The Roadmap To Learn SQL
Why you should learn SQL and a 14-day learning plan.
Hey there 👋 - Amrut here!
Happy Saturday to all working hard towards meta-skills mastery!
I struggled for many years learning the nuances of SQL.
Eventually, I noticed you did not need to be an expert to start using SQL in the real world. You only needed to focus on fundamental concepts and key frequently used topics.
And that is what I will be sharing in today’s issue.
I will also share why you should learn SQL and provide a 14-day actionable plan to learn the fundamental concepts you must know while using SQL in the real world.
Let’s dive in!
Reasons for learning SQL
Limited ability to manage large datasets.
Learning SQL enables you to easily manage and manipulate large datasets without the need for complex spreadsheets or specialized software.
You can handle and analyze large data sets much more efficiently, leading to quicker and more accurate data-driven decisions.
 Difficulty in accessing data from databases.
SQL provides a common language for accessing and retrieving data from databases, making it easier to work with data regardless of the type of database used.
You can quickly and easily access data from databases, saving time and increasing productivity.
Inability to perform complex queries and data analysis.Â
Learning SQL allows you to perform complex queries and data analysis, providing insights into data trends and patterns that would be difficult to find using traditional data analysis methods.
You can make better decisions based on data-driven insights, leading to improved performance and increased revenue.
Dependence on IT department for data-related tasks.
Learning SQL enables you to perform data-related tasks independently, reducing the need for IT department involvement and increasing independence.
You can complete data-related tasks more quickly and efficiently, reducing bottlenecks and improving overall productivity.
Inability to integrate data from multiple sources.
SQL allows you to integrate data from multiple sources, regardless of the data type or database used.
You can create comprehensive reports and better understand your data by integrating data from multiple sources, improving your ability to make data-driven decisions.
14-Day Plan
Now that you know the reasons for learning SQL, here’s how you can get started today:
Note: You will need a database to execute this plan. I recommend using PostgreSQL or MySQL.
PostgreSQL: https://www.postgresql.org/
MySQL: https://www.mysql.com/downloads/
Day 1: Introduction to Databases
Understand what databases are and how they are used
Learn about different types of databases and their applications
Understand the importance of data management in today's world
Day 2: Introduction to SQL
Learn about Structured Query Language (SQL)
Understand the different types of SQL commands and their applications
Learn how to create and manage databases
Day 3: SQL Syntax
Learn the basic syntax of SQL
Understand the importance of syntax in writing correct SQL statements
Learn how to write SQL statements to retrieve data from tables
Day 4: Retrieving Data from Tables
Learn how to retrieve data from tables using SELECT statements
Understand the importance of filtering data using WHERE clauses
Learn how to sort data using ORDER BY clause
Day 5: Functions and Expressions
Learn how to use functions to manipulate data
Understand the different types of functions and their applications
Learn how to use expressions to create new values from existing data
Day 6: Joining Tables
Learn how to join tables to retrieve data
Understand the different types of joins and their applications
Learn how to use INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN, and RIGHT JOIN
Day 7: Creating and Modifying Tables
Learn how to create tables using SQL commands
Understand the different data types and their applications
Learn how to modify tables using ALTER TABLE statements
Day 8: Adding and Modifying Data
Learn how to insert data into tables using INSERT statements
Understand how to update data using UPDATE statements
Learn how to delete data using DELETE statements
Day 9: Grouping and Aggregating Data
Learn how to group data using GROUP BY clauses
Understand how to use aggregate functions such as SUM, COUNT, and AVG
Learn how to use HAVING clause to filter grouped data
Day 10: Subqueries and Nested Queries
Learn how to use subqueries to retrieve data from multiple tables
Understand how to use nested queries to perform complex data retrieval
Learn how to use EXISTS and NOT EXISTS statements
Day 11: Views and Stored Procedures
Learn how to create and manage views using SQL
Understand the benefits of using views to simplify data retrieval
Learn how to create and manage stored procedures
Day 12: Transactions and Locking
Understand the importance of transactions in database management
Learn how to use BEGIN TRANSACTION, COMMIT, and ROLLBACK statements
Understand the different types of locks and their applications
Day 13: Indexes and Optimization
Learn how to use indexes to optimize data retrieval
Understand the benefits of index optimization
Learn how to use EXPLAIN statement to optimize SQL queries
Day 14: Advanced Topics
Learn about advanced topics such as triggers, full-text search, and data warehousing.
Understand the applications of these advanced topics
Learn how to continue your SQL education beyond the basics
Summary
There has never been a better time to learn SQL.
By mastering SQL, you'll be able to easily handle large data sets, perform complex queries, and gain insights that can help you make better data-driven decisions.
With databases being the source of truth for many businesses, knowing SQL will give you an edge over others and open up more opportunities for you.
Thanks for reading!
Talk to you next week.
Thanks for reading this issue.
Drop me a note about what topics you want me to cover. I read every single email myself!
And let me know what you think about this issue. Comments, praise, criticism, feedback & suggestions are all welcome.
This will be a fun journey together, and I would appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to share this newsletter with your friends, family, or anyone you think needs to know.