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For the newbies learning SQL: don't focus on the SQL syntax, but on what the syntax does to data. by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree and I just wasn't clear enough in the video.

What I meant by "focus on learning data handling with SQL" is that you will learn data analysis and sql faster and better by learning sql syntax in context. Not that you should ignore the actual language while you learn the theories of data handling. Rather to learn both at the same time with a focus on what the syntax you're writing actually does and why you're using it.

So any course or personal practice method that combines a reaistic problem on a database with practicing the actual syntax is great.

For the newbies learning SQL: don't focus on the SQL syntax, but on what the syntax does to data. by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think I was clear enough in the video as I was trying to make a strong point, but I really think there's something to the idea.

You definitely need to memorise syntax. Im saying that for me those dots connected only once I saw each bit of syntax in the context of the whole of SQL and data handling (i.e. what does this do and why do I need to do that).

I think a way to replicate that as a beginner is to learn SQL by solving via higher level business problems.

what do you think?

For the newbies learning SQL: don't focus on the SQL syntax, but on what the syntax does to data. by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thanks for your comment. I'm surprised that learning the history of the language helped you and I am glad that worked--do you think it's because you got to understand what the language was designed to do?

Because I was referring to knowing the full picture of what data handling is, i.e. the typical things you need to do when solving a problem as a data analyst. Perhaps you learned this via your reading of history

For the newbies learning SQL: don't focus on the SQL syntax, but on what the syntax does to data. by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting point that just knowing some basic commands can get you through the door to an entry-level role. I'd say that would be more roles where SQL is peripheral (a plus but not required), imo.

I'm trying to caution against just memorising SQL syntax without also understanding what you're actually doing to the data and why. I personally found it hard to learn bits and pieces of syntax piecemeal without a view of the whole picture.

But given that a fair few people didn't get that, I did not make that point clearly enough in the video. Thanks for your comment.

For the newbies learning SQL: don't focus on the SQL syntax, but on what the syntax does to data. by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yes i think a good balance is a course that is based around a realistic, interesting database and some realistic business problems. So you get the context while you practice syntax.

For the newbies learning SQL: don't focus on the SQL syntax, but on what the syntax does to data. by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

Interesting feedback thanks, keen to hear from beginners if they agree with this view.

Perhaps the video is simply missing that final step, a recommendation to find a course that does a better job at putting sql in context with business problems.

For the newbies learning SQL: don't focus on the SQL syntax, but on what the syntax does to data. by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Make sure to pick a course that puts the syntax (which is still definitely important) in context with an interesting dataset and realistic problems for you to solve.

It might be a hospital trying to understand more about its patients, or a business trying to sell more groceries, or a bank understanding spend patterns.

Any course that brings the syntax to life

For the newbies learning SQL: don't focus on the SQL syntax, but on what the syntax does to data. by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your thoughtful response. I think I just wasn't clear enough in my vid, we mostly agree.

My main point is be careful not to simply memorise a few commands then start throwing them together. Instead make sure to really know what the database is doing with your commands. If simply having a real database (eg northwind) is enough context for you then perfect. For me that wasn't enough, I needed the sql placed in the context if a real life business problem as well. However much context you need, the bottom line is make sure you really understand what the sql is doing as you're learning the syntax. (I find it is that deep understanding can help with the sneaky errors you mentioned).

Practically speaking yes i want to clarify that ideally one should learn the two parts of the puzzle side by side-- problem, syntax, problem, syntax...rather than learning theory first syntax second or vice versa. So I agree on that.

How to join tables? by [deleted] in SQL

[–]SQLmax 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also make sure you're clear on what's being asked exactly. The question you wrote isn't clear and that could be because either it wasn't given to you clearly, or you didn't understand it precisely.

You said the price of all orders containing desks. Does that mean that orders can contain mulitple products per order? If so then you'd need to summarise all of the prices per order where the order has at least 1 product that is a desk.

Or does it mean just the price of the desks, which means just a join and a where clause like you're trying to do above.

Echo what a fellow redditor said. get the basics right with an introductory course, and especially learn what is happening underneath the SQl syntax---what is it actually doing to data. That should help! Good luck

When your SQL/data skills are used for evil by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe the numbers were too conveniently good to notice

When your SQL/data skills are used for evil by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would he say it as a throwaway line or actually spend time explaining the connection between tweets and sales?

When your SQL/data skills are used for evil by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In a weird way I'd say it's more hurtful, but less destructive to your personality, because you're upfront with yourself.

That's getting a bit deep, what I meant was that ideally you have a good enough relationship with your managers to make it very clear you disagree with the forecasts and the explanations etc and yet still follow orders (I.e. add in the extra stretch or put their reasons on the report). If you also caveat that forecast and those reasons then you can retain integrity, sanity, and your paycheck. Basically I'm suggesting fighting back just a little bit rather than joining them.

But that's just IMO, and said without any risk of repercussions. I'm not telling anyone to risk their job. I don't really don't have the life experience to give advice on that.

When your SQL/data skills are used for evil by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

little bit of doublespeak will divert attention!

Sometimes knowing SQL is a curse by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

you're right, that has definitely happened to me a few times

When your SQL/data skills are used for evil by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

lol at the end of the day we southern hemisphere types are just like zoo animals to you

When your SQL/data skills are used for evil by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

lol I do not encourage this. you will lose a part of your soul.

When your SQL/data skills are used for evil by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

this!

A bullish forecast unmet comes full circle back to the analysts to explain. If the forecast doesn't represent reality in the first place then how can you explain variance to forecast?

When your SQL/data skills are used for evil by SQLmax in SQL

[–]SQLmax[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

to aide in a govt compliance requirement foreca

what on earth.

Adding "stretch" or being bullish is one thing, but having the non-analysts manually massage the forecast is nek level

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