What is SQL?
SQL (pronounced Sequel) is similar to Access in that it is used for database management, but SQL has a few key differences. SQL is a language that is designed for managing and summoning data from different databases based on a criteria you are looking for. Imagine you have a huge database of policies and you want to specify the specific types of information you want to find within it, SQL can help! SQL can be more powerful and versatile than Access, but to use its full functionality you will need to understand how coding words and what the syntax of SQL is.
How Can I Use SQL?
There are many different versions of SQL, but the Developer version, which is sufficient for learning it before applying it at a company, can be downloaded here.
How Can I Learn SQL?
- Initial Learning Strategy
- Videos:
- W3 Schools
- W3 has a really nice reading opportunity to learn SQL and perform exercises at the end of each section. Not many learning resources let you actually apply the learning, so this is a great resource!
- SQL "Cheat Sheet"
- Useful reference for syntax and frequently used commands.