Learn SQL data management and analytics skills to efficiently query, filter, and interpret information.
Learn to extract information from databases by writing SQL queries, joining tables, aggregating data, and filtering results. You'll learn PostgreSQL in this class, but the concepts apply equally to other databases such as SQL Server and MySQL.
Learn to extract information from databases by writing SQL queries, joining tables, aggregating data, and filtering results. You'll learn PostgreSQL in this class, but the concepts apply equally to other databases such as SQL Server and MySQL.
Learn the essential skills needed to become a Data Analyst or Business Analyst, including data analysis, data visualization, and statistical analysis. Gain practical experience through real-world projects and prepare for a successful career in the field of data analytics.
Learn how to extract information from databases and turn it into actionable insights by writing SQL queries, filtering data, and joining tables. This comprehensive SQL Server Bootcamp will teach you the fundamentals of SQL and how to apply them to various database systems.
Learn Python, SQL, automation, and machine learning to become a Data Scientist. Gain Python programming, data analysis, SQL querying, and predictive modeling skills. Perfect for beginners, this program prepares you for entry-level data science and Python engineering roles. Unlock high-paying job opportunities in the field of data science.
Learn to extract information from databases by writing SQL queries, joining tables, aggregating data, and filtering results. You'll learn PostgreSQL in this class, but the concepts apply equally to other databases such as SQL Server and MySQL.
Structured query language, or SQL, is a programming language often used to store and manage data in a relational database management system. SQL is one of the most popular programming languages for beginners because it’s an easy-to-learn standard language. SQL has also become popular among data scientists who appreciate the ability to integrate SQL with other programming languages.
SQL was first introduced by computer scientists at IBM in the 1970s. Intended to manipulate and retrieve data stored in System R, the quasi-relational database management system IBM was using at the time, SQL offered several advantages over older read-write APIs. SQL introduced the programming world to accessing many records with a single command. It also notably eliminated the need to specify how to reach a record. In 1986, SQL became a standard of the American National Standards Institute and, in 1987, it became a standard of the International Organization for Standardization.
Programmers and designers at large companies frequently use SQL for tasks such as creating and updating databases. Facebook, Microsoft, and LinkedIn are just some companies that rely on SQL. The marketing, finance, and healthcare industries in particular use SQL to identify patterns, manipulate and analyze information, and make data-driven decisions.
SQL is an essential language for back-end web development. Web Developers use SQL to communicate with their databases. SQL helps carry out common commands like UPDATE, DELETE, DRAG, and DROP. With SQL, you can integrate data with Python and R, two other programming languages used for web development and data analysis. Data science professionals rely on SQL to help integrate data, which they then use to provide a full analysis of their datasets.
Depending on your programming or development objectives, SQL offers several benefits. If your database contains organized data within a table, SQL allows you to manipulate the data by changing data points in the table or altering sections of the table with updated data. Users of SQL also have the option of building new databases, retrieving data, changing data structures, and defining their databases’ schema.
SQL is particularly useful to Data Scientists, Data Administrators, and Business Intelligence Developers. The programming language is in use across a range of industries, helping companies involved in the life sciences, finance, technology, manufacturing, and other sectors assess data, provide data-driven solutions, and make well-informed decisions.
Enroll in an SQL class to learn the foundations of SQL from an expert. SQL classes offer students hands-on, practical lessons in SQL that will prepare them to begin a career in data science, programming, or development. SQL class curriculum covers the basics of SQL, with some bootcamps covering beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level skills. In an SQL class, you can expect training in SQL queries, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and data analysis. Like most programming courses, SQL courses ensure students have adequate communication skills that will aid them when working with a team in their professional careers.
SQL queries, also called SQL statements, provide relational databases with valid instructions. They’re essentially commands that the database understands how to follow. A programmer working with a database that contains a table, for example, might run an UPDATE command to update the database or an ALTER TABLE command to modify the table. SQL courses typically begin by covering how to use SQL to query a database before moving on to other uses of SQL.
