Why learning SQL is worth it in 2024

There are over 7 million people worldwide who use SQL, including developers and other IT professionals whose tasks involve database management. SQL is the most popular programming language for managing and interacting with databases. That is why it ranks as the fourth most popular language among people who are getting started with programming. If you are still on the fence about learning SQL, this article will help you understand why you should consider learning it right away. But first, let’s walk you through a few basics about SQL.

What is SQL?

Structured Query Language or SQL is a domain-specific programming language used for managing and interacting with relational databases. It is the standard language for relational database management systems (RDBMS) and is used for tasks including querying data, updating data, inserting data, and deleting data from a database.

SQL was created in the 1970s by IBM, and it is still the most popular language for managing and interacting with databases today. This language provides a structured and efficient way to work with data stored in tables, define relationships between tables, and ensure data integrity.

SQL is widely used in various industries and applications, including web development, data analysis, business intelligence, and more.

6 reasons to learn SQL in 2024

These are the top reasons you should consider learning SQL in 2024.

1.     Database Management is an In-Demand Skill

In the digital age, data plays a pivotal role in decision-making for businesses across various industries. Database management skills, which often include proficiency in SQL, are highly sought after. Managing and manipulating data efficiently, ensuring data accuracy, and maintaining data security are vital aspects of this skill set.

As organizations continue to rely heavily on data, professionals with the ability to manage databases effectively remain in high demand, making learning SQL a valuable pursuit in 2024. If you intend to work in an organization that uses some form of database, learning SQL should be one of your top priorities.

2.     SQL Skills Are Highly Paying

Since SQL skills are in high demand, learning this language can be financially rewarding in the long term. SQL developers often command competitive salaries. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an SQL developer is over $97,000 per year. Of course, your salary will vary based on other factors such as experience and location.

However, this average is above many of the other IT-related skills. With the data-driven nature of modern businesses, the value of SQL expertise is expected to persist, offering the potential for continued career growth and financial success.

3.     Can Be Used for Non-Programming Tasks

SQL’s utility extends beyond traditional programming tasks, making it one of the most versatile programming languages. Professionals in fields like sales and marketing can leverage SQL to extract valuable insights from databases, facilitating tasks such as market analysis and customer segmentation.

4.     It Will Give You a Competitive Edge

Learning SQL will give you a significant advantage in the job market, particularly for individuals with technical backgrounds in fields like web development or data science. It complements your existing skill set by demonstrating your proficiency in data management, a skill highly valued by employers across industries.

This adaptability not only enhances your current role but also makes you a compelling candidate for a diverse range of positions, as businesses increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making. It also showcases your commitment to keeping up with emerging trends and technologies, positioning you as a forward-thinking professional who can excel in dynamic environments.

5.     It is a Common Language

SQL’s position as the industry standard for managing relational databases carries immense importance. For instance, major tech companies including Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Amazon rely extensively on SQL to handle their vast datasets efficiently. This widespread adoption underscores SQL’s central role in data management for organizations dealing with diverse data types, from user profiles to transaction histories.

Proficiency in SQL not only paves the way for job opportunities at these influential companies but also offers a versatile skill set that transcends specific industries. It is also important to note that SQL skills are readily transferable, allowing professionals to work with databases in various sectors of the IT industry.

6.     Easy to Grasp

SQL is an excellent choice for beginners due to its user-friendly nature. Its basic commands are intentionally designed to be intuitive and have some similarities to everyday English words. For instance, commands like “insert,” “delete,” and “update” are straightforward to grasp, even for individuals with no prior programming experience. This level of simplicity reduces the intimidation factor associated with learning a programming language, making SQL an accessible entry point for those looking to explore the world of database management.

Furthermore, this straightforward learning curve lays a strong foundation for delving into more complex programming languages like Python and Java, as it instils essential programming concepts and logical thinking skills. The problem-solving and data manipulation skills honed while learning SQL are highly transferable, enabling individuals to transition seamlessly into different programming domains.

Final thoughts

Those are some of the reasons you must consider learning SQL in 2024. This language is likely to remain relevant for the foreseeable future, giving you confidence that your skills will still be needed even in the next five or ten years. Now that you understand why learning SQL is worthwhile, the next step should involve determining where to acquire this knowledge.

At Think IT Project Management, we offer an introductory course for SQL specifically designed for beginners. This course will guide you through all the fundamentals of SQL and how to utilize it to perform various data management tasks. Each module includes follow-up questions that enable you to review and reinforce your understanding by answering questions related to the given module.