Is it Difficult to Learn SQL?

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SQL is the standard language used for handling relational databases. SQL is used to perform various tasks on a database, such as creating, modifying, and deleting tables, adding and retrieving data from tables, and enforcing constraints on the data.

Also Read: How to Prepare for MySQL Interview

Introduction to SQL (Structured Query Language)

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Overview of SQL

SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is used for creating, querying, updating, and deleting data from relational databases. SQL is used by a number of professionals to extract meaningful insight from a large collection of data. SQL is a declarative language, i.e., users can specify what data they want to retrieve or manipulate, rather than how to do it.

History of SQL

SQL was first developed by IBM in the 1970s and has since become the standard language used by most relational database management systems (RDBMS). The language was originally called SEQUEL (Structured English Query Language) but was later renamed to SQL due to trademark issues. In the 1980s, SQL was adopted as an ANSI standard, and later as an ISO standard in the 1990s.

Common SQL commands

  • SELECT: Used to retrieve data from one or more tables.
  • INSERT: Used to insert new rows into a table.
  • UPDATE: Used to modify existing data in a table.
  • DELETE: Used to delete rows from a table.
  • CREATE: Used to create a new table, view, or another database object.
  • DROP: Used to delete a table, view, or another database object.
  • ALTER: Used to modify the structure of a table or other database object.

Is it difficult to learn SQL?

Learning SQL takes time and practice, but with a little patience, persistence, hard work, relevant resources, and the right approach anyone can become proficient in managing and querying relational databases.

Here is a step-wise approach to learning SQL.

  1. Database & DBMS: In the very beginning we must know about databases and DBMS as at the end of the day we are going to work with databases using SQL. We must know the basic terminology behind databases and DBMS i.e., what is a database, what are its applications, and what is the relation between database and DMBS, etc.
  2. Basics of SQL: Then one must learn the basics of SQL, such as creating tables, inserting, and updating data in the table. Understand the syntax and structure of SQL commands before moving to the advanced concepts.
  3. Practice: In order to gain hands-on experience, practice with sample databases that provide real-world scenarios. You can look for sample databases on the internet that you can use to practice your SQL skills.
  4. Online Course: Online courses are a great way to learn SQL, as they provide properly formatted lectures along with practice problems and exercises. Some of the popular platforms for online courses are Udemy, Coursera, Scalar, etc.
  5. Online Resources: Online resources like blogs, forums, SQL tutorials, and official documentation can also be really useful to get a good grasp of the concept.
  6. Join a community: Joining an online community of SQL users can be a great way to learn from others and get help with any issues you encounter. You can find SQL communities on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, as well as forums like Reddit and Stack Overflow.
  7. Apply your skills: Once you have a basic understanding of SQL, apply your skills to real-world projects. This can help solidify your understanding of SQL and provide valuable experience for future projects.

Summary

SQL is a standard for working with relational databases. In this tutorial, we have given a brief insight into what you will be doing with SQL and what will be the outcome of learning SQL. Also, you have seen a step-wise approach to learning SQL effectively. Hope it helps.

Reference

https://docs.data.world/documentation/sql/concepts/basic/intro.html