Why and How to Learn SQL

Key takeaways

• Learning SQL can help you perform database operations, such as querying large volumes of data in relational databases.

• To learn SQL, start by understanding fundamental concepts, such as inserting data and modifying tables.

• You can learn SQL for free and independently, thanks to various online resources, even as a beginner.

SQL is typically not hard to learn as it is a beginner-friendly language with a large user base and community support. Discover more about how to learn SQL in this article. If you’re ready to get started, earn a Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, where you can build skills in data cleansing, analytics, and visualization and receive artificial intelligence training from Google experts.

What is SQL?

Structured query language (SQL) is a popular programming language designed to interact with databases. IBM researchers developed SQL (originally coined SEQUEL) in the 1970s to properly handle the large amounts of data stored on their mainframe computers. Since then, SQL has become a widely used language for managing relational databases. Many data-centric careers now require SQL skills, including data analysts, database administrators, and software developers.

What does SQL do?

With SQL, you can conduct several database operations, such as building new tables, adding and updating records, deleting records, and writing queries to pull important data. SQL provides standardized syntax and commands for working with relational databases, making it easy to communicate with various database management systems (DBMSs) like MySQL, Oracle, MariaDB, and PostgreSQL.

Querying large amounts of data stored in relational databases is efficient and powerful with SQL. It is widely used in various companies and industries today. Some examples include finance, health care, marketing, web development, information technology, retail, education, and telecommunications.

Is it better to learn SQL or Python first?

SQL and Python are valuable skills for working with data, but they serve different purposes and apply in various contexts, so deciding which one to learn first will depend on your overall goals. SQL is a specialized language for relational databases. Conversely, Python is impactful for multiple tasks, including analytics, web development, and automation.

Learning SQL is an excellent starting point if your primary goal is to work with relational databases and manipulate data. SQL is essential for tasks like creating tables, adding and modifying data, and writing queries to pull sets of data

On the other hand, if you want to work with data more flexibly and customize it, Python might be a better choice. NumPy, scikit-learn, and pandas are all Python tools for working with data sets and performing analyses. Overall, Python has a rich ecosystem of unique and valuable tools and libraries.

Ultimately, the choice between learning SQL and Python first depends on the tasks you want to perform. If you're interested in working with data stored in relational databases, then SQL is a good place to start. If you want to work with data more generally and have a wider range of applications and options for manipulating data, then Python may be a better choice.

Is SQL very difficult to learn?

SQL isn’t considered difficult to learn. In fact, SQL is viewed as relatively easy to learn because its syntax uses standard English. Additionally, SQL's large user base helps make it a beginner-friendly language, with plenty of online material available for free so you can teach yourself, including tutorials and community resources to support your learning journey.

How to learn SQL

The path to learning SQL begins with strengthening your foundational knowledge in SQL before progressing to advanced courses and independent projects that test your skills. Explore the following tips on how to begin your journey of learning SQL:

1. Start with the basics.

Begin by understanding SQL's basic applications, what it can accomplish, and its limitations. Next, you can start with the fundamentals of SQL, such as creating and modifying tables, inserting data, and querying data.

2. Learn advanced topics.

As you become more proficient in SQL, you can learn more advanced topics, such as common table expressions, temporary functions, and self-joins. Many online courses and resources can help you develop your SQL skills and become an expert, such as the Advanced Relational Database and SQL Guided Project on Coursera.

3. Practice regularly.

Like any new skill, learning SQL requires regular practice. Block off weekly time to focus on SQL projects and practice writing queries. With more practice, you will notice your efficiency and proficiency increase.

Read more: 5 SQL Certifications for Your Data Career

Who needs to learn SQL?

Learning SQL benefits many professionals who need to work with data stored in relational databases. If you’re interested in a career with more direct SQL applications, you might consider the following choices:

Data analyst

Median total US pay (Glassdoor): $94,0008 [1]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2025 to 2035): 35 percent [2]

Education requirements: To become a data analyst, you typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree, commonly in mathematics, computer science, or a related field.

SQL is essential for working with large data sets stored in relational databases. Data analysts and developers use SQL to extract, transform, and analyze data, often integrating it with other programming languages. In this role, you can quickly pull data from your databases and present insights that assess current practices and inform future decision-making.

Database administrators

Median total US pay (Glassdoor): $107,000 [3]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2025 to 2035): 4 percent [4]

Education requirements: To become a database administrator, you will typically need to complete a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.

Database administrators work with large databases that store critical business data. In this role, you will use SQL to create and manage database structures, back up and restore data, and troubleshoot database issues.

Software developer

Median total US pay (Glassdoor): $123,000 [5]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2025 to 2035): 10 percent [6]

Education requirements: To become a software developer, you typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.

Developers often build software applications on top of relational databases, so software developers need to know SQL to work with these databases. They usually use SQL to design and store procedures that they can repeatedly use to reference and analyze data within the database.

*All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of September 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Other database languages

While SQL is one of the most widely used database languages, other languages offer unique capabilities and are well-suited for specific use cases. Explore two other database languages besides SQL:

• NoSQL: NoSQL is a non-relational database language that stores and manages unstructured or semi-structured data. Unlike SQL, which uses a structured query language, NoSQL does not have one structure. Rather, it uses various data models and query languages. Practical contexts for NoSQL include big data applications, real-time analytics, and web applications that require scalability and high performance.

• MongoDB query language (MQL): MQL is a database language used with MongoDB, a popular NoSQL document database. MQL is a flexible, JSON-like query language that allows developers to retrieve and manipulate data stored in MongoDB databases easily. It enables them to store their data in the same format as the application code, leading to faster development times with fewer errors.

NoSQL is a common alternative to SQL that allows users to work with unstructured data. This type of database management system comes in several formats, including document databases such as MQL. While SQL is a widely used database language, depending on your data structure, you may benefit from the unique capabilities of NoSQL systems.

Explore our free resources for learning more about SQL

Subscribe to our weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat, for updates on popular skills, tools, certifications, and more. Then, check out some of our other free resources to keep learning more about SQL and analyzing data:

• Learn key terminology: SQL Glossary: Your Ultimate Guide to SQL Terms

• Take the quiz: SQL Skill Assessment

• Watch on YouTube: SQL Explained: Meaning, History, and Career Value

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