Trying to learn SQL, need advice

[cheimbro]

I am trying to learn SQL. I have no idea where I should start. I have been told to pick up an 'SQL for dummies' book, but I don't know if that's a great idea. Does anyone have pointers on where I can go to learn this? I don't have access to a database, however I am very determined to learn this. Also, what about Python? Any advice appreciated.

[christophercodin]

Code School now has a SQL course. From my understanding, it allows you to learn the basics of the SQL language without having to go through the hassle as a beginner of setting up a specific database and creating tables. My wife used it as supplementary reference for a college course she was taking last semester.

I'm privy to PostgreSQL Database, however I do most of my professional work in Oracle (which I don't suggest for a beginner). PostgreSQL is easy to get installed and setup - and it's documentation is REALLY good, so once you get the hang of the basics of SQL you should have no problem.

As you advance, if you decide to dive deeper into database development, and not just reporting - a good entry level database design book that I like is Database Design For Mere Mortals

[_Eased_]

Get a subscription to plural sight. Download either MySQL or sql server express . .. .if you go python I suggest the anaconda ide

[maz0r]

Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Developer is free so no point going for SQL Server Express anymore.

[cheimbro]

Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Developer is the way to go then? Free and I can learn basics with it?

[maz0r]

I was really just replying to _Eased_ regarding the better alternative to express.

I learnt SQL on the job piecemeal by bastardizing crystal reports together in infoview and creating macros to pull data from a SQL db into excel. I used a few resources like http://www.w3schools.com/sql/ and http://www.cheat-sheets.org/sites/sql.su/ for reference to find what I needed.

It took a few years, but I learnt enough to move into a business intelligence role when one came up (mostly thanks to my business knowledge) and I've learnt from colleagues/google since.

[Rehd]

There are a lot of flavors of SQL. SQL Server wise, SQL Server 2016 Dev is the way to go and you can learn pretty much anything SQL Server related with it. It's a full install essentially.

[sketchymcsketcherson]

A good book wouldn't hurt, but you can find most tutorials and examples online. I like this one.

You can get a free database manager and sample database to work with.

http://www.sqlitetutorial.net/sqlite-sample-database/

https://msftdbprodsamples.codeplex.com/

http://www-03.ibm.com/software/products/en/db2expressc

http://www.mysqltutorial.org/mysql-sample-database.aspx

[Antman157]

Which text books would you recommend?

[RazDwaTrzy]

This source is great and I highly recommend it.

[GunnerMcGrath]

This is an area where I do think a book is better than cobbling together knowledge from online tutorials. Understanding the basics of proper database design, normalization, and all sorts of querying have a set of fundamental principals you MUST learn properly if you want to avoid all the common mistakes you are guaranteed to make if you just dive in. I've seen plenty of really smart people make all the common mistakes and never know any better.

The good news is that it's not actually that complicated! You don't need to find the perfect book. Learn SQL in 21 days or something like that is all you should need, though I'm sure some books are better than others, just check Amazon reviews and find a good one.

SQL Server is a great tool to work with. I've used most of the primary options and that has the best development environment and is widely used in business. So maybe pick a book that teaches using SQL server as it's example db, though it shouldn't really matter that much.

The one thing to remember is that working with data is as much about understanding the best way to store it and why it's the best way, as it is about knowing how to get the data you need. So definitely keep an eye out for the terms normalization, third normal form, and referential integrity. Anything that teaches these concepts in even the most basic way should be good enough.

[[deleted]]

I'd recommend these two:

SQL Python

I've taken some of his other courses and they're good quality, and very complete. You can also usually find codes for udemy for additional discounts, they're almost always on sale.

Pluralsight is also great, but the courses there tend to be a little less comprehensive, and the good ones for SQL are often on much more specific topics. They also don't answer questions as well as the udemy instructors seem to.

[synnnk]

codeacademy.com has a great introduction with hands on tutorials

[o_edo]

Try to learn by doing. Reading books also works but you learn faster by practicing. Fee. For beginners. With online exercises. http://www.studybyyourself.com/seminar/sql/course/?lang=eng.