SQL Server is Microsoft’s relational database management system (RDBMS). Users of SQL can use SQL Server to manipulate data. The main purpose of SQL Server is to store and retrieve data requested by other software applications. Microsoft currently offers multiple editions of SQL Server that contain a variety of features that target different types of users. This includes both mainstream and specialized editions. Data Scientists and Data Administrators frequently use SQL Server to retrieve and analyze data. Some SQL classes and bootcamps provide lessons on SQL Server.
PostgreSQL is another relational database management system. PostgreSQL Global Development Group introduced this free and open-source database in 1996, which features transactions with atomicity, consistency, and more. PostgreSQL supports both relational and non-relational querying. Its extensive range of features makes it well-suited for enterprise-level applications. Moreover, its stability, reliability, and consistency are well-known characteristics of the RDBMS, making it a commonly covered system in SQL courses.
SQL fluency assists Data Analysts in accessing and managing data for analysis. The simple language helps perform complex data analysis as it interacts with datasets in RDBMS. Users can create advanced tools and dashboards with SQL for data analytics. Dashboards created with SQL can display data in a variety of ways for ease of analysis. With SQL, users can also integrate data analytics into other frameworks such as Python, Scala, and Hadoop. Interested learners can enroll in an SQL course or a bootcamp focused on SQL for data analysis.
Whether you plan to use your SQL skills to program, develop, or work with data, you must develop your communication skills. Fields that depend on these technical skills often require employees to have excellent soft skills, such as written and oral communication. Communication skills ensure that Data Scientists, programmers, Web Developers, and others working with a programming language like SQL can effectively share their work with team members. An SQL course will prepare you for this by assigning team projects where you’ll work with your classmates on meeting real-world objectives.
Most people find SQL easier to learn than most programming languages. Dedicating sufficient time and practice to the foundations of SQL, such as querying and manipulating tables, will help build the essential skills needed to take your SQL knowledge and experience to the next level. Learning SQL can also help you understand similar programming languages such as Python and JavaScript.
Individuals with no prior programming experience might first find learning SQL confusing because they’re learning entirely new concepts. Understanding SQL vocabulary and the basic concept of databases can aid in grasping the major points of using SQL.
Some people find learning how to use different SQL relational database management systems challenging. This is often because they have commands that differ from each other. Sometimes these differences are large, and other times they are simply the difference between punctuation around commands. Similarities between SQL databases, like PostgreSQL and MySQL, can help in the learning process as the similarities become clearer.
The simplicity of SQL has allowed some users to learn the basics of the language in as little as two to three weeks. With more time spent learning and practicing, using SQL will become more intuitive. This process, however, can take several months. The ever-changing nature of SQL Server and other relational databases means that learning SQL never really stops.
Your objectives for learning SQL will influence how long it takes you to learn. Aspiring developers who need to know the language very well may take quite some time to pick up SQL enough to feel comfortable. Those who have no prior experience with programming languages will likely take even longer as they work to understand the concepts of programming and databases. Luckily, the syntax of SQL commands follows basic English, and it contains a few keywords, making them fairly easy to pick up.
Once you have learned SQL, you may find it easier to pick up other server-side and even client-side programming languages such as Python, Java, HTML, and CSS. Once you’ve picked up several front-end and back-end programming languages and grasped the fundamentals of databases, you can consider turning toward a career in full-stack development, database development, UI/UX design, or data analysis.
Students interested in learning SQL have the option of attending in-person or online classes. The style of class you choose should reflect your preferred learning style, your learning objectives, and your schedule.
In-person SQL classes take place at schools and training centers. Students meet face-to-face with an instructor and work alongside classmates as they gain hands-on experience with SQL. These courses provide students with the ability to receive feedback and work directly with others. If you are most comfortable in a traditional-style learning environment, an in-person course may be right for you. Students who prefer to receive direct feedback from an instructor and benefit from learning in a structured environment often elect to attend in-person classes.
