Structured query language (SQL) is a coding language introduced in 1979. SQL’s inventors created SQL to manipulate and retrieve data stored in System R, the quasi-relational database management system IBM used at the time. SQL made it easier for programmers to access many records with a single command. Now, SQL is used to retrieve, store, and process information in relational databases like Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.
SQL has become a popular language used by programmers and developers for several reasons. SQL is an American National Standards Institute and International Organization for Standardization standard, meaning it provides a common language for relational databases. Using a standard coding language makes it easier for users to move between systems. SQL is declarative, meaning you specify what you want to do, not how to do the action when querying. Users find this method makes it easier for them to write and read complex queries. The language also has a robust ecosystem of tools, frameworks, and support resources that make learning and troubleshooting easier.
What Can You Do with SQL Training?
Learning SQL can help you pursue a wide range of careers and passion projects. If you’re interested in web development, SQL plays an important role in back-end web development. Web Developers who work on the back-end of websites and applications use commands like UPDATE, DELETE, and DROP. They can also integrate SQL with Python and R to assist in web development and data analysis. With SQL, users can identify patterns and then analyze those patterns to come up with data-driven decisions for companies, clients, and themselves.
SQL can help you manage personal projects. You can use beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level SQL training to create simple and complex databases for personal use. Example projects include budget trackers for tracking your income and expenses, a movie collection database, a recipe database, and a sports stats tracker. Small business owners can use SQL for budgeting too, as well as create a database to keep track of their store inventory. Enroll in an SQL training program today to learn about all the ways SQL can help you in your professional and personal life.
What Will I Learn in an SQL Class?
SQL classes teach students the foundations of SQL, from querying to designing databases. With enough SQL training, you can begin a career in data science, web development, or programming. In an SQL class, you can expect to learn about SQL queries, relational databases like SQL Server and PostgreSQL, data analysis, and develop communication skills.
SQL Queries
SQL queries are requests made to relational databases using SQL. You might use an SQL query to retrieve, insert, update, or delete data in a database. Examples of basic queries include SELECT and DELETE. SQL is a declarative language, meaning when you code with SQL you’re specifying what you want done with your query, not how to do it. This declarative basic English format makes SQL one of the easier coding languages for beginners to learn. In an SQL class, you’ll learn simple and complex queries.
SQL Server
Microsoft introduced its relational database management system (RDBMS), SQL Server, in 1989. Most SQL programs will teach you how to use SQL Server or another relational database. With SQL Server, you can create databases and tables, modify the scheme of an existing database, and take advantage of SQL Server’s tools for backup and recovery to ensure your data is safe. Today, SQL Server comes in a subscription format with add-ons available.
PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL is another relational database management system commonly taught in SQL programs. Unlike SQL Server, PostgreSQL is an open-source database, so users don’t have to worry about paying a fee to use the database. PostgreSQL lets users integrate with other data sources, applications, and tools such as MySQL and Oracle. PostgreSQL is a cost-effective database choice with a strong commitment to complying with SQL standards.
Data Analysis
Data Analysts use SQL in their analysis process, specifically to extract, manipulate, and analyze data stored in databases. With SQL, analysts can quickly retrieve data and summarize large datasets, making the analysis process more efficient. Analysts also use SQL in the data visualization process, which helps with data analysis. After extracting, transforming, and aggregating data with SQL, analysts can export the data to a visualization tool and create charts, dashboards, and reports. The process is simple and made easier thanks to the many tools that directly connect to databases.
Communication
SQL training will prepare you to work in a team environment by providing you with the opportunity to develop your communication skills. Project-based lessons that require you to work with a partner or in groups will help you become better at using SQL and give you the chance to experience working with others while developing your technical skills. Many roles that require SQL skills also require good written and verbal communication. It’s likely that by pursuing an SQL-related career, you’ll need to know how to speak with others, how to write reports, and how to give presentations. SQL training will give you the chance to practice these skills.
How Hard is It to Learn SQL?
SQL is one of the easiest programs for beginners to learn thanks to its simple syntax and accessibility. The challenges that most people encounter when learning SQL are understanding coding as a concept and understanding how to use different RDBMS.
Learning to code is like learning a new language. This process can be pretty difficult if the language you’re learning is dissimilar to your native language, but luckily SQL is declarative and supports all languages. It may take some time to understand the concept of making SQL queries, but you don’t need any prior coding experience to learn SQL.
When using SQL, you have many options for RDBMS to use. If you need to learn how to use multiple systems, you may find yourself struggling to keep up with the differences. Some RDBMS have a different syntax than others when it comes to a variety of commands. One of the best ways to overcome this challenge is to learn the basics of SQL using one RDBMS and then apply what you know to others while learning the key differences.
How Long Does It Take to Learn SQL?
