SQL, which is short for structured query language, is a programming language that allows users to sort or process the information contained in a relational database. SQL statements are used to perform a range of database tasks, such as storing, updating, searching, and retrieving information. In addition, SQL also has applications for database maintenance and optimizing performance. If you’re wondering whether learning SQL is right for you, consider reading on to learn more about the myriad uses of SQL tools and techniques. Not only will learning SQL open up a number of new career opportunities, but it also has many personal uses.

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.

Professional Uses for SQL 

SQL is one of the most popular programming languages in use around the globe. Those who know how to use this language to communicate with relational databases have a range of high-paying employment opportunities. Software engineers, Business Analysts, Data Scientists, and Database Administrators are just a few of the many professions that rely on this programming language. The following sections will briefly explore some of the most common professional applications of SQL. 

Manipulate Data

Because SQL is known as a data manipulation language, it is useful for keeping an existing database running smoothly. SQL’s data manipulation language feature, DML, allows users to perform data tasks like storing, modifying, updating, or deleting data. In addition, SQL can be used to refresh the entire database, so it’s as accurate and up-to-date as possible. Commands like UPDATE, DELETE, and INSERT are commonly used for data manipulation.

Retrieve Data

Another common use of SQL is for retrieving data from within a database. Using DQL, or data query language, SQL users can extract pertinent information from a database. Once data have been retrieved using the command SELECT, the data is easier to assess and analyze. The result appears in the form of a table.

Define Procedures & User Functions

In addition to manipulating and retrieving data, SQL also can be used to add procedures and functions to a database as needed. This allows users to link basic SQL syntax to a specified command before they use the system. Not only does this make it easier to use this programming language, but adding user functions and procedures also allows SQL users to meet any requirements posed by their organization.

Create & Alter Tables

One of the most common uses of SQL is to create new tables in a database. In addition, SQL users can also add new data to an already-existing database table. Once data is added to the system, it can be stored, manipulated, and analyzed. Additionally, if you need to access a database that stores data in a table, SQL is a powerful tool that allows you to make changes to various data points in the table. It’s also possible to change every table section containing data and replace it with updated data.

Grant Access to Data

Those who manage databases often need to provide access to other users. SQL allows them to do so using data control language, or DCL. Commands such as REVOKE and GRANT grant or deny access to various program databases. This is particularly useful for businesses that keep sensitive or confidential data in their program.

Interfacing the Front End to the Back End

SQL is widely used as a client or server language. It supports the customer or worker architecture by interfacing the front end with the back end of a website. Additionally, it has applications for the three-level design: a customer, application worker, and database characteristic of internet architecture. Every dynamic website on the internet, such as social media sites, ecommerce, and online banking, is driven by databases. This makes SQL knowledge extremely useful for working with these databases. When used along with other tools such as HTML, CSS, server-side scripting, and relational database management systems database programs like MySQL, you can create dynamic webpages capable of performing a range of tasks.

Other Uses for SQL

In addition to the range of professional uses for SQL, programming knowledge is a helpful skill outside the job context. Those with knowledge of SQL or other programming languages can use their expertise to supplement other skill sets in various other fields. This programming knowledge helps learners develop a range of soft skills. Studying coding helps individuals develop analytical thinking skills and computational knowledge, as well as problem-solving skills. These skills aren’t just useful in the tech industry, but can supplement the tasks performed in various fields, such as data science, web development, medicine, and education. 

Studying computer programming is also a great way to boost creativity. The act of coding is a creative act, one that demands the Coder become a creator of something new. With programming knowledge comes the power to create your own video game or app. Coding is a great way to optimize creativity because it encourages students to devise their own ways to solve problems. This benefit is likely to extend beyond computer tasks into everyday life. Coding is very similar to learning a new language. Although it has different rules than studying French or Spanish, the act of learning to code draws on some of the same skills as acquiring a foreign language. Not only does language acquisition boost creativity, but it can help you be a more effective communicator as well. It requires that you create instructions that can be easily understood by a computer.

Learning SQL is also a great way to develop persistence and perseverance. It’s not necessarily easy to teach these skills; they can’t be learned in a textbook. Yet the ability to persevere and follow through when encountering an obstacle or problem is something that programming knowledge can help you develop. Computer programming with SQL and other languages demands learners apply persistence to solve a given problem. If this solution doesn’t work, they must keep going, testing out different solutions until they land on the right one.

Another skill computer programming can help you develop is resilience. Often, those who write code hit a wall and must find a solution. When one solution doesn’t solve the problem at hand, they must perform troubleshooting, trying out other viable options. This process, known as debugging, continues until the problem is solved. 

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.