In-person classes take place during the week, in the evenings, and on weekends. Enrolling in an in-person class means commuting, which requires you to find a class that fits your schedule well. If you cannot commute to an in-person class or cannot find in-person classes that suit your location or schedule, consider enrolling in an online class.
Schools may offer live online or asynchronous classes. Live online and asynchronous classes provide students with more flexible learning options than in-person classes, but these two modalities are quite different. When deciding between a live online and an asynchronous course, it’s important to consider which type of class you will benefit from the most.
Live online classes take place remotely via web conferencing platforms, like Zoom or Google Meet. Live instructors teach live online classes in a virtual classroom environment. Most instructors rely on webcams to engage with students. Because learning SQL requires hands-on experience, you may work with your classmates remotely on assignments and projects. Enrolling in a live online class that takes place remotely requires you to understand the basics of how to use the web conferencing platform your class is held on and how to troubleshoot technological problems you may experience.
If you enroll in a live online class, you’ll still need to ensure that it meets your schedule. Although these courses eliminate the need to commute, they may follow the same class times as in-person classes. For a fully self-paced learning experience, consider enrolling in an asynchronous SQL class.
Asynchronous classes provide students with the most flexible learning schedule. Asynchronous courses set up students with learning material online in the form of recorded lectures, assignments, and/or reading material. It is the student’s responsibility to find time in their schedule to learn course content. Some asynchronous classes require students to follow a general timetable, while others allow students unlimited access to their online classroom.
Self-paced classes provide a great learning opportunity for learners with busy schedules who cannot set aside time to attend a class. Working professionals and students who can only fit in SQL training after work or between classes tend to enroll in asynchronous courses. However, this method does not allow students face-to-face interaction with an instructor, so receiving answers to questions may prove difficult. If enrolling in an asynchronous course, a student needs to set aside adequate time to learn and practice SQL.
Back-end and Full-Stack Developers often use SQL, as do Data and Business Analysts. However, SQL is not the only programming language that individuals in these roles utilize. If you have an interest in any of these career paths, it’s recommended that you gain experience in other programming languages like Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Developers use Python to create apps and software. This all-purpose programming language allows users to analyze and visualize data. Its concise syntax has contributed to its status as one of the easiest-to-learn programming languages. With a working knowledge of Python, you can work toward a career in back-end web development.
Web Developers often use HTML and CSS in conjunction. HTML is used to create documents designed for web browsers. With HTML, you can create a basic website. Developers then utilize CSS to specify the presentation and styling of the document written in HTML. With CSS, developers alter the font, color, sizing, and spacing of their content. After learning HTML and CSS, it is common to learn JavaScript.
JavaScript serves as a programming language for front and back-end web development, although it’s more common for the front-end. JavaScript allows users to create interactive websites. It’s typically used to add pop-up graphics, color changes, and drop-down menus to websites—features that enhance the experience of a website visitor. Full-Stack Developers who must know how to adjust client and server-side characteristics benefit from understanding how to use JavaScript and SQL.
Several key industries in Philadelphia rely on SQL to analyze, manage, and manipulate data. From life sciences to manufacturing, all around the region, companies rely on SQL relational databases and SQL to retrieve, manipulate, manage, and analyze data. The analysis then results in data-driven decisions and business solutions.
Philadelphia is a top 10 market for the life sciences industry. The Greater Philadelphia area is home to world-class research institutions, medical R\&D, and 15 major healthcare systems. Major pharmaceutical companies also call Philadelphia home, including Merck and Bristol Myers Squibb. Philadelphia also benefits from its proximity to major metros like New York City and Washington, D.C., which brings in a steady stream of talented workers and industry connections.
The reliance of the life sciences industry on data analytics is rapidly evolving. Across the healthcare sector, organizations rely on SQL to perform data analytics that produce in-depth insights and ultimately enhance clinical and operational decision-making. Pharmaceutical companies depend on data analysis to diagnose and identify diseases. As this industry further harnesses data science for decision-making, we’ll see SQL play a great role.
