That's what big companies are counting on: This is why you should learn SQL in 2023.

Why is it so important to be able to work with SQL databases in 2023? That's easy to explain. Microsoft, Accenture, Dell. Corporations worldwide rely on the SQL programming language because it is especially important for databases.

Today, it is hard to imagine a world without data. The amount of data collected is expected to increase by about 27 percent every year until 2025. This collected data is stored in databases for use.

However, stored data alone is useless if this data is not also managed and sorted. The most commonly used database is the relational database. The language of this database is SQL. We will go into this in more detail in the next section.

What is SQL?

SQL stands for Structured Query Language, which means "the language for structured data queries". SQL makes it possible to query large amounts of data with relatively simple commands. This makes the language still very popular with companies.

Another advantage of SQL is that the syntax, i.e. its command structure, is relatively simple and the commands are strongly based on English colloquial language, which makes them intuitive. In addition, SQL can be used across platforms with many different database systems, since most modern databases have SQL interfaces.

NoSQL is also often mentioned in connection with SQL. One programming language is used for relational (SQL) and the other for non-relational (NoSQL) databases. Although both options are viable, there are important differences between the two programming languages.

SQL databases use a structured query language and have a predefined schema. They are also organized in a tabular fashion, whereas NoSQL databases are document, key-value, graph, or wide-column stores.

What is a relational database?

Relational databases consist of tables and are most similar in structure to an Excel table. In a relational database, the data is sorted with a specific characteristic per column, for example customer number, name or address. A row in this table always represents only one:n customer:in.

A key characteristic such as a customer number can be used to link data from different tables. Relational databases are the most commonly used databases because, especially in a corporate context, data can be presented very well in tabular form in order to analyze them and gain insights

What do I need SQL for?

SQL is used in all areas where large amounts of data are generated. Many everyday applications use SQL. Whether you're using an app to manage your finances or downloading songs through a music streaming service. In cases like these, SQL is used to manage and sort the volumes of data in the background.

SQL can easily handle immense amounts of data. Even the smallest companies manage and use huge amounts of data these days. The ability to process this data effectively and present it in an easily digestible way is therefore indispensable.

So why not use Excel? SQL is a far more powerful and faster way to process large data sets. Each department within a company uses data in its own way.

If you work in marketing, you need data to identify customer needs and to understand whether your marketing campaigns are performing well. In production, you need data to monitor and avoid bottlenecks, and management needs data to make the right strategic decisions for the company.

Being able to work with data, for example with SQL, is therefore one of the most important skills today. It can't be understated how important data literacy is these days and how much your career can benefit from it.

Why is it worth learning SQL?

Although SQL skills can open many doors for you in your current job, they can also enable you to jump into a new career. With SQL skills, many different job roles are on the horizon for you. For example, you can work as a database developer, SQL administrator or SQL developer.

Career changers are always desperately sought in these professions, which once again shows how sought-after SQL skills are among employers. With all of these jobs, you can expect good pay. On average, an SQL developer earns between 41,400 euros for beginners and 64,500 euros for experienced developers per year. But SQL does not only help you to find a new well-paid job.

Even though tech jobs pay well, you may first want to explore the career options in your current job that are enhanced by SQL. We've already explained above why SQL is needed in almost every department.

SQL skills are an extremely valuable qualification for any:n, both within a company and when changing jobs. If you choose to learn SQL, your time is well spent and you should expect a high return on your investment. So, adding this useful skill to your resume will provide you with opportunities for advancement both within your own company and with other companies.

How can I learn SQL?

There are now many different ways to learn the SQL database language. If you prefer classic learning methods, there are many different SQL reference books designed to explain the basics of SQL and warn you about common mistakes.

There is also no shortage of digital SQL learning opportunities today. There are now many different online SQL training options that can teach you the basics of SQL in a relatively short time. Here, however, you should focus on quality! Free SQL courses and bootcamps do not always offer the quality and depth of information that is especially important for beginners. Therefore, your focus should be on a solid basic education, which you can then build on autodidactically if necessary.

At StackFuel, you'll not only receive theoretical training, you'll learn hands-on in our virtual programming environment, be mentored by experienced mentors and developers, and we'll certify your skills in a recognized certificate of completion, which is especially important if you're pursuing career plans with SQL.

StackFuels SQL Bootcamp 2023

With our SQL training we offer you the possibility to bring your skills to a level that enables you to use SQL in your job and to accept orders as a developer within a very short time. Our training is aimed at those who want to learn SQL quickly and practically from experts.

The training has a duration of about 32 hours and is divided into 4 chapters, which consist of videos, infotexts, quizzes and practical projects. In addition, you will be supported throughout your training by our dedicated mentoring team who will address your individual needs and questions to ensure your learning success.

Do you want to learn more? Then just visit our Course page or let us non-binding and personal advice.

Sources

Dev Insider (2019: "What is SQL?" [21.04.2022]

Bitkom (2014) "Big Data Technologies - Knowledge for Decision Makers". [21.04.2022]

DataScientest (2021) "SQL - All about the database language" [21.04.2022]

The information service of the Institute of the German Economy (2019) "Data volume explodes"

Integrate (2021): "SQL vs NoSQL: 5 Critical Differences." [21.04.2022][LR1] [LR2]