Is SQL A Good Beginner Language?

If you are interested in working in a tech-based or data position, you may be wonder which digital languages you need to learn to get the job done. Is SQL a good language to start with, or should beginners learn something else first?

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a program language that allows for communication with databases. This is an essential language for anyone working with data to learn and is a great beginner language for those in the technology field.

Whether you plan on working in the finance industry, music applications, or tech sector, knowing SQL is beneficial. If you want more information on learning SQL as a beginner language, keep reading!

Is SQL A Good Language For Beginners?

For those just starting out, it can be difficult to figure out which programs, applications, and languages come first. Should you learn Python or Java? Is SQL important? How much of an understanding do you need of operating systems?

While the information you will need to learn can vary depending on the job wish to obtain, one thing for certain is that SQL will benefit you no matter what.

As a general rule, anyone dealing with data should have a deep understanding SQL. Not only is it the most widely used database coding language, but it is also designed to simplify the process of database management.

How Hard Is It To Learn SQL?

When it comes to programing languages, SQL is great for beginners because it is fairly easy to grasp. Even those without a tech background have been able to pick up SQL quickly because its intuitive English-based syntax.

Commands such as SELECT, DELETE, and INSERT all mean the same things they would if they were spoken verbally to another human. For those who aren’t as technical- or mathematical-minded, this makes it easier to comprehend then learning something like Java or Python.

Does SQL Require Coding Knowledge?

Since it is a coding language, many people shy away from learning SQL because they fear they lack the coding knowledge. However, learning SQL doesn’t require any coding knowledge at all.

SQL is all about answering questions with data. You will often write SQL queries that pull data from databases and combine them to process a solution.

Though you will have to learn enter commands to pull data from a database and display it in a table, there is no binary code or special characters to learn. This is because of the English-based syntax. Learn how to type SELECT and WHERE into a line, and you’re already halfway there.

How Long Does It Take To Learn SQL?

One of the biggest questions many people have when taking up a new skill is how long it will take them to learn it.

On average, SQL takes less than a month to learn the basics. Mastering SQL can take anywhere from three months to a year, and some of the more complex aspect can take even longer.

This is because SQL is a relatively simple coding language. So simple, in fact, that many people to choose to learn the language on their own.

However, self-led learning can make mastery take longer. So, if you are trying to speed up the process, you best bet is to look into attending an SQL program.

Can You Learn SQL In A Week?

While most people will need at least two weeks to get the basics down, everyone learns at different speeds.

It is possible to learn the foundational aspects of SQL in a week or less with a bit of determination. Some have even been able to pick it up in just a couple of hours.

However, this is going to greatly depend on the knowledge you have before you start and the amount of focus and effort you are willing to commit.

Typically, it is best to stick with the basics at the beginning, since this is going make up the largest chunk of what you need to know about SQL.

Are SQL Skills In Demand?

Almost all businesses in today’s modern world rely on data to run their operations. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small brick and mortar or multinational operation, the business is collecting data to improve decision making, optimize business processes, and create new streams of revenue.

The data that is collected is managed using a database, which, of course, requires experts who know how to run those databases.

Though there are other database languages out there, SQL is the most commonly used. In fact, SQL is considered one of the most sought-after skills on the job market today. And, if you are new to the data industry, knowing SQL is going to be even more crucial to your success.

What Kinds Of Jobs Use SQL?

It’s all well and good to know that SQL is in demand, but what kind work can you be expected to do? Will you just be developing SQL databases, or are there other career choices out there?

If you do a job search for SQL on LinkedIn, you will find a list of over 1 million job postings. Some of the careers that you can expect to see include:

• Database Manager
• Data Analyst
• Database Administrator
• Software Engineer
• Data Coordinator
• Web Developer
• Quality Assurance Engineer
• Business Intelligence Analyst

SQL is also desired for roles outside of data positions because of how prevalent data is used in all industries. This could include careers such as technical writer, content strategist, or environmental scientist.

SQL is also put to use in large companies like Amazon, Netflix, and Microsoft.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this article taught you what you needed to know about learning SQL as a beginner.

Whether you want to be a data engineer or are starting up a hobby as a data tracker, learning SQL is going to be the first step to success. While it may seem overwhelming at first, SQL is a coding language that is not only easy for beginners to pick up but is used the most within the data sector.