In Philadelphia, you can find world-class financial services companies. Philadelphia residents work for Colonial Penn, Lincoln Financial, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase. The city is also home to FinTech startups that have helped propel growth in the industry and employment in the region. Philadelphia’s innovative ecosystem has attracted next-generation FinTech startups that have begun propelling sub-industries and further job growth in the region.
As financial services companies rely more and more on data to make decisions, the role of SQL in the industry increases. Financial services companies depend on databases to store financial information securely. SQL is then used to extract data from these databases and make data-driven decisions. Some of these decisions include ways to mitigate risk. Financial analysts also use SQL databases to create financial models and predictions.
Philadelphia hosts a booming technology industry. Tech companies in the Greater Philadelphia region have contributed to advancements in robotics, e-commerce, AI, and telecommunications. The city’s highly skilled workforce, quality of life, and innovative ecosystem have drawn tech startups and industry leaders to the region to establish operations. Nearby New York City and Washington, D.C., with their connections to financial firms and government, have also encouraged tech startups to establish themselves in nearby Philadelphia.
Workers in the tech industry work with SQL in a variety of ways. To create smooth applications and websites with well-functioning back ends, web developers utilize SQL. In the biotechnology sector, databases have helped companies progress their R\&D through the use of computerized medical records, automated medical kits, and even genetic coding. SQL is essential for cybersecurity personnel who must understand how to identify and exploit database vulnerabilities, secure database configurations, and perform secure coding reviews.
Greater Philadelphia’s manufacturing industry consists of over 5,600 manufacturers that employ over 190,000 workers. The region’s robust infrastructure and extensive supply chain network have enabled the smooth transportation of products and materials from these manufacturers. A talented workforce and established ecosystem have drawn global firms like Boeing, DuPont, and Pfizer to the area.
Businesses utilize SQL to monitor materials. Manufacturers store production information in relational SQL databases and then use SQL to manage, manipulate, and analyze the data. SQL can help manufacturers process databases, keeping track of production runs, recipes, shifts, and products. Like in other industries, analysts in manufacturing use this data to assess problems and solutions relating to business flow, costs, inventory planning, material optimization, and customer satisfaction.
Have experience with SQL, and wondering what job opportunities are available to you? SQL experience and skills can help you start a position as an SQL Developer, a Business Analyst, or a Full-Stack Developer.
An SQL Developer designs and builds SQL databases and applications. SQL Developers need to know how to design, create, and manage databases and the applications used to interface with them. Knowing SQL commands is a must for these developers, as well as familiarity with a variety of RDBMS. In addition to these technical skills, SQL Developers must also have the ability to prepare documents and reports about the databases they’ve designed and created. Maintenance is also an important aspect of an SQL Developer’s responsibilities, as they’re expected to perform upgrades, backups, recoveries, and migrations.
SQL Developers may find work in a variety of industries. They’re needed by software development firms, retailers, healthcare organizations, and even universities. This position typically entails a full-time, 40-hour-per-week schedule. The average annual salary in the U.S. for an SQL Developer is $90,000. These professionals earn closer to $112,000 in Philadelphia on average, but the realistic salary range is anywhere between $85,000 on the lowest end and $147,000 for more senior-level roles. An SQL Developer may also apply for Database Developer, MySQL Developer, and Oracle Database Developer positions.
Business Analysts analyze problems businesses face and provide solutions to those problems. These analysts need business and project management skills to carry out their objectives. A successful Business Analyst has strong leadership skills and decision-making abilities. This requires them to master project management, communication, and active listening. As for technical skills, most companies expect Business Analysts to know certain coding languages, databases, and project management tools.
Business Analysts may have a degree in finance, accounting, business administration, economics, or statistics. Most positions won’t require certifications, but some companies may prefer to hire candidates who possess an IIBA certification, including a Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA) or the Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP).
