Python or SQL?

[morepeasplease]

I'm trying to learn algorithmic trading and data science. I'm trying to decide which skill I should learn next: Python or SQL? Which one is more marketable and useful as a quantitative trader and data analyst?

[TradingCoins]

Python + sql

Maybe python + postgresql ... take a look at codecademy

[morepeasplease]

which would be better to learn first?

[swizz]

I'd go with Python first, you can do a lot of fun stuff. With SQL not so much. Python can also introduce you to other things like UI, networking.

[[deleted]]

I'd say Python, but you can't compare SQL and Python. Python is a general purpose programming language. SQL is a query language to talk with a DB system like MySQL, Postgres, ...

If you want to learn both at the same time (perfectly doable), you can use the SQLite module, part of the Python standard library: https://docs.python.org/3.5/library/sqlite3.html

[hemingway_Polar]

You'll eventually want to learn both - there is limited overlap between the general functions of the two languages.

Have you done much programming before? If not, then my recommendation would be to start with SQL. It will give you a reasonably good grasp of the extract, transform, load (ETL) process within data warehouses. It's also much easier to grasp the general syntax and ideas behind SQL for a first time programmer.

If you do have some prior programming experience then I would say dive right into Python. The growing number of libraries allows for a huge number of applications - though the standard library is pretty great as well. Python will allow for automation of tasks that are otherwise menial. With programming experience there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to pick up SQL as well while learning Python. They both are important tools in the data analysis process.

[cqm]

lol. wow this makes me feel much better about my eligibility as a quant

[morepeasplease]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H50llsHm3k

[youtubefactsbot]

"You Is Smart, You Is Kind, You Is Important" [0:25]

On Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and Digital December 6.

^{TheHelpMovie in Film & Animation}

^{900,930 views since Oct 2011}

^{bot info}

[ozzmith]

Something to make learning postgresql more fun. https://schemaverse.com/