You may have created a website with your recently acquired knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. But you are not done yet, if you are gathering data from and about your visitors, you need some place to store all that information!
Websites usually store data in what we call a database. Many low-code website builders such as Wix.com and Hubspot have a database solution built in. Alternatively, you may also use a combination of text documents, Excel files, or SharePoint lists to save, store, and manipulate the data you have collected. Eventually, as you accumulate more and more data, you may need a more robust solution.
What is a Database?
Before diving into how to work more efficiently with your data, let's go back to the basics. Wikipedia tells us that a database is “a set of related data” accessed through specialized software that allows users to enter, store, retrieve, and manage large quantities of information." There are many options for and types of databases. In general, databases can be broken into two categories: relational and non-relational.
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Although we won’t go into detail in this article, these two database categories can be broken down even more. This article from Geeks for Geeks gives an explanation of these additional classifications:
Relational vs. Non-Relational Databases
If your data is not rigidly structured and needs to be accessed often, you may want to use a non-relational database. This is a newer type of database, and it provides a great deal of flexibility. MongoDB, Inc, a leading database provider, identifies non-relational databases as “ideal for storing data that may be changed frequently or for applications that handle many different kinds of data.” You may store the comments and reactions to your content on your websites in a non-relational database.
Although non-relational databases are becoming more popular, at the time of this writing, relational databases are still more common. But you may ask, what is a relational database? IBM defines a relational database as “a type of database that organizes data into rows and columns, which collectively form a table where the data points are related to each other.”
Relational databases are generally used when working with structured data. This is the type of data you can define as a table in Excel or Access. Generally, you have a main identifier known as a key in one column and you can use that information to connect or relate data in that table to information stored in another one.
Unlock the Power of SQL for Data Analysis
Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just dipping your toes into the technical waters, Structured Query Language (SQL) is a valuable tool for data analysis, especially when dealing with relational databases.
Here’s why:
Simplicity Meets Power: Unlike many programming languages that require intricate step-by-step instructions, SQL takes a different approach. It’s declarative—you express the desired outcome rather than the exact steps to get there. Think of it as telling the database what you want, and it figures out how to deliver it. Plus, SQL commands closely resemble natural language, making them intuitive and easy to grasp.
Widely Applicable: SQL isn’t confined to a specific industry—it’s everywhere. From finance to healthcare, e-commerce to logistics, SQL plays a crucial role in managing and extracting insights from data. Learning SQL opens doors to diverse career opportunities.
Affordable Learning: The best part? SQL is relatively straightforward to learn. Its narrow focus—primarily handling relational databases—means you won’t drown in complexity.
So, whether you’re aiming to level up your skills or explore new career paths, mastering the basics of SQL is a smart move.
Learning Resources for SQL
But where can you learn more about SQL? These websites offer free on-demand training where you can get started on your SQL learning journey.
Sites like LearnSQL.com can help you find even more resources to build upon the basics and become more proficient when using SQL. You can also check out the sources on this list from Class Central: https://www.classcentral.com/report/best-free-sql-courses/
If you prefer live training, a few coding bootcamps regularly offer free live introductory training courses. If you have discovered other resources, share them with your fellow readers either by adding a comment or submitting it on our contact us page! We'll update this article with other resources that are highly recommended by readers.
Here are a couple:
General Assembly: https://generalassemb.ly/students/workshops-and-events?free=true&workshops=true
Career Foundry: https://careerfoundry.com/en/events/
These are just a few of the free resources available to help you leverage SQL for data analysis.
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