NO idea where to start learning SQL?

This article provides a beginner-friendly introduction to SQL, a programming language used to interact with relational databases. Relational databases store structured data in tables, while unrelational databases store data in a different format. SQL, which stands for Structured Query Language, is the language used to manipulate and query this data.

To understand SQL, four key concepts are important:

1. Tables: Data is organized into rows and columns, similar to a spreadsheet. For example, a "Customers" table might have columns for customer name, contact information, and other attributes.

2. Databases: A database is like a house that stores the organized data electronically, making it easier to find, retrieve, and modify. This is typically done using specialized software.

3. SQL command categories:

- DDL (Data Definition Language): Defines and modifies the structure of the database, such as creating, altering, or deleting tables.

- DQL (Data Query Language): Used to retrieve data from tables without modifying it. The most common command is "SELECT."

- TCL (Transaction Control Language): Manages groups of changes as a single unit, ensuring data consistency. Commands include "COMMIT," "ROLLBACK," and "SAVEPOINT."

- DML (Data Manipulation Language): Used for working with the data inside tables, such as inserting new rows, deleting rows, or updating existing rows.

5. DCL (Data Control Language): Manages user permissions, such as granting or revoking access to specific database objects.

To get started with SQL queries, the SELECT statement is essential. For example: "SELECT first_name, last_name FROM customers WHERE county = 'Mombasa' ORDER BY age DESC;" This query retrieves the first and last names of customers from the "Customers" table who live in Mombasa, ordered by age in descending order. Once you understand these basic concepts, you can move on to more advanced topics like filtering, sorting, and joining tables.