SQL Courses are concerned with the study of Structured Query Language, commonly known as SQL. This is a standard programming language for relational databases. It is one of the older code, but despite this fact, it is still the most widely used database language. SQL is extremely common, so having a working knowledge of it will be very valuable to anyone involved in computer programming or who uses databases to collect information.
What Is SQL?
SQL is a programming language that is used to share and manage data. It is most commonly used with data that is found in relational database management systems, such as data that has been organized into tables. It can also allow multiple files, each containing tables of data, to be related together by using a common field. SQL enables the user to query, update, and reorganize data. It also allows the user to create and modify the schematics of a database system and allows the user to control access to its data.
History of SQL
In 1969, a researcher at IBM; Edgar F. Codd, defined the relational database model, which became the basis for developing the SQL language. This was built on common pieces of information that were associated with various data. When IBM began work on a brand new language for relational database management systems, they based this language on Codd’s original findings. The name given to the language initially was SEQUEL or Structured English Query Language. Given the working title of System R, the project endured many different implementations and revisions before eventually landing on SQL as its name. IBM began testing in 1978, and shortly after developed commercial products, including SQL/DS (1981) and DB2 (1983). Other tech companies hopped on the bandwagon and soon many different were announcing their own commercial SQL-based offerings. These included Oracle, which released its first product in 1979, as well as Sybase and Ingres.12
Why it’s important to learn SQL?
- SQL is the most universal and common used database language
- It powers the most commonly used database engines like MySQL, SQL Server, SQLite, and PostgreSQL:
- It is not really difficult to learn SQL
- SQL is not a programming language so anyone who can use English at a basic level can write SQL query easily
- Once you learn SQL it should be similar to work across any relational databases.
- SQL is one of the most sought-after skills by hiring employers
- It’s easy to understand as all companies no matter which industry they are in, they all rely on data and need to organize and understand the information in a relevant way
Who should learn SQL and for what purpose?
- Product Managers: Product managers always have to know inside out of the product they own, and the data speaks the truth about a product’s health. It’s good to know SQL and in control of what’s happening.
- Data Analysts: The word ‘data’ is already on the title, along with the popularity of relational databases, knowing SQL is a must.
- Data Scientists: The ones who always understand the data better than anyone else on Earth. How can they skip SQL?
- Data Engineers: Same with Data Scientists and Data Analysts, it’s a must to know SQL when you’re the ones who design the databases and keep it going.
- Backend Developers: This role is a bit similar to Data Engineers when it comes to database management. It’s hard to find a backend app without a database.
- Frontend developers: They aren’t going to write much SQL but with the rise of Angular.js, React.js, and other single-page application frameworks, you’re likely going to interact directly with the databases more often. So just learn SQL and it will be much helpful if one day you turn into a full stack developer.
- Mobile App Developers: If you are a mobile app developer, especially for Android, I would be surprised if you haven’t heard anything about SQLite. SQLite is an embedded database which has been widely used by the majority of Android developers for more than 20 years for the projects where they need to store the data on a device, not on a server. Of course, it’s powered by SQL.
- Marketers: As a marketer, you need to be data-driven. But you don’t want to rely on someone from the dev team who is always busy with other more important tasks to get the report you need to see. Knowing SQL will allow you to self-serve and empower you to better analyze the business. It’ll give you more insights and help yourself be more valuable.
Comments