Let’s say you’re curious about data. Maybe you’re into analytics, building apps, or you’ve just heard that SQL is something all data folks use. But you’re starting from zero.
Cool. Let’s change that.
What Even Is SQL?
SQL (Structured Query Language) is the language we use to talk to databases. Imagine a giant spreadsheet, but smarter. SQL helps you ask questions like:
- Who bought chips yesterday?
- What’s the average sale amount?
- Show me all users who haven’t logged in since last week.
You ask the questions — SQL gets the answers.
Who Should Learn SQL?
Anyone working with data, even just a little:
- Data analysts
- Web developers
- Marketers
- Data scientists
- Product managers
Why Learn It?
- It’s simple to start and powerful to master
- You get better insights, faster
- Used across all industries
- Makes you look smart and valuable at work
How to Learn SQL – Step by Step
1. Start With the Basics: Create Your Playground
- CREATE TABLE – Create a new table
- ALTER TABLE – Modify columns
- DROP TABLE – Delete a table
- TRUNCATE TABLE – Remove all data but keep the structure
- Data Types – INT, VARCHAR, DATE, etc.
2. Add Real Data
- INSERT INTO – Add records
- UPDATE – Modify data
- DELETE – Remove records
- SELECT – Query the database
3. Filter, Sort, and Limit
- WHERE – Filter rows
- DISTINCT – Remove duplicates
- ORDER BY – Sort results
- LIMIT / TOP – Limit result rows
4. Advanced Filtering
5. Start Crunching Numbers
6. Joins and Relationships
7. Subqueries and CTEs
8. Set Operations
9. Constraints and Keys
10. Transactions and Performance
11. Views and Stored Logic
12. Import/Export
Bonus: SQL for Data Science
Start small. Stay curious. You’re already ahead by just getting started.