I just wrapped up a SQL class and I'm curious about how essential SQL really is for software engineers. I know it's crucial for data scientists, but what about the real world? Will I actually use SQL as a software engineer? I'm currently learning Python and Java, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!
5 Answers
Short answer: yes. Long answer: it depends on your field. I've been using SQL almost daily for a decade, and trust me, you’ll want to get comfortable with it. Initial learning can be tough, but once you see how it all comes together, it really makes sense.
You might not need SQL in every project, but it's the kind of skill that gets noticed. If you don’t know SQL, many will question your background in software engineering. It's like, how can you build something that interacts with a database without understanding SQL?
For sure, it's a must-know. Surprisingly easy to pick up too! Just keep in mind that while basic queries might seem simple, things can get trickier as you dive into more advanced topics like normalization or window functions.
I totally agree! Sometimes I struggle with those advanced joins too.
I’m living proof! As a software engineer in the real world, SQL is part of my daily routine. Data retrieval from our PostgreSQL database? You guessed it, all through SQL. It's crucial for showing any data in your applications.
Definitely important! Almost all applications rely on a database, and if you're not working with the database directly, you'll still be interacting with it at some point. SQL is essentially the language for handling data.
Are advanced SQL techniques like CTEs really useful in real projects? I often find myself doing a lot of data handling locally instead.