Structured query language, or SQL, is a computer programming language used to sort, retrieve, and manipulate the data found in relational databases. Once you’ve decided to learn SQL, the next important question is choosing how you plan to learn these skills. Most students find that they learn better when they receive guided training, and there is no shortage of available options for students to receive guidance in their SQL training. Read on to learn more about the different SQL training options and the advantages and disadvantages they carry with them.

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. 

Read more about what SQL is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with SQL Skills?

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.

Why Training Format Matters

If you’re interested in learning SQL, you may not be certain which training format is best for you. Deciding whether to study in person or online is your first consideration. This likely will depend on your personal learning preferences, as well as your proximity to a major city. Another important consideration is how flexible your schedule is. For some, real-time study options like in-person and live online SQL coursework is prohibitive due to personal or professional commitments. These learners may prefer the flexibility of on-demand coursework for this reason.

Types of Training Formats 

When choosing a training format to learn SQL, you have several excellent options. Live in-person study occurs in a computer lab, whereas live online coursework takes place remotely but still provides access to a live instructor. On-demand classes are pre-recorded and can be completed at your own pace. The following sections will briefly explore the different training options currently available for learning SQL, as well as some of the benefits and drawbacks of each. 

Live In-Person Classes

In-person SQL classes are the most interactive and engaging way to learn this programming language. Students have access to a live instructor with real-world training working with SQL. This means that participants can ask questions as they arise and receive guidance on complex SQL concepts rather than try to figure out answers on their own. In-person study also allows learners to network with others, a benefit that likely will extend beyond the duration of the course. All students complete coursework in a computer lab with the most up-to-date software technology. Although in-person study requires commuting to and from campus for regularly scheduled class meetings, as well as the costs associated with transportation, it’s an effective learning format for those who are new to working with SQL, as well as intermediate and advanced students interested in mastering complex concepts for work.

Live Online Classes

Live online SQL classes provide many of the same benefits as in-person study without the hassle of having to drive to and from class for each meeting. Similar to in-person study, participants have access to a live instructor who’s connected with them using a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. Live online study allows SQL learners to ask questions as they arise (and even share their screen with the instructor, with permission). Because all coursework can be completed from a remote location in live online study, students don’t have to battle rush-hour traffic or waste time searching for parking to attend class. Although this training format still requires attending regularly scheduled meetings, students can connect from the comfort of their home or office space.

On-Demand Classes

The most flexible way you can study SQL is through on-demand content. Unlike in-person and live online coursework, which provides access to an instructor in real-time, self-paced classes are pre-recorded. Lessons can be completed any time of the day, any day of the week, and from any location. Students can also set their own learning pace, completing SQL study as their schedule permits. On-demand SQL content is a good learning option for those who need to balance their SQL studies with full-time work or travel and aren’t able to attend regularly scheduled classes. Asynchronous SQL study can provide an overview of what SQL is and offer introductory-level instruction. However, if you’re interested in learning this programming language for professional reasons, a more structured learning option may be more helpful since it will provide access to an instructor who can answer any questions you may have.

Free Courses

Free SQL coursework is available from many top educational providers, such as Udemy and Coursera. A range of free content is available, such as YouTube videos and channels devoted to SQL, online blogs, tutorials, and other relevant information. Some free content is only minutes long, whereas other courses can take hours or even days to complete. In addition, some free online content covers SQL-specific skills, whereas others may provide more general information on computer programming in general.

Because no financial commitment is needed to complete free SQL study, it’s a low-stakes way to begin learning this language. When deciding which free SQL courses are best for your learning needs, it’s important to select the most up-to-date material and to ensure that it’s in line with your current programming skill level. Free coursework is a good starting point in your SQL learning journey, but you may wish to enroll in a more structured instructional format, such as in-person or live online classes, to master more complex programming skills.

Depth of Training Formats

For those interested in learning SQL, several types of coursework are available. Students can select from certificate programs, training bootcamps, and introductory coursework in this programming language. The following sections will briefly discuss each of these study options so you can select the one most appropriate for your learning needs.

Certificate Programs

Certificates in SQL are extended programs that typically last a few weeks or longer and are designed to prepare participants for a career working with data. Certificates provide intensive, hands-on training in SQL and sometimes related skills as well. Some certificate programs focus exclusively on SQL, whereas others are broader in scope and provide training on a range of useful data skills. This rigorous form of study is intended for serious learners, ones who hope to apply the SQL training they receive to their job. Although certificate study can cost several thousand dollars or more and is the most expensive learning option (apart from four-year college or university study), it’s an excellent way to gain real-world SQL experience.

Noble Desktop’s Data Analytics Certificate is an excellent learning option for students who want to work with SQL. This intensive program is offered in-person and live online and provides students with training in several data analytics tools, such as Excel, Python, Tableau, and SQL. Those enrolled receive one-on-one mentoring, as well as the option of a free course retake for up to one year. 

Training Bootcamps 

Enrolling in an SQL bootcamp is a great option if you’d like to focus your studies exclusively on SQL. Whereas certificate study can span several weeks or even months, bootcamps are typically shorter in duration, sometimes taking only days or weeks to complete. One benefit of a training bootcamp is that it costs significantly less than a certificate program. Some bootcamps cost just a few hundred dollars and teach students a range of relevant SQL skills. This learning format is excellent if you’re interested in plugging a skill gap or learning a particular coding language for a work project and don’t want to spend months or longer on study.

Noble Desktop’s SQL Bootcamp is available in the in-person and live online format. Over the course of several days, participants in this small course receive hands-on SQL training from industry experts. By course completion, students will know how to use PostgreSQL to aggregate data, write SQL queries, and join tables.

Introductory Courses

In addition to SQL certificate study and bootcamps, introductory-level coursework in SQL is also available. Beginner-friendly classes are an excellent opportunity to get started studying SQL in a low-stakes environment. These courses are perfect for coding novices who wish to master the basics before moving on to more advanced study. Introductory-level coursework generally costs much less than certificate or bootcamp study, typically costing several hundred dollars. In addition, this learning format is ideal for those who don’t have months to learn SQL since it can be completed in just a few days. These courses can help you get your feet wet in SQL to see if this programming language is something you wish to study further down the line.

Learn SQL Skills with 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 Takeaways

• If you’re interested in studying SQL, a range of excellent learning options are available in in-person and virtual environments. In-person coursework is the most engaging and interactive way to study SQL. Live online study provides access to a live instructor and can be completed from a remote location. On-demand classes are pre-recorded and can be finished at your own pace from any location.
• Free SQL training materials are also available from many top educators and provide a great way to learn coding basics before committing to a more structured learning path. Although free coursework may not teach you advanced SQL skills needed for some professional tasks, they are a low-stakes way to begin working with SQL.
• Deciding which learning format is best for you will likely depend on factors such as your ability to attend in-person classes, your work schedule, and your learning goals. When selecting an SQL learning format, certificates are typically the most intensive and expensive learning option. Bootcamps are also available, and they tend to focus exclusively on SQL. Introductory SQL classes are also offered, which are a great option for those who are new to SQL and want to learn the basics of how to work with this programming language.
• A great way to learn SQL is to enroll in one of Noble Desktop’s in-person or live online SQL courses.