Learn SQL

SQL stands for Structured Query Language and it can be pronounced as either a single word, “sequel,” or as an initialism where you say the individual letters. It is an open-source query language used to talk with the information stored in relational databases. It was created in 1974 by Raymond F. Boyce and Donald D. Chamberlin. The language was originally called SEQUEL, but the name was later changed to SQL to avoid trademark infringement.

The answer to this question will vary from person to person, but generally speaking, SQL is an accessible language. It has a gradual learning curve with simple commands that are structured similarly to standard English sentences. This makes it possible to start coding and see progress from an early stage. For example, without knowing any SQL, most people can understand the following film database query:
SELECT title, release_year FROM films WHERE release_year IN (2001, 2009)

This query would select the title of all films which were released in the year 2001 or 2009.

Yes. Every organization that stores information in databases can use SQL, from hospitals and schools to businesses large and small. It is for this reason that SQL is one of the most in-demand skills that companies are looking for. Why is it so useful? You can think of SQL as a supercharged Microsoft Excel. Using SQL, you can access, query, and extract huge amounts of data from multiple databases. It also allows you to perform powerful cross-database analyses. In summary, Robert Chang, Data Scientist at Airbnb, probably puts it best: "If I want to pick one thing for all data scientists to learn, I would say learn SQL.

No. You can learn SQL on DataCamp without installing any software—all the training and exercises can be completed in your browser.

SQL is a domain-specific language used to communicate with relational databases. It is not a general-purpose programming language like R or Python. Using SQL, you can create, write, update, and delete information in databases. These four operations can also be charmingly abbreviated to CRUD.

SQL has many different dialects. Popular varieties of SQL include PostgreSQL, Oracle, MySQL, and T-SQL. Similar to spoken dialects, coding dialects share certain functions in common—such as SELECT, FROM, and WHERE—but they also have their own unique syntax and features. These differences may impact which dialect of SQL you choose to achieve your data goals.

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