, because a lot of data is stored on relational databases. Python is more versatile than SQL, and programmers can do more things with it, such as creating data visualizations and conducting complex statistical calculations. Ultimately, many people who work in data science actually end up learning both of these languages.

R is another programming language that is comparable to SQL. R is used to work with sets of data, and can be used to do things like statistical modeling and data visualization. SQL is better for working with data that is stored in a relational database, and performing more basic tasks like sorting, filtering, and aggregating data, since it is specifically designed for that purpose, whereas R is used for a variety of general data-related tasks like manipulation, visualization, and statistical analysis. If you are planning to work with databases, then you’ll probably want to learn SQL, but if you are more interested in manipulating data, then R might be a better choice. In addition, the two can be used together, for instance, you can use SQL to extract data from the database, and R to analyze it.

Another tool that some people compare to SQL is Excel. Unlike SQL, which is a language, Excel is a program. However, like SQL, Excel is used to store and manipulate data. One of the biggest differences between the two is that SQL can store a much larger amount of data and process it more quickly than Excel can. While Excel is a useful tool for a company that is operating with a small amount of data, as the company grows larger, it generally needs to upgrade to a larger database management system, at which point SQL will be needed. Many users do love the versatility of Excel for analyzing and visualizing data though, and this program remains very popular in business. SQL can also be used for these tasks, but is generally used in addition to other tools like Tableau or Python.

SQL Careers: Analysts, Database Professionals, Developers, & More

Almost all businesses now gather and store data, and much of that data is stored in relational databases. SQL has become an in-demand skill since it is used to manage the information in relational databases, and to access and analyze it. LinkedIn compiles a yearly list of the most in-demand skills, and in 2024 it placed SQL in the number-two position for Most In-Demand Hard Skills.

SQL is an important tool in the repertoire of any information technology professional or data analytics career. Data Scientists and Data Analysts both make heavy use of SQL-driven databases to understand large datasets better and make functional decisions based on that data. Relational databases help take datasets that would be impossible for human beings to manage and turn them into accessible and easy-to-query repositories for important information. Data Scientists and Analysts work on different projects since everything from a marketing campaign to a space exploration mission will involve collecting huge amounts of data. These professionals are then responsible for organizing and interpreting that data to help stakeholders make informed decisions about the direction of their project.

Many fields also employ people with specific data-wrangling training, often including SQL as a primary language. For instance, Financial Analysts take their data science training and apply those skills to asset markets like the stock exchange to help investors and businesses make more informed decisions about how to use their money. Business Analysts use a similar skillset to guide business decisions in everything from advertising and marketing to investment and expansion. These professionals are an irreplaceable part of the modern business world, since a business that forgoes intelligent data analysis practices is far more likely to fail than a business that hires data science professionals to organize, interpret, and make recommendations based on data collected from users and consumers.

Database Administrators are responsible for maintaining and organizing the databases operated by massive corporations and organizations. It is their responsibility to ensure that the data is simultaneously protected from unauthorized access and easy to search and utilize for those who have access to the database. They will work alongside Data Analysts to keep databases and servers operating at peak performance. In most cases, they will also have cybersecurity training since business data is oftentimes sensitive and the target of malicious actors. Databases store user information, banking information, and financial data that needs to be protected, which means that skilled Database Administrators who know how to secure these SQL relational databases are in high demand.

SQL is also an important language for Software Engineers to learn. Most modern software applications will be tied to large databases in one way or another. Whether they need to access a password and username database to allow entry into a system or deal with the querying of data themselves, software applications, mobile applications, webpages, and a host of other digital products all tend to make use of SQL in some way. This means that if you are interested in becoming a Software Engineer, learning how SQL can be utilized in the design and development process will pay dividends in the long term. If you are interested in any career in consumer software development, learning SQL can improve your career opportunities and help you build more complex applications.

Can I Learn SQL Online for Free?

If you’ve done any online research about SQL, you’ve probably realized that there are hundreds of free SQL resources online, and you may be wondering whether you can just learn this skill by using these free resources rather than paying for a class. If you take a closer look at all of these resources, however, you’ll soon realize that they are unlikely to give you a comprehensive SQL education, and you’ll also find that some are even outdated or contain incorrect information. In general, free resources can be a great way to learn a few tips or tricks, or troubleshoot a specific problem, but if you want an in-depth SQL education, you will probably need to sign up for a paid class. With a paid class, you’ll know that you’re getting up-to-date and reliable information from an expert.

