Learn SQL to work with BI, big data and analytics

Mastering the SQL language (structured language query) is essential for you to work with business intelligence (BI), big data and analytics. Knowledge that gives you many advantages over outdated Excel tables.

Therefore, if you are or want to be a data analyst or analytics engineer, if you are interested in data engineering or are studying to enter this area, or if you already have knowledge in Excel, then you should learn SQL - language as soon as possible. universal tool used by big data professionals.

Understand in this article some reasons for this. Let's go? Good reading! 😉

What is SQL?

Structured language query (SQL) or structured query language is a research language aimed at relational model databases that basically serves to:

• create databases;
• create tables within databases;
• store, update and query data within a DBMS;
• and facilitate access and transformation of a company's data.

Knowing SQL is also knowing how to tell the machine how information from a database should be extracted .

Now, with the existence of other programming languages, such as Python and R , you may be wondering: why should I learn SQL?!

You can find the answer in the topic below.

SQL and the relational model

Since the 1970s, the most common database management system (DBMS) model on the market is the relational model . This type of DBMS works with tables, called relations , where structured data is stored .

And that's where structured query language comes in . SQL allows for better communication and data handling within the relational model that , today, easily replaces Excel or Google Sheets spreadsheets .

If you already work with data or are about to enter the field, know that the chance of needing to deal with a relational database is enormous due to its current dominance.

The popularity of the relational model and the need for knowledge of SQL to work with this database is one of the main reasons to learn the language as soon as possible.

After all, relational databases are present everywhere and, because of that, so is SQL .

But if you're still not convinced, we have a few more reasons.

SQL handles big data very well

If you've ever tried to work with a lot of data for analysis in a spreadsheet , you know that, at some point, it will crash and hinder your work due to its limitations.

Using SQL is a much faster and more robust way to process a large amount of data at the same time, ensuring greater integrity of the entire data set. And there's more!

SQL combines data from different sources

Sometimes, crossing data from different sources is necessary for a more in-depth analysis, but this process, if done manually, can take a long time.

SQL has a function, Join , which makes this data combination relatively faster. This way, you save much more time in your analysis. But it doesn't stop here!

SQL is easy to debug

Anyone who is already familiar with a programming language knows that, when something goes wrong, it can be complicated and even stressful to find solutions to debug the code.

But, because it is intuitive, SQL flags the error in the query, when there is one, saving you the time it would take trying to discover the error and only then applying the corrections.

SQL and relational databases are everywhere

The SQL language is present in different applications, areas and companies of all sizes. All large companies , famous for their use of data, such as Netflix , Uber and Google , use SQL in their query and analysis processes.

Precisely for this reason, there is currently a huge demand for professionals with SQL skills to work in companies that want to generate value through their data.

SQL is an easy-to-learn language

And to conclude the reasons, this is to reassure you because, unlike other languages ​​that have a complex syntax, SQL is quite intuitive and easy to understand , even for those who have no training or experience with programming.

Learn SQL com from Information Academy

Now that you know the importance of knowing SQL , especially in the data area, how about starting to develop this skill with trained professionals and tutors at Indicium Academy ?

Our courses are aimed at training data professionals who will occupy new positions in areas such as analytics engineering and data engineering . And for these functions SQL is a basic requirement . Follow our publications and stay up to date so you don't miss the opening of registrations .

Discover other more specific SQL courses that Indicium Academy recommends for you:

1. Introduction to SQL - DataCamp
2. Introduction to SQL - Kaggle
3. Advanced SQL - Kaggle
4. Aprenda SQL do zero - Udemy

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