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Whether you are a developer, IT program or project manager, or just do a lot of work with databases, understanding the basics of Structured Query Language (SQL) is an invaluable tool in your management arsenal. If you want to expand your development skills, you might wonder, “how long does it take to learn SQL?” The good news is that for most people, the answer is “not very long.”
In fact, for most people, learning the basics of SQL only takes a few weeks, although it does take a while to truly become proficient in the language and its many applications.
This article will map out the process of learning SQL and provide a comprehensive overview of the question, “how long does it take to learn SQL?”
Table of Contents
What Is SQL?
The simplest explanation is that SQL helps bring multiple databases with similar but different information together in a way that:
- It lets end users view a summary of data
- Allows for the development of hybrid analysis and reporting
- Links data for queries
- It lets users update databases without having to make multiple entries
Not only does SQL help you manage data, but it also helps you understand relational database concepts and the process of creating tools end users can use daily. For the end user, understanding SQL lets them get a handle on the type of data that will be most useful to them and lets developers create methods of presenting that data in an easily understood format.
SQL not only speeds up querying at the end user point but also makes it easier to organize needed data while ignoring unneeded data. For example, suppose you are setting up a data interface that oversees shipping processes for a retail outlet. In that case, SQL lets the developers take information from multiple databases instead of having one with vast amounts of information.
In this example, a purchaser might need to know where a product is in the supply chain but does not need to know all the information regarding that supply chain. SQL lets that purchaser see where products are and when to expect them without getting into the particulars about suppliers, transportation, individual retail warehousing information, etc.
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Once you learn SQL, finding work in the field is not difficult.
Why Learn SQL?
Just about every business uses SQL in some form. Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and many other database management systems are built on SQL or utilize SQL concepts to help end users design programs useful to their business needs.
SQL is also a more efficient way to manage data than traditional spreadsheets. SQL lets you manipulate large datasets easily, and since it is a language, transferring tools used to manipulate data is simple. You do not need to manage dozens of formulas or constantly create querying tools each time you want to work with a dataset.
Finally, because SQL is easy to learn, relatively inexpensive to deploy, and provides transparency at the development level, it is a skill in high demand. Once you learn SQL, finding work in the field is not difficult.
Is SQL Difficult to Learn?
The short answer is that for the average learner, SQL basics are easy to master. They should only take a few weeks. Once the basics are laid down, understanding more complex concepts takes time, but because SQL is logical and linear, most people can pick them up with relative ease.
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How Long Does It Take To Learn SQL?
So, how long does it take to learn SQL? You should be able to learn the fundamentals of SQL in a few weeks. After that, the time it takes to become proficient, as with any skill, depends on how much you apply what you have learned.
If you learn the basics and then do not use SQL often, proficiency will take a lot of time. If you utilize SQL in your job and practice it in your free time, you will become proficient quickly.
How Do I Start Learning SQL?
There are three ways to start learning SQL.
On Your Own
There are multiple books available that can teach you the basics of SQL and more complex SQL topics. You may find that in addition to other instructional methods, self-teaching will aid you in mastering the language.
Classroom Instruction
Many community colleges and other academic institutions offer classes in SQL. To utilize this approach, you must have a block of time to commit to the classes.
Sink or Swim
Some people learn SQL via their work experience. Learning on the go is the most difficult of all the methods because there is very little margin of error. If you pursue learning SQL this way, make sure you make it clear that you are learning on the job and that there is a margin of error to expect.
All Three
Most people learn the language via a combination of all three. A combination of the three is perhaps the best way to learn SQL basics and its practical application. The key here is to work with your managers to create an environment that lets you dedicate the time necessary and also try out what you have learned in a non-critical environment.
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SQL Takeaways
SQL is not a difficult language to learn, particularly if you have development experience or if your mind is acclimated to thinking like a developer. For those with IT development experience, learning the basics of SQL will be very easy and should only take a few days or a couple of weeks at the most.
The challenge is becoming proficient with SQL, and that takes time, commitment, and practical experience. A good way to learn SQL beyond any coursework is to practice on your own beyond the course requirements and to work with it in a real-time environment.
If you want to learn this programming language, enroll in a course with Amphy to start your journey of understanding what SQL is and how it can help you in your daily work.
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