SQL Guide - Do you want to learn SQl for free?

If you plan to pursue IT career, it is very likely that you will have to work with SQL at some point. SQL is short for Structured Query Language and is a programming language used to retrieve, save and delete data from relational databases. If you are making a career in IT, learning SQL is a must. Find out how to learn SQL Syntax with our short guide below.

You can learn SQL by taking a training course from one of the software companies producing RDBMS like Oracle or Microsoft Corp. If you pass the exam at the end of the SQL course you will get official SQL certification, which can help you find a better position if you are looking for a job.

Your second choice is to finish a course by independent IT companies offering educational IT courses. Although these SQL courses usually come with a hefty price tag, they might be quite helpful. Some of these companies even offer their own certification programs.

Although having official SQL certification is nice, this doesn't mean that this is the only way to learn SQL. There are many quality SQL books that can help you get up to speed with the language. Go to your local bookshop or simply browse online and you'll find a good book no matter how little or extensive your SQL knowledge is.

All the SQL learning options we listed above are paid, however you can learn SQL for free by using one of the many online SQL tutorials. Many websites offer SQl Cheat Sheets free of charge and you can get your SQL questions answered in one of the many SQL discussion forums.

SQL is both ISO and ANSI standard, however many companies producing RDBMS software have made their own SQL extensions. For example Oracle has Pl/SQL, while Microsoft has Transact SQL. Despite the fact that there are many SQL dialects, the important thing is to learn the SQL concepts and you'll be able to work with any proprietary SQL extension.

Having SQL knowledge will help you in your work and will make you more valuable to your employer. Any of the SQL training options above can help you learn the language. What counts is your understanding of the language and your experience, so don't waste another minute and start learning SQL now!

This SQL Cheat Sheet can be used as a quick reference whenever you need help with your SQL. - http://www.sql-tutorial.net/SQL-Cheat-Sheet.pdf