SQL (Structured Query Language) is a familiar concept in the computer science industry. It can perform many operations relating to data. Yet, the tool is quite different from popular programming languages nowadays.
In this post, I will dwell on this tool’s concepts, functions, and features. There is also helpful information if you want to develop a career with SQL. Let’s scroll down for more!
Is SQL a Programming Language?
Yes, SQL is a standard programming language. It helps manage databases and perform multiple data operations. It’s a familiar tool for data administrators and developers worldwide.
An Overview of SQL
This programming language was developed in 1970. It’s a system used for storing and managing structured data. This tool serves as an interface that connects users with the database.
You can use SQL to modify and adjust the structure of a database. The tool allows users to delta, add, and update rows of data, for instance. The modified information can then be transferred and applied in numerous fields.
SQL takes the form of queries and commands. They are contained and organized in a table. Meanwhile, many tables of data can make up a complete database.
An Overview of Programming Languages
A programming language consists of two main elements. They are the grammatical rules and sets of vocabulary. The main usage of this tool is to instruct computing devices to perform tasks.
There are multiple versions of programming languages. Therefore, people categorized them into two main types: low and high levels.
The low-level languages consist of codes and binary (0s and 1s). The advantage is its simplicity. It enables users to control computer hardware precisely.
Meanwhile, high-level languages are more suitable for humans. These languages use human instructions to make the commands.
Their languages are also close to the ones humans use to communicate. The setback is that you must spend time translating it into machine language.
Yet, high-level languages are getting more popular as computers have become very powerful. Most programming jobs focus on using high-level languages.
The Reasons Why SQL is a Programming Language
SQL shares many similar traits and functions with a programming language. Yet, it is not a general but a domain-specific one. The reason is that SQL is not for instructing machines but for modifying data.
It’s different from popular programming languages like Python or C. Yet, the language is still Turning complete. Nowadays, people have added Windows functions to SQL to make it more powerful.
How Many Types of SQL?
There are many terms related to SQL, such as T-SQL or MySQL. They are all different versions of these programming languages. Have you ever wondered about the exact number of SQL versions?
The official standard version of SQL was created in the 1980s. Six years later, the tool became a standard for ANSI (American National Standards Institute). In 1992, the core features of SQL became stable.
Following this time, people have invented updates and versions of SQL language. As technology advances, there are more new problems and work to solve.
However, an SQL standard can only solve some of the problems in different companies. For this reason, wide SQL varieties still coexist nowadays. Yet, there is only one unique SQL language.
The new management systems will extend from this original language. They add unique functions and features to create their own SQL version. In this way, multiple SQL standards have been born.
Why Should You Learn SQL?
SQL is easy to learn due to its simple syntax. Yet, this language is super versatile and popular. Various professions use it, from data scientists to engineers.
For example, Google or Facebook uses SQL varieties to analyze data. Thus, they can develop methods to increase users’ experience and their systems’ efficiency.
In these professions, SQL is an essential skill. Therefore, learning SQL can broaden your career path and bring more promising opportunities.
Which SQL to Start With?
As mentioned above, there are numerous types of SQL with unique functions. Each variety serves a specific purpose and has its own operation. Therefore, you may get confused when choosing a version to start with.
My recommendation is PostgreSQL. This tool is very powerful with its open-source data. It serves as a database system that extends from the original SQL language.
Plus, it shares many similar functions to the standard SQL. Thus, learning this version can help you adapt to the original SQL quickly. From the provided knowledge, you can start using the other SQL systems.
What Are SQL-Related Careers?
There are various careers that involve SQL and data modification. Here are some best picks you can consider to choose a suitable route.
1. Data Scientists
Data scientists analyze databases to come up with beneficial outcomes. They work in various fields, such as the oil and gas or pharmaceutical industry. The first process in this profession is to gather and process data.
To perform this task, the scientists need to use SQL-related tools and software. Therefore, SQL is an essential skill for this career. It helps them sort through a massive data volume and produce productive insights.
2. Business Intelligence Analysts
The ability to retrieve and make decisions based on data is critical for success. It has become a practice for industries like finance, product, or marketing.
SQL skills allow business analysts to connect the data and develop efficient solutions. These ideas will help improve the business’s operation and enhance productivity.
3. Software Engineer
SQL skills can assist you in building software and applications. They are not the most critical skill set in this profession. However, mastering SQL can greatly enhance your working performance.
As a software engineer, you will inevitably have to deal with databases and cloud systems. So, learning extra SQL skills can increase your salary and productivity.
4. Database Administrator
Experts in this field keep the database functioning stably and securely. They also help protect users’ personal information and secure access.
When errors within the database occur, it’s the administrators’ responsibility to report and deal with them. This profession also brings excellent incomes, with an average annual salary of $85,006, according to our latest research.
Final Thoughts
SQL is a programming language. The applications of SQL are still popular nowadays. There are various technologies developed from the original language. Therefore, mastering SQL is a way to broaden your future career prospects.