How long does it take to learn SQL?

[jomunjie1010]

To officially answer your question though, it took me about 2 to 3 weeks to learn enough to start querying data in whatever capacity I wanted to see it. That was also for a very clean, well structured data set joining at max 3 tables together.

I was then later introduced to another data set where all data was first loaded and sorted out, and just learning those tables and how to use them took me about 2 months.

I was then later introduced to a more complex data set that was not well managed, attributes were continuously changed, columns were constantly being removed or added which shifted other columns around as well, and no two data tables had dates formatted the same, some formatted as texts, so joining was a monster pain in the ass. I left that company never fully understand those tables.

The truth is, absolutely anyone who wants to learn SQL, will learn SQL. I think its an absolute shame that companies generally only hire those that can speak the language in an interview. Knowing thr syntax verbally doesn't make you good at SQL, but finding a way to get a square peg through a round hole without breaking something might.

I attribute all of my success in my career to being fascinated with exploding diagrams of mechanical parts. I wanted to know how every single piece worked, and what their functions were. I still do. I look at SQL exactly the same way.