The good news about paying to learn SQL is that there are a lot of relatively inexpensive class options out there. While some careers require an expensive and time-consuming college degree, in many SQL-related jobs, getting hired is more about proving that you have the skills to do the job rather than showing that you obtained a degree. Richard Wahlquist is chief executive at the American Staffing Association, and he explains that more and more tech companies are focusing on job skills. He says, “As the demand for tech workers continues, companies are changing their job descriptions to focus more on skills and less on degrees.” You can get SQL skills through a training program like a bootcamp or certificate program, and these types of programs typically only cost thousands of dollars, compared to the tens of thousands a year that it takes to attend most colleges. Many bootcamps and certificate programs also have part-time options, giving students the ability to attend while continuing to work.

Is It Worth It to Attend an SQL Course?

If you plan to work in any of the careers where SQL is widely used–including business and finance, software engineering, development, and data analytics–most people agree that taking an SQL course is a good investment. There are many high-paying jobs in these fields, but they often require expertise in SQL. The TIOBE Programming Community index rates the popularity of programming languages, and it places SQL at number ten on its list. Stack Overflow finds that it is the fourth-most popular language among professional developers. Taking an SQL course is a great step towards mastering this popular language, and finding a high-paying job.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is a federal agency that collects and analyzes information about the job market. It provides salary estimates for a number of SQL-related jobs. BLS finds that Data Scientists earn more than $100,000 per year on average. In some parts of the country, they earn well over that. For instance, in the San Jose metropolitan area, a Data Scientist earns about $230,000 per year. Data science also has a strong future outlook; jobs in this field are projected to grow by 35 percent over the next ten years, which is much faster than the average growth rate of only 3 percent.

Software Engineers also utilize SQL. BLS finds that the average salary for a Software Developer is close to $125,000 yearly. This profession is expected to see above-average job growth in the future; 25 percent growth between 2022 and 2032. Other lucrative careers where SQL skills are often required include Financial Analyst, and Database Administrator. According to BLS, the average salary for a Financial Analyst is over $95,000, and for a Database Administrator, it is more than $110,000

What Will You Learn in a SQL Course?

The first step in many SQL courses is to learn about the basic syntax of SQL. This language has its own unique syntax, and in order to learn how to use it, you need to start by learning that syntax. Some common SQL commands are SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE.

After you learn the syntax, you need to learn how to use commands to write an SQL query, which is a statement that tells a database to perform a specific action. You can use an SQL query to filter data based on a specific set of conditions. SQL also lets you use aggregate functions to apply mathematical operations to your data. Joins are another important SQL skill. Joins let you combine data from multiple sources.

Another thing you’ll probably do in an SQL class is to practice using this language with real data. For example, in Noble Desktop’s SQL Bootcamp, students work on a variety of real projects in order to learn how to filter data, group it, and sort it in order to get the information that they need.

In a recent LinkedIn post, data scientist Shantesh Mani cautions that when you’re learning SQL, it is important to properly learn the basics. He says, “The most important thing to keep in mind when you are learning SQL is to focus on the smallest details you can pick up. That is, stuff like rollback, commit, database deletion, among others sound and look easy to understand. But when you are in a career, their distinction, use, and general ease of learning things as you go in your career are quintessential.” He goes on to explain that if you don’t pay attention to the details when using SQL, you can make costly and hard-to-fix errors. He says, “A small mistake in wiping off your organization’s data or manipulating data would require massive effort to undo any changes. As easy as SQL is, it is essential to grasp all the concepts without being overconfident in your skills.”

What Specific Classes Can You Take?

If you’re interested in learning more about SQL, you may consider enrolling in a professional skills development program, such as Noble Desktop’s SQL Bootcamp and SQL Server Bootcamp. These courses teach different versions of SQL (PostgreSQL and Microsoft SQL Server, respectively), but both classes focus on teaching students how to use SQL to manage and query databases. Students will learn how to build tables, filter results, and aggregate data in an efficient and timely manner. Learning how to automate many of these processes will help students become more adept at working with large databases, and it will help them learn how to manage and take advantage of these datasets. These are both 18-hour classes that take place over a number of days. Tuition for each bootcamp is $975.

Students looking to build a career in data science will want to consider enrolling in Noble’s Data Analytics Certificate program. In this career-focused course, students will learn data science and analytics fundamentals using SQL and Python. This course focuses on the uses of data analytics in a business environment. Students will learn how to build relational databases using SQL and how they can query these databases in ways that produce actionable business insights. Not only will students gain an understanding of how databases work and how SQL can help them get the most out of their data, but they will also learn how to apply the principles of data science to make decisions concerning investments, detect fraud, and analyze risk. This course also provides students with important professional development training, including one-on-one mentoring sessions with data analytic professionals who can help them prepare for the job application process. This certificate program takes 6 weeks of full-time study, or 24 weeks of part-time study to complete. Tuition is $4,995.

