SQL Prerequisites

If you want to learn SQL but worry it may be too difficult, this guide can help you discover the best methods for studying this programming language and what you should learn first to help acquire this skill. Building a solid foundation in skills related to SQL will help you be successful with however you decide to apply your SQL knowledge.

What is SQL?

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a standard language used to communicate with relational databases. Organizations across industries rely on SQL to access and work with the data contained in their databases. Important business information about products, customers, or orders is just some data an organization may store in a database. Among its many uses, SQL has applications for searching, updating, and maintaining databases. It can also insert or delete records from databases and change the database's actual structure by creating or deleting tables and objects.

SQL operates on local intranet or internet systems and can be used on laptops, PCs, servers, and some mobile devices. Even though SQL is considered to be a relatively simple programming language, it is a powerful tool for helping users retrieve the specific information they need within a large database. Those working with SQL don’t need coding skills and can instead use basic keywords such as “update” or “select” to perform data queries.

Some of the most-used relational database management systems that use SQL are Microsoft SQL Server, Ingres, Access, and Oracle.

What Can You Do with SQL?

For anyone who works with data, SQL knowledge is a must. Many fields and disciplines use this language to communicate with relational databases. SQL’s flexibility is designed to help you use statements based on English to query a database in multiple ways. Because SQL is the most-used database language, nearly every organization that has to store relational data relies on SQL, including major corporations such as Amazon, Google, and Uber. In addition, websites such as Facebook use SQL to store back-end data and process data.

SQL has a wide range of built-in functions that are useful for data analytics:

• SQL COUNT can count how many rows are in a table
• SQL MAX provides a way to select the highest value for a given column
• SQL MIN lets users choose the minimum value for a column
• SQL SUM totals the values in a column
• SQL AVG can calculate the average within table columns

In addition, SQL has other useful applications for handling large volumes of data:

• It can add, update, or delete records within a database
• SQL can create new databases
• SQL users can add new tables to an existing database
• SQL can create views or stored procedures in a database
• It can establish permissions on views, tables, and procedures.

Is SQL Easy to Learn?

SQL is considered to be much easier to learn than other programming languages. The syntax, formulas, and queries used in SQL have name-dependent functions, which makes them easier to learn and remember. Unlike other programming languages, such as Java or C, SQL is relatively straightforward and doesn’t rely on confusing concepts or syntax. In addition, tools such as SQL Server, PL/SQL, and MySQL share similar syntaxes, making retention even easier.

If you are seeking help learning SQL, the great news is that many resources are currently available. Top educational providers such as Noble Desktop can help you with your SQL learning journey. Noble’s SQL courses are available in both the in-person and live online format. Students receive instruction in the small group setting on relevant SQL concepts and functions to help them learn how to transform raw data into valuable insights.

What to Know Before Learning SQL

If you are interested in studying SQL, you may start by working with the following programs or skill-sets to help with your learning process:

Knowledge of Databases

In addition to basic computer skills, a critical prerequisite to working with SQL is a knowledge of databases. A database is a collection of structured data or information, commonly stored in a computer system. Database management systems generally control databases, and the data stored in a database is usually modeled in columns and rows in tables so it is easy to access, organize, and manage. Most relational databases rely on SQL to query this data. The more you are familiar with the structure of relational databases, the easier it likely will be to learn SQL.

Microsoft Excel

Students commonly learn Microsoft Excel, a spreadsheet application, before SQL. Excel is a relatively straightforward and flexible spreadsheet tool. It allows users to merge cells, insert comments, create tables, and pivot on data. However, alongside this flexibility comes risks, such as additional work and less accuracy. While learning Excel is an excellent first step toward working with SQL, many people who work with data eventually prefer SQL to Excel because SQL is typically faster, safer, and easier to work with than Excel. SQL can perform tasks in minutes that would take an hour to complete using Excel. In addition, SQL stores data separate from the analysis, which is a convenient feature when sharing data with colleagues or teammates.

Knowledge of Basic Programming

Although it’s not necessary to be proficient in any other programming language to acquire SQL knowledge, a basic understanding of what programming is and what it entails can be helpful when studying SQL. Computer programming involves performing computations by creating a computer program. Professionals write code to tell a computer, software program, or application how it should perform and what actions it should take. Programming often includes tasks like creating algorithms, performing analysis, aand testing and implementing algorithms.

Noble Desktop’s coding classes are a great option for students interested in learning more about various programming languages and their applications in industries such as data science or software engineering.

Learn SQL with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

When learning SQL for a career, many people choose instructor-led classes, which provide personalized assistance and in-the-moment feedback on their code. If you’re interested in learning the basics of SQL or receiving more advanced instruction, Noble Desktop has multiple course offerings in SQL. Classes are available in the live online environment as well as in-person in New York City.

Those new to using SQL can enroll in Noble’s SQL Level 1, a beginner-friendly class designed to teach students the basics of working with this language. Throughout this instructor-led, one-day course, students build a foundation in SQL by learning about rows, columns, tables, and basic filtering. By course completion, participants will have a solid understanding of database architecture and will be able to write basic SQL queries for Microsoft SQL Server.

If you’re looking to learn more advanced SQL concepts, Noble also offers an SQL Bootcamp led by expert instructors. Those enrolled in this 18-hour course receive hands-on instruction on core SQL skills, such as how to write queries, filter and group data, and combine information from various tables using join statements. Participants in this small class also gain experience working with PostgreSQL as well as the free DBeaver app. All students have the option of a free retake of the course if they wish to brush up on their SQL skills. Prospective students can also learn more about SQL with Noble’s learning resources.

Key Insights

• SQL generally easier to learn than most other programming languages because it doesn’t require knowledge of complex coding concepts or syntax.
• Those who want to learn SQL but worry they may not be prepared to do so can study several prerequisites first to help.
• Prior knowledge of the structure of relational databases and how data is stored within them can help with learning SQL. In addition, a basic understanding of computer programming is an asset to learning SQL.
• Studying Microsoft Excel can be a helpful first step toward working with SQL, because it prepares individuals to work with large datasets.