Depending on their employer, each day a Business Analyst will have varying tasks. Corporations, government organizations, medical companies, and IT companies all hire business analysts for a variety of reasons. Business Analysts may choose to work full-time on-site or provide freelance services to companies remotely. The average salary for a Business Analyst is impacted by the different ways that their services are offered. A Business Analyst in the U.S. makes an average annual salary of $84,000. In the Philly region, however, the salary expectation for a Business Analyst is somewhere between $109,000 and $139,000. As with higher skill levels and years of experience, IIBA certification may help achieve a higher salary.
Companies hire Full-Stack Developers to build web applications and websites. Full-Stack Developers work on the front and back-end of websites and applications, which requires them to have knowledge of server and client-side programming languages and an understanding of web development. They may coordinate with a team of designers or UI/UX developers before working on projects.
Full-Stack Developers often work with other developers in small teams to ensure all aspects of their company’s apps and site run smoothly. Because they’re expected to know how to work on the front and back-end, they may spend some time working on one before switching over to the other alongside their team. Day-to-day work for a Full-Stack Developer may include coding, doing code sprints, troubleshooting, optimizing algorithms, or fixing bugs.
Full-Stack Developers need soft skills in addition to technical skills. Because most companies expect them to work with a team, Full-Stack Developers must have excellent interpersonal communication skills. Many full-stack development and programming courses require students to work on projects with each other, pushing them to develop their communication skills. Additionally, team projects in a learning environment help students gain experience in preparing reports and giving presentations on the work that they’ve done.
The average salary for a Full-Stack Developer in the U.S. is $124,000. In Philadelphia, you can typically expect salaries between $119,000 and $144,000. Some positions even exceed $200,000 in the Philly region. This salary depends on location, as cities with higher costs of living typically pay more, the industry that a Full-Stack Developer works in, and the size of the company they work for. It’s common for Full-Stack Developers to possess a four-year computer science degree, although the field has increasingly begun accepting graduates of coding bootcamps.
If you live in the Philadelphia area, check out the in-person and online SQL classes available to you. Learning SQL from an expert instructor in an environment where you can ask questions, receive feedback, and gain hands-on experience is the most thorough way to learn SQL.
Noble Desktop provides students the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of basic SQL in its live online SQL Bootcamp. The 18-hour course begins by covering how to view tables, columns, and rows. After you have gained an understanding of viewing databases, you’ll learn how to code queries with SQL to extract specific information. This ability will allow you to work with SQL to filter data, group it, and turn it into insights. In addition to SQL querying, this course offers lessons in RDBMS like PostgreSQL and the DBeaver app, a cross-platform database tool. This section of the bootcamp will encourage students to explore the database and execute SQL queries. Because SQL boasts relatively simple syntax, you can take what you learn in lessons on PostgreSQL and apply it to Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL after the course.
This bootcamp is ideal for anyone working with data, including Business Analysts, Data Analysts, Data Scientists, and Web Developers. However, no prior experience is required to enroll in this course. Students should have a basic familiarity with computers and an eagerness to gain hands-on experience with SQL. After the course has finished, even the most beginner-level students will understand how to explore and query data in a database, use join statements, filter data using subqueries and other techniques, and use aggregate functions.
The SQL Bootcamp costs $975 due in full before the bootcamp begins. The price of tuition includes supplemental materials, a 1-year free retake policy, and a certificate of completion. Students enrolled in Noble’s live online courses must obtain the required software before their courses begin. Most coding classes use free and open-source software, and Noble Desktop will help students obtain a free trial of any required paid software before class begins.
However, if you want to learn SQL in a different way, you have plenty of options. You could learn SQL along with a slew of other useful programming languages and tools, such as Python, in the Data Science & AI Certificate or the Data Analytics Certificate. This also applies to other bootcamps like the Excel Bootcamp and the Python for Data Science Bootcamp.
Interested in corporate training in SQL? Noble Desktop can provide your organization with team training in SQL 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. Live online courses allow your team to attend a remote course via a web conferencing platform. Onsite training is available in select locations.
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. If your team is available to commute to Noble Desktop’s Midtown Manhattan location, you may enroll them in private training classes.
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.