Certstaffix Training offers an online, beginner-friendly SQL Querying-Basic course for students who are new to computer science and are interested in learning how to work with databases. In this class, students will receive hands-on instruction on programming databases, differentiating data types, writing select queries using modifiers like BETWEEN and NOT, using SQL’s built-in functions, and merging and altering tables. This course aims to ensure that students are comfortable using SQL and equipped for future training with a wide range of database querying skills. Students who complete this course can enroll in the follow-up course, SQL Querying-Advanced. This course teaches students how to write more complex and contingent SQL queries using scripts such as CROSS APPLY, OUTER APPLY, and MERGE statements. By the conclusion of this course, students will be ready to take their SQL training into the professional world. The basic Certstaffix Training course costs $990 and takes two days to complete. The advanced course is a one-day class, and tuition is $495. Certstaffix Training also offers students the option of a free retake within six months, and provides a certificate of completion.

SkillSpire’s Intro to Data Analytics course offers students immersive SQL training paired with instruction in Python and Microsoft Power BI. In this class, students will learn how to build relational databases using SQL and how to collect, analyze, and visualize this data. Students will work on practical projects and build databases using real-world data to understand better how these data analytics skills interact with one another in the real world. Over the course of these classes, students will create their own databases and program dashboards, communicate with stakeholders using data visualization tools, and learn how to work with datasets too large for human beings to interpret them without the assistance of a programming language like SQL. This course takes 12 weeks to complete. Students attend three-hour live online lectures, and also do hands-on practice. Tuition is $4,499.

Another training option is to take a class through Developer Bootcamp, which offers a few different SQL-related classes. SQL Programmer Bootcamp is one option. This course takes 21 hours to complete, and includes on-demand training in addition to hands-on exercises and personal guidance from an assigned instructor. It is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of relational databases, SQL syntax, and complex SQL queries. Some of the topics covered are creating and using stored procedures, functions, views, triggers, unions, subqueries, and aggregations. Tuition is $1,495.

If you’re looking for a more advanced course, General Assembly runs a three-hour class called Intro to Advanced SQL Concepts. This class is intended for intermediate users. Students learn about window functions, text searching, views, and stored procedures and functions. They also receive resources that they can use to continue to practice their skills. To enroll in this class you should have an understanding of complex joins with multiple tables and aliasing, aggregate functions, NULL values, and subqueries.

To learn more about your options and to compare in-person and online SQL training courses, please visit Noble Desktop’s website to take advantage of its Classes Near Me tool.

How Long Will It Take to Learn SQL?

The length of time it takes to learn SQL depends on a number of factors, including whether you already know anything about programming or are fluent in any programming languages, and how much time you spend practicing. In general, most people say that SQL is a relatively easy language to learn. If you already know something about programming, you may be able to learn it in a matter of weeks. It may take a little longer if you’re new to this field.

However, while you might be able to learn the basics in a few weeks, really getting comfortable with SQL, and learning its more advanced features, is likely to take more time and practice. Many experts stress that practice is a critical part of learning SQL, or any other programming language, and advise that beginners invest as much time as they can practicing. One developer says, “From my experience, I can say that SQL is easy to learn but challenging to master. You can start writing SQL queries in about an hour or so, but it's not that easy to write questions to solve real-time requirements or for reporting purposes.” He explains that this is where a lot of practice comes in, because these intricacies can only be learned with time and experience.

How Hard Is It to Learn SQL?

Compared to other programming languages, most people find SQL relatively easy to learn.

Not all programming languages work in the same way. For instance, some are procedural, which means that the writer has to specifically explain how they want something done. SQL is known as a declarative language, which means that users don’t have to worry about stating how they want the job done, they just have to specify what they want done. This makes the process easier because there is no need to understand exactly what happens in the database in response to a query. Instead, users just need to know how to tell the database what to do. Another thing that makes SQL easy to learn is that it has a relatively simple syntax. There are not a lot of keywords to learn in SQL, and most of these words mean the same thing as they do in the English language.

While many SQL experts agree that this language is relatively easy to learn, they caution that it can be more difficult to learn how to work with the data that SQL is used to retrieve. For instance, a number of people comment in an online chat threat about the difficulty of learning SQL. One says, “SQL syntax is easy to learn for most people. Visualizing the shape of data and ways to transform it is a little more difficult, but comes with time.” Another comments, “The SQL language is SUPER easy. Understanding complex logic as applied to data structure, and developing the problem solving skills to solve complex data problems? That's another story.”

