Learning SQL

The new job I took was an analytical role.  Due to the large amounts of data we needed to pull from, Microsoft Excel by itself was not enough to do the job.  I had to learn SQL for the new job, quick.   I had 0 prior experiences with SQL. 

The goal I had was to learn SQL “just enough” to be able to pull data and run basic analysis.  The goal was NOT to become an SQL master or a professional programmer that could do all sorts of fancy things.  Specific to my job, analytics were more important than programming.  I just needed the know-how to pull and sort data reliably. 

The short conclusion is I read 3 books on SQL, and they didn’t help a whole lot.  If you are trying to learn SQL with a similar situation as I, my recommendation is to go to Khan Academy and take the SQL course here: https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming/sql

Go through every video, do every challenge.  I like the Khan Academy tutorial because it was interactive and it gave me a solid foundation in my day-to-day tasks.  I would say over 75% of what I use are all covered here.  The instructions are very clear and guide a n00b in a structured manner.  In my experience learning programming (or related), I always felt like I was learning Japanese with a Russian textbook.  For new and unfamiliar terms, I was given explanations and definitions that seemed even more foreign.   This was not the case with Khan Academy’s instructions.  I spent about a total of 8 hours going through the tutorial.  Since then, I’ve felt very prepared on what was thrown at me at my job (where they seemed to make a very big deal out of using SQL). 

Similar to Khan Academy, my recommendation in learning VBA for Microsoft Excel will be from WiseOwlTutorials’ “Excel VBA Introduction” on youtube.com. 

Now about them books: For learning, I would skim through them and see what functions are available.  Just have it in the back of your mind so you know where to go when you’re trying to do something specifically. 

Most of my coworkers have this book on their bookshelf for reference purposes.  You probably don’t need one since there are so many online resources…  But if it makes you feel safe holding and owning something…  Go for it.

SQL in 10 Minutes, Sams Teach Yourself (4th Edition)  

Here is a Chinese one that has slightly more functions introduced and goes a little bit deeper in application.  Similar idea, I use it for reference-only. 

Then finally there is this book: 

Sql: Learn SQL In A DAY! - The Ultimate Crash Course to Learning the Basics of SQL In No Time (SQL, SQL Course, SQL Development, SQL Books)

I was so lost going through it even though it was the last book I read…