The Best Way to Learn SQL - with links to tutorials!

Read about the best way to learn SQL, the best tutorials to learn SQL, and which careers you can have if you learn SQL!

 

 

The Best Way to Learn SQL

 
What Is SQL

S.Q.L? See-Qwill? We are not going to answer THAT question. According to wikipedia, SQL is a domain-specific language used in programming and designed for managing data held in a relational database management system, or for stream processing in a relational data stream management system. That sounds complicated. It really is not. Put another way, SQL is the way you can 'talk' to where your data lives.

 
What is it used for?

SQL is used to talk to your database - where your data is stored. It is used to create, organize, manage, and retrieve data in all sorts of databases. It is the most popular language for this purpose and is used in almost all organizations that use data regularly. It became the standard in the mid 80's and has so many benefits including:

 

  • It is easy to learn.
  • There are so many resources and tutorials online, including communities that can help you answer questions and learn!
  • Its the most efficient way to access data in a relational database management systems.
  • It allows you to create, define, describe, and manipulate databases, tables, and data.
  • It can be used with other programming languages such as Python, R, Javascript.
  • But with so many resources available to learn xxx, where do you begin?

 

The Best Way to Learn SQL

At Learnit.fyi, we recognize that you may not be able to take a college course or have time for an intensive in-person bootcamps. We also recognize that everyone learns differently. We have aggregated and organized courses, videos, books, blogs, and podcasts that will help you learn at your own pace and however you best learn. Click here to browse all resources on SQL. Here are a few steps you can take to learn SQL at your own pace.

Take a SQL Class

While you can teach yourself some basic SQL commands, most people find that taking a SQL class is helpful for acquiring new skills. Learning fundamental SQL concepts through hands-on training will best prepare you for advanced SQL topics and prepare you for certification testing.

Our favorite Classes on SQL are:

SQL for Data Science by IBM from edX

Learn SQL Nanodegree from Udacity

Learn SQL from Code Academy

SQL For Data Science from Coursera

Learning SQL Programming Linkedin Learning

The Complete SQL Bootcamp 2021: Go from Zero to Hero from Udemy

Introduction to SQL from Pluralsight

If you are not ready for a class, start with learning the basics of SQL and what its used for.

We recommend to watch a video, listen to a podcast, or read through a blog to understand the basics of SQL. Like everything else, diving into learning something new can be daunting. But if you start slow, understand some of the major benefits of SQL, and who/how to use it, you will really be able to stay committed to learning it!

Our favorite videos on SQL are:

Our favorite blogs on SQL are: 

Our favorite podcasts on SQL are:

Practice

The best way to learn SQL is by practicing it. Install a free open source database, such as dbeaver, so you can start writing and running simple queries using your own data. We also recommend to have a list of great resources available to you such as blogs (see above), communities, and books.

Our favorite Books on SQL are:

 

What Jobs can I have if I learn SQL?

At Learnit.FYI, you can search for a skill like SQL and we will match your skills to a set of jobs requiring SQL as well as tell you other skills to learn to be a more competitive candidate.  The top careers and jobs that require SQL are:

  • SQL Developer
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Engineer
  • Business Analyst
  • Solutions Architect. 

To see what skills you need to become a SQL Developer, Data Analyst, Data Engineer, Business Analyst, or Solutions Architect check out our discover careers section

 

What Else Should I Learn to Complement My SQL Skills?

While there are many programming languages that you can learn, SQL is a language that may be learned and used on its its own. You don't need to learn another programming skill. However, SQL developers can standout if they have experience with other languages and skills. The top associated skills with SQL are:

To see learn more about these and other skills check out our skills section. 

If you would like to contribute to Learnit.FYI, through suggestions, recommendations, learning sources, or writing content for us, please reach out at hello@learnit.fyi

At Learnit.FYI, we make it easy for you to find the best source to learn a new skill or change your career, no matter how you like to learn. We organize and showcase free and paid courses, videos, blogs, podcast and books so you can save time and focus on learning. All of the Learnit.FYI Team have gone through career changes and learning skills through different types of sources, as well as taking class online & earning degrees & certificates through universities. Collectively we bring our expertise and experience in software engineering, Marketing, design, data science, operations, and to offer our recommendations.

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