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I've spent ten years managing the user end side of databases. I can import, run canned reports, manipulate canned reports, and of course export segmented data into excel to maneuver around into whatever reports my higher ups were asking for (I also trained all new staff on how to enter data and created manuals, etc). However, what I couldn't do was code. There usually was some general in-house IT guy who would be able to go into the backend of the database and code in whatever we needed after a quick phone call. I noticed a lot of jobs are paying double just for having SQL. I also noticed Khan Academy has an SQL course. I did a few sections and it looks fairly easy. Is this something that I could learn in a weekend? Or is something a little more time consuming? I was wondering if I spent a weekend taking the Khan course if by next week I could apply to those database jobs requiring SQL...

I've spent ten years managing the user end side of databases. I can import, run canned reports, manipulate canned reports, and of course export segmented data into excel to maneuver around into whatever reports my higher ups were asking for (I also trained all new staff on how to enter data and created manuals, etc). However, what I couldn't do was code. There usually was some general in-house IT guy who would be able to go into the backend of the database and code in whatever we needed after a quick phone call. I noticed a lot of jobs are paying double just for having SQL. I also noticed Khan Academy has an SQL course. I did a few sections and it looks fairly easy. Is this something that I could learn in a weekend? Or is something a little more time consuming? I was wondering if I spent a weekend taking the Khan course if by next week I could apply to those database jobs requiring SQL...

(post is archived)

[–] • 3 pts

SQL is from about the 70s. It's simple as it has few commands, which makes it hard to do complex things.

There are a few things more complicated, but don't trust a "database expert" if you don't have 1000000 records in a table. And f-ing set your indexes.

[–] • 3 pts

Its not just knowing it, its knowing it well enough to be able to solve problems by using knowledge and apply it in real world situations, so I guess what I'm saying is it takes experience more than anything else. Anyone can search the web around for the solution but to really be good at it you have to know the answer off the top of your head. So sure learn and apply for those jobs learn what the right questions to ask are so you know what to look for then once you have a job like that and are doing it everyday you become a master and don't need to search for the answers anymore.

[–] • 0 pt

I understand the tables and relationship portion. It's just memorizing the commands. Which after a few lessons seems to be pretty simple. I'll keep plugging away! I think I have enough of the other experience to bridge the gap. I'm thinking it's similar to having a longterm bookkeeper/accountant that has been doing it for years and knows the rules, but just suddenly has to learn how to use software instead of pen and paper.

[–] • 1 pt

you got this, it will take more than a weekend. Like everything in life...it takes practice. If you can do excel then you can do SQL.

[–] • 1 pt

I think that is an excellent analogy.