How I learned SQL

About me

I've been working as a database developer for over a decade now. SQL has always been one of the topics that I really enjoy working with and never tire of studying and contributing to when solving all sorts of problems.

Why I wanted to learn SQL

Over the years, I've had opportunities to work with many different programming languages, like: C, C#, Python, and Java. Knowing how to code prepares you to become a good problem solver. Adding SQL to your skill set will not only differentiate you but will also make you a great problem solver.

How I approached learning SQL

The first contact I had with SQL was in college. To really become a good SQL Developer, you have to understand the math and theory behind it. That's how I did it.

I studied relational algebra and set theory. But that is just the beginning. Like any other programming language, RDMSs evolve and so does the SQL language and the tools used with it.

To keep up to date, you have to keep reading books, blogs, become an active member of forums, and practice, practice, and then practice some more.

Challenges I faced

The greatest challenge I faced was having a hard time finding the right help to understand concepts, figure out problems, and architect the best solutions possible. That is why Codementor is so important to me today. It gives me the opportunity to help others in a special way.

Key takeaways

SQL is a huge topic. Mastering it requires time and dedication.

Tips and advice

while (true)
{
    Read (books, articles, etc);
    Write code;
    Test it;
    Understand what's going on behind the scenes;
    Tweak your code;
    Read some more;

    if (experience > some)
        Pass it on;
}

Final thoughts and next steps

Keep learning!