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SQL, short for Structured Query Language, is a standard programming language used since the 1970s to design, create, and manage relational databases. Unlike other programming languages that build apps, websites, and software, SQL enables storage, retrieval, and data manipulation within databases.
For instance, while applications are commonly coded in popular languages like Ruby or Python, databases require a different configuration entirely. That’s where SQL comes in. SQL is commonly pronounced “Sequel”, although many in the industry refer to it by its acronym “S.Q.L.” No matter the vernacular, SQL helps programmers working with data to:
SQL’s unique markup and use of tables allows SQL to configure data in columns and rows, letting SQL users easily access, manipulate, and analyze specific datasets. Today we will explore why SQL is a foundational database tool for any aspiring programmer, and how to start learning the SQL basics for free.
SQL is old. So old, in fact, that it’s been a rite of passage for programmers working with databases for nearly 50 years. So why learn SQL if it’s such an “ancient” programming language?
For one, SQL is everywhere. Nearly all businesses today, from mom-and-pop start-ups to Fortune 500 companies like Facebook, Netflix, and Uber, use data to run their operations. To manage this data they rely on databases, which have scaled consistently to meet growing commerce demands. Thankfully, SQL is the perfect tool to query data and perform analysis within large scale, high-performance database systems.
Second, to meet the growing needs, employers consistently need tech professionals with SQL skills as well, from entry level data analysts to data scientists and data engineers.
And finally, SQL is consistently the top language for data work. In fact, according to a 2020 Stack Overflow survey, more than 70% of all developers who work with data use SQL, which is greater than any other language. Further, SQL remains the most popular technology amongst data scientists and analysts, even beating Python and R. With its relevance and staying power, SQL will undoubtedly remain a staple technology for many years to come.
There are thousands of ways to learn SQL online, some of which can get you started with the basics and others which can help you launch your career. So out of all the free resources out there, what is the best way to learn SQL? Let’s examine how to learn SQL free and get the most out of your time.
1. Watch a Video. Visual learners rejoice! An online tutorial is a great way to get familiar with the visual components of coding in SQL while learning SQL vocabulary. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular video options out there.
2. Walk through a Tutorial. Tutorials can be a helpful tool for beginners, self-paced learners, and programmers needing a quick refresher. Here are a few of our favorites.
3. Take a Free Class. Learning SQL can be easiest with industry professionals and within a structured environment. Thus, here are a handful of quick and popular courses to get you started with the SQL fundamentals.
4. Consult a resource. Visual learners, take note (and bookmark)! Here are some free and easy go-to resources to reference as you learn and use SQL.
5. Consult a Thread. When in doubt, ask a fellow programmer. Thankfully there are millions of forums discussing and answering your questions. Here are a few threads to get you started.
6. Try a free bootcamp. Although not always thorough, free bootcamps can be a quick and intensive way to hone your SQL skills. Consider these bootcamps that can take you out of your programming newbie comfort zone.
7. Earn a SQL certification. While you may not have the time to earn a traditional degree, knowing where to find the best SQL certification can put you miles above the pack. Here are a few options to get you started.
8. Install a Free SQL Database System. Many of the most common SQL database systems are free or have trial options to get you comfortable. Free, open source SQL databases such as MySQL and PostgreSQL remain popular options, while industry leaders like Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle have free trial options. Downloading an SQL database like these will give you the opportunity for hands-on trial and error as you learn to use SQL.
9. Work on a real project. Start small, and find a project using SQL to play with. Once you get comfortable, familiarize yourself with a real-life dataset that interests you and use a database to play around. Daily coding practice with this will improve your skills and help you search out answers as you go. Not only will your practice improve your confidence, but your portfolio will thank you later as you enter the job field.
10. Land at Lambda School. Although there are thousands of courses online, most do not prepare programmers for the complexities and challenges of the real world. That’s where Lambda School comes in. To truly learn SQL and other programming languages, you must not only learn the most in-demand technologies from industry experts but take learning a step further. Thus, the best way to learn SQL is at Lambda School, where the rigorous Data Science Program helps students master the languages and frameworks needed in the industry today with an immersive coding curriculum focused on SQL and other data science essentials such as Python, data visualization, machine learning, linear algebra, databases, statistics and modeling, natural language processing, and more. Lambda School has multiple tuition options to fit your needs, including our Income Share Agreement (ISA) and CA Retail Installment Contract (CA RIC), which allow learners to pay no upfront tuition and only pay once they land a job post-graduation.
Perhaps you’ve started learning some SQL on your own but realize the tutorials and free classes can only get you so far. Maybe you need more structure, support, and in-depth immersion to deepen your learning but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg going back to school. Well Lambda School might have the special sauce you’re looking for.
To get a comprehensive computer science education, consider Lambda School’s Data Science, Web Development, and Backend Development programs, where industry professionals will teach you everything you need to know about frameworks and languages like SQL leading the industry today. Have a passion for SQL and want to dive deeper? Then the Data Science program will be a great fit for you and can help you launch your career in applied statistics or machine learning.
How long does it take to learn SQL? Lambda School offers 6-month full-time data science courses that will prepare you for a career in tech with no upfront cost. The program includes job preparation, supportive mentorship, and peer-to-peer support to help you stay motivated. Additionally, Lambda School offers Computer Science coursework and group labs projects to highlight your skills when you enter the field.
Apply to Lambda to start learning about our Data Science, Web Development, and Backend Development programs. Get started with your new career today!
