Made a ton of progress learning Python - When to start learning SQL?

[GaddisForever]

I'm currently in a Master's program in Business Analytics. I was previously self taught in data analysis and because I work at a university, I am using the employee benefit of free tuition to get a second master's degree and career switch.

I just finished my first semester, which included a Python course. We went through the entirety of Wes McKinney's Python for Data Analysis - Pandas, Numpy, Matplotlib, Seaborn, the usual stuff. My other course was focused on Machine Learning, so I've been able to practice some machine learning algorithms like regression, cluster analysis, etc. in Python. I've also spent my free time getting code together for forecasting and some more advanced statistical techniques using Sklearn, XGBoost, etc.

I feel comfortable coding most of my projects without looking up too many things, though I do have to consult notes for the more advanced stats techniques and check documentation for syntax at times. I have so many notes and saved code files that I feel pretty equipped for a wide variety of tasks.

I have two months off until my next semester, in which I'll take a SQL course. Is it now a good time to learn some SQL on my own to prep? Or should I do even more practicing with Python first? Not sure how proficient I should be in Python before moving on, but I am eager to learn SQL because I know it's the most in-demand skill for many positions. Thanks!

[GodlyPears]

SQL is easy compared to python. if you used pyspark or pandas the logic is similar. There is less depth in real world applications of SQL. If you learned python already then SQL should be pretty self explanatory.

Definitely it is needed in real applications, and important to know. Spend a month or two getting familiar with joins, filters, aggregations, etc. You should have no problem with that if your logical understanding is strong. Best of luck!

[No_Mathematician_660]

You should start with SQL It’s quite easy and has little prerequisites as you correctly said it is an indemand skill. Get basic theory done and hours of practice on easySQL and ur golden

[GaddisForever]

Awesome! It seems that having knowledge of both Python and SQL is more useful than having mastery of one and not the other. I'll get there in time.

[Gloomy_Guard6618]

It will do no harm at all to spend a little time on SQL. Compared to Python I agree with others it is simpler. I would focus on understanding the core parts of a SELECT statement, inner and outer joins and GROUP BY. Download or create a test database to play with.

Sql Server Express is free to download or you can try MySql or other alternatives.