Inspired by Chris Sparshott’s post on Learning CSS, I decided to write about how I first got involved with SQL, how I learned, and how I continue to learn about its features.
First, a bit about the language. SQL stands for Structured Query Language, and it’s used to query databases to get the information you want and need from them.
Microsoft SQL, also known as “Sequel”, is my langauge of choice, and will be the main feature of my blog. There are several other database technologies which I may also touch on from time to time, they are Oracle, MySQL, Sysbase, and DB2 to name a few.
I first started to learn the language and syntax when I joined One2Create in November 2008. Previous to this I had very little experience in any development languages. I had learned bits and pieces of HTML, CSS and C#, but had never before used SQL.
The first thing I did was buy a book, this one in fact: Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes
I read through this book, and completed the examples as I went. It’s a complete novice’s book, and the author (Ben Forta) has done a very good job intoducing the language. It gives you more than enough to get an understanding in the basic syntax, features, and uses.
After about a year and a half of using Ben’s book as a reference, and gaining experiance in the industry, I decided I wanted to study for the Microsoft 70-433 SQL Developer 2008 exam.
My work purchased the 70-433 Self-Paced Training Kit Book to allow me to study the more advanced features of SQL in the hope that I could pass the exam. I’ve yet to attempt the test, but hope to in the near future.
Development languages, including SQL, are ever growing. There will always be more to learn, new features introduced with new versions, as well as keeping up with all of the old stuff! And this is why I love what I do!
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