How long it takes you to learn SQL will depend on your prior experience coding and how much time you can spend practicing. Beginner-level classes teach students about SQL commands and syntax, simple queries, and aggregate functions. With a little training and practice, it should take you around two to three weeks to understand beginner-level SQL. Intermediate skills take a little longer to develop. Within one to three months of training, you should have intermediate-level SQL skills, like knowing how to perform subqueries and aggregate data. Advanced-level SQL includes conducting performance tuning and database design. It can take anywhere from three to six months to get to this point with SQL.
Consistent practice is key to mastering SQL. Prior experience with coding languages can help students get past the initial learning curve when starting their SQL training, but it isn’t required to learn. Applying the lessons you learn to real-world projects is one of the best ways to quickly learn SQL and understand how to use SQL professionally.
Should I Learn SQL in Person or Online?
Ready to enroll in SQL training? Schools and training centers that offer SQL training typically provide a mix of in-person, live online, and asynchronous classes. Consider your schedule, your learning style, and your objectives before enrolling in any specific class type.
Students who like learning in a traditional classroom environment should enroll in an in-person SQL class. Expert instructors teach face-to-face, giving students the chance to ask questions, receive feedback, and watch demonstrations. In-person classes take place during the week, in the evenings, and on weekends depending on the school or training center hosting the class. Before enrolling in an in-person class, you should find out if any schools offer in-person classes in your area and if the class schedule works for you. Don’t forget to factor in your commute time before enrolling.
You can also learn SQL by attending a live online class. Live online classes usually happen at the same time as in-person classes, with a live instructor, and they typically cover the same material as an in-person class. However, you can learn without commuting to a school or computer lab. Instead, you’ll learn via a web conferencing platform in a virtual classroom setting. This gives students the chance to still ask their instructor questions and mimics an in-person class, but also makes the class accessible to students who can’t commute to an in-person class, including students who live across the country.
Another class type you can enroll in is an asynchronous class. Asynchronous classes, also called on-demand classes, provide students with access to an online classroom where they can access course materials on their own. Rather than attend a live class, students will watch video lectures and complete projects without the guidance of a live instructor. This option is great for students who don’t have time to attend a live class. On-demand classes also cost significantly less than live classes, providing a learning option to students who would like to save money while learning SQL.
Can I Learn SQL Free Online?
You can also learn SQL for free online. Online learning platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer free on-demand short courses covering the basics of SQL. By signing up for a free short course, you can learn the foundations of SQL and decide whether you want to enroll in more formal training. Training centers and schools, like Noble Desktop, also upload video lessons that will teach you SQL fundamentals. Learning SQL on your own can be difficult; luckily, you can find online forums where SQL users congregate to ask questions and help each other troubleshoot. After learning the basics of SQL online for free, consider the formal training options available to you, including SQL bootcamps and certificate courses.
What Should I Learn Alongside SQL?
When learning SQL, you may find yourself introduced to new and related topics that pique your interest. Keep reading to find out other skills and concepts to consider learning alongside SQL.
Relational databases that follow a structured tabular design use SQL, but not all applications work with structured data. When it comes to unstructured or semi-structured data, you’ll want to use NoSQL databases. NoSQL databases, also known as “Not Only SQL, ” offer a flexible approach for handling other types of data structures, like graph databases and documents. With a NoSQL system, you can quickly and easily store and access data. Teams that use NoSQL databases usually do so when they need a fast and scalable database.
Programmers and developers use SQL in conjunction with other programming languages to create and maintain websites and applications. Like SQL, professionals use Python when working on the back-end of websites. With Python, you can develop machine learning models, implement algorithms, and manipulate data. Python has many libraries that help users interact with databases such as SQLAlchemy and Django.
Another skill you can learn alongside SQL is data visualization. Data visualization is the process of representing data in a visual format, like in a chart or graph, for ease of analysis. SQL isn’t directly involved in the process of data visualization, but you can use SQL to make data visualization easier. With SQL, you can extract data from a database and filter and aggregate that data. After working with your data, you can connect a data visualization tool like Tableau or Power BI to your SQL database and create aesthetically pleasing and engaging data visualizations.
Industries That Use SQL
Ready to put your SQL skills to the test? Check out these industries in Connecticut looking to hire professionals with SQL skills.
Aerospace and Defense
Connecticut’s aerospace and defense industry plays an important role in the broader industry. The state has been a hub for aerospace innovation for over 100 years, with companies like Pratt & Whitney and Sikorsky Aircraft making advancements in the local industry since the 1900s. Defense contractors have established operations in the state as well, further innovation and drawing in top talent to create next-generation technologies. SQL’s application in the aerospace and defense industry ensures product and logistics optimization, manages and monitors the supply chain, and makes sure that companies comply with regulatory compliance.