What Should You Consider Learning Alongside SQL?

While it is an incredibly useful skill to learn, SQL alone is not typically enough to jump-start a career. However, when combined with fluency in other programming languages and coding skills, SQL is a powerful foundation for a career in data science or web development. These careers remain in extremely high demand across the country, as businesses look for more ways to integrate data analysis and automation into their operations. Many people choose to learn Python in addition to SQL, since this is also widely used in relation to manipulating data. Other popular languages are Java, R, and C#. Many SQL experts also choose to learn Power BI, since this is often used in data analytics and visualization.

Other valuable–and often overlooked–skills that are useful in any type of tech career are soft skills. Soft skills include things like communication and teamwork. While people who work with SQL often spend time working alone on a computer, in most jobs they also need to communicate with a variety of other people, and to work as a team. Learning soft skills can be a great way to help those interactions run smoothly. Soft skills can also make it easier when trying to get a job. The University of Calgary Continuing Education explains that soft skills are actually very important both to employers and employees. It says, “These skills are critical for success in most careers, as they help you build and maintain relationships, navigate complex situations, and achieve your goals.”

In-Person SQL Classes

Once you’ve committed to learning SQL, the next step is deciding what teaching method best suits your needs and learning style. Some students find that they prefer learning in a dedicated classroom space with a live instructor. These in-person classes are ideal for students to get feedback on difficult concepts concerning SQL and relational databases. Students will also have the advantage of working alongside a cohort of like-minded peers. In addition, they can benefit by using a training facility’s computer technology. The drawback to this learning method is that these courses are restricted geographically, so students may not have many options available in their area and will also have to pay some incidental costs, such as transportation to and from a training center.

Live Online (Virtual) SQL Classes

Some students, particularly those not located near a large number of training facilities, may find it preferable to learn through live online instruction. Live online classes mirror the structure of a live in-person class but take place in a private digital classroom over a telecommunications program (like Zoom) rather than in a physical space. Students are able to work with an experienced instructor who is present to assist them and answer their questions. With recent developments in remote learning software, students can even permit their instructors to interact directly with their devices. In a live online class, students are responsible for acquiring and maintaining the hardware and software used in the class. Still, many training centers, including Noble Desktop, offer assistance to help students get set up and prepared.

Finally, students can choose to enroll in on-demand classes that are designed to fit the needs of a busy schedule. These courses have pre-recorded lecture material that guides students through using SQL alongside relational databases. Without a live instructor, students will be responsible for finding alternate methods of dealing with difficulties they are having with the material since they won’t be able to ask questions. Still, these courses are an excellent way for students to learn the basics of SQL on their own schedule.

Corporate & Onsite SQL Training for Companies and Employees

Given its importance in handling data, SQL is a critical skill to be versed in, for employees of any company. To meet this need, Noble Desktop offers onsite and virtual SQL corporate training sessions to businesses of all sizes. Businesses can choose from existing curricula or customize their own, and all participants will receive comprehensive support materials including handouts and access to premium training videos. In addition to these opportunities, employers can also purchase group vouchers for their teams to attend Noble Desktop’s existing SQL classes at a discount. To learn more, please contact Noble Desktop.

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Learn More About SQL Courses

What is SQL?

SQL in a Data-Driven World

Flavors of SQL

Applications of SQL

How Does SQL Differ From Comparable Subjects?

SQL Careers: Analysts, Database Professionals, Developers, & More

Can I Learn SQL Online for Free?

Is It Worth It to Attend an SQL Course?

What Will You Learn in a SQL Course?

What Specific Classes Can You Take?

How Long Will It Take to Learn SQL?

How Hard Is It to Learn SQL?

What Should You Consider Learning Alongside SQL?

In-Person SQL Classes

Live Online (Virtual) SQL Classes

Corporate & Onsite SQL Training for Companies and Employees

Top Bootcamp Programs That Include SQL

SQL Courses by School

SQL Bootcamp

SQL Level I

SQL Level II

SQL Level III

SQL Bootcamp

SQL Level I

SQL Level II

SQL Level III

SQL Querying Fundamentals - Part 1

SQL Querying Fundamentals - Part 2

Introduction to SQL Databases

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SQL Querying - Advanced

MySQL Workbench: Data Modeling & Development

Administering Microsoft SQL Server 2012/14/16 Databases (70-462)

SQL

SQL Training: Introduction & Intermediate

SQL Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

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