Is SQL a Hard Class?

Unlike many programming languages that require understanding complex syntax and concepts, SQL has a straightforward structure that resembles natural language. This intuitive syntax allows beginners to start writing basic queries quickly and see immediate results, which can be incredibly satisfying and encouraging. Moreover, SQL’s commands are logical and consistent, making it easier for learners to predict and remember how to perform various operations. SQL’s simplicity, logical structure, and strong support community contribute to its reputation as a language that is relatively easy to learn, especially for those just starting their journey in data management and programming.

What is Hard about Learning SQL?

The hardest part about learning SQL is figuring out what path is right for you. You might want to learn it as fast as you can, but actually thrive in slower paced classroom environments. You’ll also need to figure out why you want to learn SQL. What career path are you after? What do you plan to do with your skills? Figuring out your motivations will make choosing the right path to learn SQL much easier and will give you the confidence you need to tackle course materials. 

How Can I Make Learning SQL Easier?

The best way to make learning SQL easier is to figure out the best course format to fit your specific needs. Luckily, there are several to choose from.

Bootcamps

Bootcamps are designed to be comprehensive and immersive, so you’ll need to manage your time well in order to benefit from the course structure. If you’re a beginner and need to learn the basics of SQL as soon as possible, a bootcamp is going to be the right fit for you.

Free Resources

If you’re motivated and self-disciplined, free resources could provide you with a fast track to learning SQL. Platforms like YouTube host tutorials that provide a basic understanding of SQL concepts and tools. Additionally, many experts in the field create video content discussing SQL techniques, historical context, and various styles of database management. If you have specific questions or a particular interest in certain aspects of SQL, you’ll find a wealth of options to explore. However, relying solely on free online materials will always provide a surface-level education. Professional SQL training programs offer in-depth knowledge, practical experience, and mentorship that go beyond what free resources can provide. So, if you’re after anything more than the basics, this isn’t the best route to take.

On-Demand Courses

As a general rule, on-demand classes are best suited for students who need to learn a specific, beginner or intermediate skill as soon as possible, since once you enroll in an on-demand class, you are immediately able to start working on the material and consuming the lessons. This is especially useful if you have a background in SQL but need to learn how to work with tailored database queries. On-demand classes are an excellent way to pick up necessary skills and to help you overcome specific difficulties you are having in your projects or training very quickly, but they are likely to be significantly slower than SQL classes taught by live instructors if you are looking to get a more complete education.

Live-Online and In-Person Courses

On paper live-online and in-person courses might look like the longest route to learning SQL, but the time they take is necessary for some. If you’re wanting to learn SQL to gain an in-depth knowledge that will allow you to enter the workforce, this course structure is the one for you. Some might say you can’t rush perfection, others say you can’t rush SQL. 

Best Ways to Learn SQL Without Difficulty

If you’re worried about running into snags when learning SQL, the best way to avoid that is to make sure you’re enrolling in classes that offer help and feedback. Free resources and on demand courses aren’t going to be your best fit. Bootcamps and live-online classes, on the other hand, will be the best choice for your learning journey. Noble Desktop is a great resource that offers both bootcamps and live-online learning opportunities. 

Learn SQL with Noble Desktop

Enrolling with Noble Desktop comes with a wide range of benefits including live, project-based training, the option to retake your course for free within a year, expert instruction, and a verified digital certificate on completion, to name a few. Noble Desktop also offers setup assistance and 1-on-1 bonus training in order to ensure you’re supported before, during, and after your course. Classes are offered both in-person and live online, giving you the option to fully customize how you learn depending on how you learn best. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your SQL skills, Noble Desktop has courses to fit your needs. If you’re ready to dive into the world of databases and queries, there are many options for you to consider.

Beginners will feel most comfortable starting with SQL Level 1. Students can expect to learn the fundamentals of SQL and relational databases, including SQL syntax, database tables, and writing SQL queries. This SQL starter course will provide you with strong foundational skills to explore the tables, columns, and rows stored in a database and write/code SQL queries to extract and start analyzing that data. Using practical, hands-on exercises, your expert instructor will guide you through understanding the basics of database architecture and will develop your skills in writing real SQL code. By the end of this introductory, hands-on course, you’ll be able to write basic SQL queries for Microsoft SQL Server and learn how to use the free SQL Server Management Studio app to explore the database and execute your SQL theories.

Once you’ve finished SQL Level 1, you can move on to SQL Level 2. In this intermediate SQL course, you’ll build on your knowledge of SQL fundamentals, enhancing your skills to join, filter, group, and analyze data. You’ll also learn how to group data and perform common statistical calculations using aggregate functions. SQL Level 2 focuses on how to use Outer Joins and find NULL data, how to group data and perform common statistical calculations using aggregator functions, and how to change the data type when it’s not what you need. By the end of this intermediate hands-on course, you’ll know more SQL techniques to extract and analyze the specific data you want from the database. This will enable you to more easily turn raw data into actionable insights.

With SQL Level 1 & 2 under your belt, you’ll be ready for SQL Level 3. This advanced course will take your SQL skills to the next level where you will learn about subqueries, views, variables, functions, stored procedures, and more. SQL Level 3 goes over how to add If-Else logic to queries using CASE statements, how to use string functions to get just the part of text you need, and show you how subqueries allow you to grab data from anywhere in a database. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of SQL techniques that will better prepare you for roles in data analysis, data science, and working with data in databases. 

For a more streamlined learning experience, check out Noble Desktop’s SQL bootcamp options. Noble’s SQL Bootcamp is great for beginners or anyone looking to brush up on their SQL skills. Bootcamps are designed to be comprehensive and immersive, so you’ll need to manage your time well in order to benefit from the course structure. In SQL Bootcamp you’ll learn to extract information from databases by writing SQL queries, joining tables, aggregating data, and filtering results. You’ll also be introduced to PostgreSQL, but the concepts will equally apply to other databases such as SQL Server and MySQL. When you’re finished with this bootcamp, you’ll be able to filter data, group it, and turn raw data into insights as well as combine information from multiple tables using joining statements. More advanced techniques like subqueries and how to use functions with parameters are also part of the curriculum. 

Another great bootcamp option offered by Noble Desktop is the SQL Server Bootcamp. This bootcamp equips students with the skills needed to work with databases and extract valuable insights. In this hands-on course, you’ll learn Microsoft SQL Server and use the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) app to explore databases and execute SQL queries. The course covers fundamental SQL concepts, including viewing tables, columns, and rows, as well as coding queries to extract specific information. Students also learn how to filter data, group it, and combine information from multiple tables using join statements. Additionally, the bootcamp delves into more advanced techniques such as aggregate functions and subqueries. The knowledge gained from this course can be applied to other types of SQL (such as PostgreSQL, Microsoft Access, MySQL, etc.) with minor syntax differences.