Is Being An SQL Developer Hard?

SQL (Structured Query Language) is the primary programming language used to alter and update databases. It's very powerful, as you can achieve more by writing fewer lines of code. The syntax is also easier to master, which has made it one of the easiest programming languages for anyone. While mastering the SQL basics might sound straightforward, it's building a successful career as an SQL developer that worries many people.

Being an SQL developer is not as easy as mastering SQL code and queries, as you'll be working on different databases and need to know the database architecture. You also need to know the type of code to write for specific functions, which can vary with businesses. However, the task gets easier as you progress in your career, although it might take you months to achieve this.

This article will look at whether SQL is hard to learn, the skills needed for a database developer, and four data-based jobs you can get with SQL.

How Hard Is Being An SQL Developer?

SQL is a more accessible programming language to learn but also a bit challenging to master. Being a proficient SQL developer is even harder, given the broader tasks you have to undertake daily. Also, as an SQL developer, you'll be working with multiple databases, with most of them being different. This means you have to keep learning, and most of the time, you'll be doing so on the job.

Understanding database architecture is crucial to building a strong SQL developer career, and this, unfortunately, is not something you learn in school.

Many SQL developers get their first job fresh from school, and they have to work under a mentor who helps them grow into a proficient SQL developer.

SQL developers have to master different queries needed to execute certain commands. They also need to understand what each code does and how it affects the database. Besides working with code, SQL developers also need a good understanding of the business world and collecting, sorting, and presenting data that affects the business.

Is SQL Hard To Learn?

SQL is relatively easier to learn, especially if you have a computer programming background. However, you don't need prior experience to become an SQL developer since the programming language uses simple syntaxes that many people can understand.

The queries are also structured in simple grammar, allowing anyone to understand their meaning. However, becoming a fully-certified SQL developer does take time, as there are more queries to learn. Learning the basics would take you around three months to grasp, but it might take you longer to become fluent in your work.

Can A Beginner SQL Developer Get A Job?

Although many companies lack faith in computer programmer beginners, some still give them a chance to grow. However, the opportunities are fewer, and internships are the only options available for people with such qualifications.

As an SQL intern, you'll work with other SQL programmers and learn from them. If your skills are impressive, you might take on simpler tasks, such as updating databases under a controlled environment. Although the role comes with very little to no financial packages, the skills and experience earned would help you further your career and command confidence in your line of work.

After taking an introductory certificate course, you can become an SQL intern, which might take you a few months to complete. However, it's best to take the initiative and practice on your own to grow your skills. This way, you can learn more before you start working.

SQL Database Developer Skills You'll Need

Success in any line of work is dependent on the type of skills required and how fast you can master them. While these skills can come naturally to some people, some require a bit of time and practice to nail them down. Here are the top SQL database developer skills that everyone planning to work in this field should have:

• Database management – Keeping the database updated and backing up the data to ensure the company has an alternative
• SQL joins skills – Helps to merge data from different databases and tables, which speeds up the data collection and decision making
• Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) skills – Comes in handy when creating a sophisticated database that executes data fast and accurately
• Managing database architecture – This includes learning WAMP (Windows, Apache, MySQL, and PHP) that comes in handy when maintaining the company's website.
• Execution skills – Come in handy when you understand a query's efficiency and how to troubleshoot an underperforming query
• Microsoft SQL server skills – Working with SQL servers which are becoming common with businesses globally
• Indexing skills – These skills help to speed up the queries and the database's response time.

Keep in mind that it takes time to develop these skills, and most of them you have to learn on your own, as there are no courses to help you out. There are also soft skills that you need to thrive in this role, and they include:

• Critical thinking
• Communication skills
• Decision-making
• Problem-solving

Four Database Jobs You Can Get With SQL

After learning SQL, there are some jobs that you can qualify for almost immediately after graduation. They include:

• Database administrator – It's a beginner-friendly role where you'll be in charge of ensuring the database is in optimal condition. You'll be in charge of SQL developers as your skills grow, and you'll be taking on tasks like data architecture.
• Business analyst – You'll be helping businesses make sense of the data collected and recommending any action needed. This role requires understanding the business world and how it works.
• Data scientists - Help combine the technology and business world and help solve any analytical problems arising within these environments. Besides mining crucial data, they also help decision-makers understand the data's meaning.
• Database developer – You'll work in teams to create, update, and manage databases. You'll need to master SQL queries to thrive in this role.

Final Thoughts

SQL developers are in high demand, given the growing need for companies to digitize their businesses. They work on different roles, including developing databases and working with data to help companies make sense of everything. SQL is easy to learn, but it might take you longer to master it. A beginner SQL developer can work as an intern where they improve their skills and experience.