For an instructor lead, in-depth look at learning SQL click below.
Welcome! If you’re reading this, it means you’re ready to venture into the fascinating world of Structured Query Language (SQL). SQL is a powerful tool used to communicate with, manipulate, and analyze data stored in a relational database. Below are some essential resources and examples of SQL code to help you get started.
What is SQL and Why Learn It?
SQL (pronounced “sequel”) stands for Structured Query Language. It’s used to manage and manipulate databases. When it comes to handling data effectively, SQL is your go-to. It’s employed in a variety of tech jobs, such as database administrator, data scientist, and software engineer, to name a few. Learning SQL can open up new career opportunities and enhance your analytic skills.
Getting Started: Your First SQL Query
At the heart of SQL is the query: a statement that allows you to fetch, insert, update, or delete data. The simplest of these is the SELECT statement, used to fetch data.
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-- Example of SELECT statement SELECT * FROM Students; |
In the example above, ‘Students’ is the name of the table. The star (*) denotes all columns in the table. So, this query fetches all data from every column in the table ‘Students’.
Conditional Selection
More often than not, you’ll need to fetch data conditionally. SQL provides the WHERE clause for such scenarios.
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-- Example of SELECT statement with WHERE clause SELECT * FROM Students WHERE Age > 18; |
This query fetches all columns for students older than 18 years from the ‘Students’ table.
Resources for Learning SQL
There are several excellent resources available online to learn SQL. Interactive websites like Khan Academy, Codecademy, and SQLZoo can help beginners to get hands-on practice. Books like “SQL: The Complete Reference” and “Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes” also have been appreciated by beginners.
Conclusion
Though starting with SQL may seem daunting, understanding the basics can go a long way in your data analytics journey. Through continuous practice and exposure to various problems, you’ll soon appreciate the power and elegance of SQL. Happy querying!