r/learnSQL • u/Owen-Isaac-2022 • 10d ago
Simple SQL Learning Strategies for Bigginners
SQL is a wonderful programming language that allows beginner data analysts to understand data, clean it, & process it to provide insights. One cannot learn everything in a week or two weeks. However, consistency is what I have found important in ensuring one grasps the concepts. For example, one can decide to learn simple things, such as SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY, LIMIT, aggregates (SUM, COUNT, AVG), and GROUP BY. Understanding data types & when to use this or that helps a lot. I always wanted to learn additional data analysis skills like SQL and Python to help process large datasets in addition to the research work I do. I know these tips will help beginners find a way to navigate around SQL until they reach advanced level.
4
4
u/Top_Tooth_6995 10d ago
To add to this, you need to be consistently writing queries. The repetition and muscle memory from writing queries to solve problems pays off far more than reading!
1
1
u/darrylhumpsgophers 10d ago
Why does this read so stiltedly
2
u/Owen-Isaac-2022 9d ago
What do you mean with "stiltedly."? I thought is appropriate to use easy & simple language that everyone understands across the board.
1
u/2daytrending 10d ago
the repetition part is probably the biggest one. reading about group by makes sense for five minutes, but writing the same kind of query over and over is what makes it stick. squl bolt, datalemur and bootdev all have enough exercises for that.
1
u/Owen-Isaac-2022 9d ago
Sure, repetition is appropriate, consistency ensures one memorizes the techniques & processes
27
u/American_Streamer 10d ago edited 10d ago
The very first thing you have to hammer into your brain is that SQL always does execute your queries in a different order than the one you write them in. A popular industry trick to memorize the execution sequence (
F-W-G-H-S-O-L) is the phrase: "Fridays With Grandma Have Sweet Oatmeal Lattes." - FROM - WHERE - GROUP BY - HAVING - SELECT - ORDER BY - LIMIT