I recently completed a SQL class and I'm curious about how critical SQL skills are for software engineers. I understand it's crucial for data scientists, but in a typical software engineering role, do we actually use SQL? I'm also learning Python and Java, so any insights would be appreciated!
5 Answers
Almost every software role I’ve had required SQL knowledge. It’s not just for backend developers; front-end engineers also benefit from understanding how data is stored and accessed.
As a software engineer, I use SQL daily! Our application runs on PostgreSQL, so being proficient in SQL is a must when retrieving data for any feature. It's crucial for showing the right information to users.
In short, yes! Depending on your field within software engineering, SQL can be essential—and I wouldn’t underestimate its importance as you dive deeper into your career.
How about front-end roles? Is it still relevant there?
It's super important! It’s easy to learn and a valuable skill. Knowing SQL can really differentiate you as a software engineer, especially if you're dealing with data regularly.
I'd agree that while basic SQL is easy, advanced topics like normalization and performance from large datasets can get tricky. How do you feel about using complex queries?
What do you think about using CTEs and window functions? I find myself needing them quite often even if they’re not too hard.
Definitely! Databases are integral to most software today. Even if you're not working directly with the database, you'll likely be interfacing with it or handling data that depends on it.
Do you find that you use joins and aggregate functions often in real-world applications?