The benefits offered by learning SQL are considerable and growing. In the past few years, the use and popularity of this language have grown significantly.
This is a trend that is set to continue as more and more organizations are collecting and analyzing data. They need individuals who know how to make sense of the information this data provides.
However, if you still aren’t sure that you should learn SQL, keep reading. Here you can learn what it is and why learning it can be so beneficial.
What Is SQL?
If you have never heard of SQL, now is the time to find out what it is. Structured Query Language or SQL is essentially a beefed-up version of Excel.
It provides the same type of two-dimensional spreadsheet look and logic. While this is true, there are two main differences between Excel and SQL.
1. Performance
If you regularly use Google Sheets or Excel, you know you may be dealing with a limit of 100K row datasets. With SQL, you have over 10 million rows.
2. Data Access Method
SQL is a powerful tool; however, there is a tradeoff. You must give up the point-and-click user interface offered by Excel.
You must, in some cases, take SQL courses to learn how to create queries. The good news is, it is not as difficult as it may seem.
Benefits Offered by Taking Time to Learn SQL
Now that you know what SQL is, it is time to learn about the benefits of learning it.
Increase Your Skills as a Developer
People who have not sought training in SQL or other coding languages usually believe they are too hard to learn. This means many employers seek out and put more value on those who do have SQL knowledge.
Even if an employer is not familiar with SQL, the job candidate can let them know the importance of the language. They can also share the knowledge of how it plays a pivotal role in modern database management.
This means, when you develop specialty SQL skills, you can increase your value and desirability to potential employers. Some of the positions that require knowledge in SQL include:
- Data scientist
- Data analyst
- Database administrator
- Back-end developer
If you are seeking a job in one of these fields, learning SQL can be extremely beneficial.
Ability to Access More Data, Quicker
Once you complete an SQL course, you can access up to 10 times the data than you did before. This is because you no longer have to ask developers to pull different SQL tables. You can discover all the data tables on your own.
If you come up with a new analytics idea, you can query all relevant data right away. You don’t have to wait for the gatekeepers. As a result, you will be autonomous.
SQL Provides Numerous Technological Abilities
Today, SQL is used as a default code language. It is used for interfacing with databases and retrieving data.
For example, SQL can be found in all types of technology. This includes Android and iPhone devices.
Another main use for SQL is in different databases. This includes PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL. These types of databases are used for supporting companies of all types and sizes.
SQL is Open-Source
SQL is considered an open-source programming language. This means it has a huge community of developers.
SQL is much easier to learn than most other programming languages, including C++. Most of the databases that use SQL are also open source.
Learning SQL Makes It Easier to Learn Additional Languages
The skills you acquire while learning SQL can be used for learning other programming languages. For example, developers have discovered that learning SQL makes learning languages like Python, JavaScript, and C++ easier.
You will find several reasons that SQL makes it easier for you to learn different programming languages. For example:
- Straightforward framework
- Flexibility with optimization options
- Adapted and extended using new calculations
Starting with SQL means you are setting yourself up for success when trying to learn future languages.
The Ability to Handle 1 Million Plus Data Rows
SQL can perform with much larger datasets. It can handle one million, 10 million, and 100 million lines.
This is just the beginning.
The main power of SQL comes to light when you are working with two or more databases. In several databases, it is a hassle to merge two or more tables.
With SQL, it is possible to do this by writing just a few lines of code. The computing time to complete this is just a few seconds.
SQL Has a Secure Future
Unlike other programming languages, SQL has roots that date back all the way to the 1970s. Since this time, the language has remained popular.
While SQL has changed in many ways through the years, some parts of the language have remained constant. After learning SQL, you can have confidence knowing that what you are learning will not be extinct in the near future.
There are more than a few reasons that SQL is expected to be around for the foreseeable future. These reasons include:
- It’s more efficient than writing code
- SQL language can be adapted with modifications
- It is easy to learn
- It is reliable for many industries
This means that investing time to learn SQL now will provide you with a long-term skill.
SQL Enhances Your Resume
As mentioned above, SQL is a skill that is in high demand. In any industry that uses spreadsheet tools, having SQL can help set you apart from other job candidates.
If you are pursuing a job in accounting, finance, business analytics, digital marketing, or something else, knowing SQL can be invaluable.
In these fields, having business skills is a must. However, until recently, technical skills were exclusive to developers.
Currently, it is hard to find talent with good business sense along with SQL skills.
If you know SQL, you are going to stand out to any other applicants. You will also increase the chances of being hired and be able to negotiate a better salary.
When you learn SQL, you are making an investment in your career.
Powerful Features
Instead of relying on the basic, pre-built reports, SQL will empower users to do many things with databases. Also, most people find it easier to learn SQL than other database languages. With this, you have a language that provides more control, and that is simple to learn.
There are more than a few skills that you can perform when you take the time to learn SQL. This includes learning how structural databases function and how you can create one.
You can also learn how to perform SQL queries to get information and how to create databases for ongoing and scalable growth. You can also use it to learn other database management systems and learn how to interact with MySQL or PHP to achieve set database goals.
It’s Easy
When it comes to SQL, there’s no reason not to learn it. It is a simple and straightforward process. Some people have learned SQL in just two days with no other coding knowledge.
This isn’t true for just extremely talented individuals. It is because SQL is simple to learn.
To begin applying SQL in your day-to-day tasks, all you have to learn are about 10 to 15 keywords and several syntax rules.
Keep in mind, though, that SQL can be tricky when you combine the rules just like everything else. With a bit of practice, you can learn and master SQL’s basics.
At this point, developing your skills will take no more than to continue learning SQL and solve more advanced problems when at work.
Also, when you learn SQL, you will be on your way to learning other coding languages, which will benefit your career in the future.
Are You Ready to Learn SQL?
As you can see from the information here, you will see more than a few benefits when you take the time to learn SQL. Be sure to find a quality course to ensure you gather the skills that you need.
When it comes to learning a new programming language, it is something that will require time and effort. While this is true, it is also a worthwhile endeavor.
Are you ready to find more tips and advice regarding programming languages, digital marketing, and other factors? If so, take some time to read the other posts on our blog. Our goal is to help keep you informed.