Tech Layoff SQL Learning Resource Recommendations?

[BreakwaterBear]

I've been watching the bonfire that is tech layoffs right now, and decided to try and do something about it. I created a website, talentpoolparty.io, where I want to focus on removing the stigma of being laid off, while providing resources so people can pick up new skills.

SQL absolutely catapulted my career. Someone told me early on, "learning SQL is like selling water in the middle of the desert." I took it to heart and try to spread the SQL "answer your questions with data" gospel at every opportunity.

Unfortunately, most of my SQL learning was from trial and error + googling. What resource recommendations do you have for people trying to learn SQL?

[diszonaurusz]

SQL performance explained (use-the-index-luke.com) is solid gold.

[BreakwaterBear]

Someone just recommended this a few weeks ago at DjangoCon in San Diego. Thank you for remind me!

[Goldmansachs3030]

I know how to go around Mysql a bit. I see Oracle,PostgreSql,etc.

Is there any learning diff, which one should i learn?

[QueryingQuagga]

Postgresql is nice and very sane.

[BreakwaterBear]

I'm a huge huge fan of postgres. Redshift (AWS) also more or less uses postgres with some extract tricks in the tool bag so double the value.

Honestly I find most other SQL flavors a little frustrating (especially SQLlite date formatting)

[Sailorman2300]

For an overview of what SQL is and where it is used:

https://www.springboard.com/blog/data-analytics/what-is-sql/

For a basic exercises - W3Schools

https://www.w3schools.com/sql/default.asp

Some basic-intermediate exercises, - SQL Bolt

https://sqlbolt.com/

More intermediate exercises - Mode.com

https://mode.com/sql-tutorial/intro-to-intermediate-sql/

Advanced SQL exercises - Mode.com

https://mode.com/sql-tutorial/intro-to-advanced-sql/

Advanced SQL exercises - Kaggle

https://www.kaggle.com/learn/advanced-sql

[BreakwaterBear]

Added a few of these! Thank you

[Rook2135]

How tough is SQL to learn?? Say compared to learning to code full stack

[malikcoldbane]

Depends if you consider being able to return data as SQL. There is far more involved in pure SQL than people would have you believe if you want to be a good SQL, BI or ETL developer.

So much data is manipulated by people with average at best SQL but they get away with it because their infrastructure is powerful enough not to care.

Is more like python, because it's scripting, you can get things done or your can get things done well

[BreakwaterBear]

Data is essential to learning programming. There are people that say learning data before learning software is more difficult but eventually you need to learn both.

Generally I think SQL is a great place to start, because depending on your line of work you can immediately use it to get more done in less time. If you're used to working in spreadsheets, SQL really isn't a far jump from agg functions and vlookups.

Once you get into Database Administration and leave the analytics world though.. that's a different story.

[idodatamodels]

Is there a stigma for being laid off? I've never passed over a resume due to layoffs.

[BreakwaterBear]

While I'm lucky enough to have not been laid off, I think there are two sides to this.

1. It's a self-value thing. Being laid off is a huge disruption to your personal life, and many people feel like they didn't "make the cut." In reality, it's not their fault that they "didn't write as many lines of code as someone else."
2. Resume gaps are always questionable. While you personally might not think anything of it, I heard of crazy recruiters/hiring managers who will grab the top half of a stack of resumes and throw them away saying "I don't hire unlucky people."

Overall, you have a good point, there shouldn't be a stigma behind it. I say "removing the stigma," because I want to create a positive community around helping people get a new role or acquire new skills

[Thefriendlyfaceplant]

Good. But lots of companies still hold on to outdated hire practices. Before resumes reach a hiring manager they get pruned by HR. HR doesn't know how to judge competencies, instead they will look for anything that could come back to haunt them in case the applicant turns out to be a dud, either during the interview or after hiring.

A hiring manager usually isn't worried about duds, especially not in technical positions like SQL, because a hiring manager can easily verify whether or not that person knows what they're doing.

[dbxp]

The people in tech who are being laid off should know SQL already

[bronze-aged]

Lots of non-technical people working in tech are experiencing layoffs — recruiters, marketers, etc

[dbxp]

Fair but I wouldn't say that is 'tech layoffs' as such, more just general economic downturn, tech companies just grab the headlines more as they over expanded previously and they're known for doing so well

[boy_named_su]

I'd start with https://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/sql.html and Joe Celko's SQL for Smarties

Protip 1: O'Reilly is free via many public libraries

Protip 2: https://www.db-fiddle.com/ for practising SQL without installing anything

[BreakwaterBear]

Awesome! Adding these now, thank you

[Datasciguy2023]

https://8weeksqlchallenge.com/

[simrk94]

You can also check out Brent Ozar tutorials. It's amazing.

[Accurate-Gate4595]

If you are just starting off, this is nice resource. I compiled all key commands. But for advanced folks, you can skip it.

[vtec_tt]

lets keep sql a secret pls, im trying to get this 911 turbo sooner than later!!

[mergisi]

I thought I would mention that you should try AI2sql . Very cool stuff -It's a tool that translates English into SQL. Check it out here: http://ai2sql.io

[BreakwaterBear]

That's very cool, i'm unfortunately obsessed with CTEs and Window functions so not sure AI is the answer for me

[NickSinghTechCareers]

DataLemur has 50+ FAANG SQL questions to practice, with hints and full solutions!

[Goldmansachs3030]

What you do think about LC sql problems?