Bioscience
Connecticut’s rapidly growing bioscience industry is driven by companies like Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Medtronic. Bioscience incubators and innovation hubs have nurtured startups and contributed to workforce development in the state. You can take your knowledge of SQL to Connecticut’s bioscience industry and help manage clinical trial data, manage electronic health records, or help produce advanced data analytics.
Financial Services
Hartford, Connecticut's role in the nation's insurance industry earned it the nickname "Insurance Capital of the World." In addition to a vibrant insurance sector, Connecticut is also home to a strong banking sector, some of the world’s leading hedge funds and private equity firms, and a rapidly growing FinTech sector. The financial services industry in Connecticut could use professionals skilled in SQL to help with organizing customer data, querying data for risk management analysis, and tracking transaction patterns to identify suspicious activities.
SQL Job Titles and Salaries
Do you have experience with SQL and want to know what industries you can find work in? SQL experience and skills can help you start a position as an SQL Developer, a Financial Analyst, and a Web Developer.
SQL Developer
Once you’ve mastered SQL you can seek out SQL Developer positions. As an SQL Developer, you’ll design and build SQL databases and applications. SQL Developers should know how to use major database management systems, understand how to optimize database performance, and oversee database security. A good SQL Developer also has strong communication skills so that they can work with team members and clients. SQL Developers in Connecticut make an average annual salary of $108,000.
Financial Analyst
Combine your financial literacy with your SQL skills working as a Financial Analyst. Financial Analysts analyze financial data, make predictions about future performance for their company or clients, and make investment recommendations based on their analysis. Financial Analysts need financial literacy, problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills. As a Financial Analyst, you may use SQL to create databases for organizing and storing financial data. Financial Analysts in Connecticut make an average annual salary of $84,000, just below the US average salary of $90,500 per year.
Back-end Web Developer
Back-end Web Developers use their coding skills and knowledge of databases to work on and maintain the back-end of websites and applications to ensure that they function properly and efficiently. To work as a Back-end Web Developer, you should know server-side coding languages like SQL, Python, and Java. This role also requires you to debug and solve technical problems using algorithms and data structures. In Connecticut, Back-end Web Developers make an average annual salary of $114,000.
SQL Classes Near Me
You can find SQL classes offered in-person at schools and training centers in Connecticut and live online open for enrollment today. Consider the type of SQL class you’d like to enroll in before checking out the classes below.
Enroll in Noble Desktop’s SQL Bootcamp to learn how to write SQL queries, join tables, aggregate data, and filter results from databases. You’ll also learn about PostgreSQL and can expect to walk away from the bootcamp knowing how to translate what you know about PostgreSQL into using similar RDBMS like SQL Server and MySQL. No prior knowledge is required for enrollment. In addition to 18 hours of hands-on lessons, you’ll receive one 1-on-1 training session where you can ask an expert for clarification on class lessons and help with your project.
General Assembly’s Data Analytics Short Course will prepare you for a role as a Cyber Security Analyst, Performance Marketer, or Quantitative Analyst. Lessons cover data collection, data cleaning, data analysis, data visualization, and data tools like SQL and Tableau. Students in the one-week class will finish the week off with a real-world capstone project where they’ll work with a dataset and apply newly learned techniques to prepare them for working in data analytics. The Data Analytics Short Course is a beginner-friendly course that includes access to three hours of pre-work to prepare students for the course. It’s also recommended that students take an Excel workshop to make sure that they’re ready to make the most of the program.
Students will learn the basics of SQL in New Horizons’ SQL Querying Fundamentals—Part 1. The class introduces students to the basics of SQL, particularly SQL queries. Lessons will cover conditional searches, working with functions, and organizing data. At the end of the two-day class, the instructor will cover generating an XML report. After finishing this class, students can enroll in New Horizons’ SQL Querying Fundamentals—Part 2 and learn advanced-level SQL.
In Certstaffix Training’s SQL Querying— Basic Course, students will spend two days learning how to compose basic SQL queries and use SQL Server. Course topics include using built-in functions, joining tables, and building on subqueries. After completing the class, students can enroll in the advanced course. All students who have finished the class will earn a certificate of completion and have the chance to retake the class for free within six months.
SQL Corporate Training
Do you want your team to learn SQL? Noble Desktop can provide your organization with SQL training that meets your employees’ learning objectives and scheduling needs. When enrolling in corporate training, you have the option of selecting live online or onsite training options. Teams interested in corporate training can purchase group vouchers in bulk at a discount from Noble Desktop. When purchasing group vouchers, you can select the courses available to your team to choose from. They can then schedule their training at a time that fits their schedules.
Reach out to corporate@nobledesktop.com to learn more about Noble Desktop’s corporate training services and receive help in determining which options best fit your team’s needs and goals.