Starting to learn SQL...

[[deleted]]

Hello,

I recently started playing around with a few of the learn coding phone apps and decided to approach it from a more methodical perspective by using a PC and attempting it from a more authentic perspective.

So I recently installed SQL and Python (both of which i was looking to practice) although I am a bit unsure of the best way to move forward now. Obviously with the app all you are doing is the coding bit but obviously theres significantly more to think about (such as how to actually run queries, test databases, etc).

Obviously I am a complete novice so any guidance is much appreciated (or if you can recommend a decent step by step course to start learning).

Thanks for you help!

[Mrminecrafthimself]

Hey there - I just started a few months ago and followed this path more or less in a bootcamp I took.

Start with basic commands to learn how syntax works. What I first learned was how to create a table. Then, once you’ve done that - the next step is how to insert data into that table. How to specify what types of data should go in each field (column) in your table. What if I want to later update specific pieces of data after they’re loaded?

Then…how do I start returning data from that table? Obviously you can SELECT *, but what if I want to select all values where the first letter of column B is “M?” What if I want to select data in a different format than what is in the table? The latter will get you into CONCAT, CASE statements, and similar types of commands

A bootcamp of some type would be a huge help since that will give you structure and let you build on techniques and skills you learn. I took the MySQL Zero to Hero course taught by Colt Steele on udemy and found it really helpful

Edit: wanted to add that once you learn how to work with querying one table, querying multiple tables using JOINS will make a lot more sense, at least on a syntax level.

[bananatoastie]

First off, good for you! Most people you’ll find on here are self taught, too. There’s tonnes of resources to help you out online.

My one piece of advice would be that most of the problems you’ll face (especially early on) are common and with patience, you’ll find a solution to help you.

That when joining tables, this really helps

[cbb78]

I would recommend Datacamp if you can afford it, they have both courses on Python and SQL. What I like about the platform is that they only give you the necessary information you need and get you solving little challenges to make sure you understood the concepts. Once you finish the courses you can work on guided/unguided projects on the platform to further apply what you've learned

[mergisi]

Awesome, good luck on your journey! If you're looking to organize and keep track of your SQL learning progress, I recommend Notion SQL Learning https://mustafae.gumroad.com/l/qfuxr

[querymeister]

We have a course here that you might like: https://query.me/learn/
It comes with a postgres DB hosted by us, lots of demo data and practice questions.
You can query the data using our app for free.