Software Developers: why SQL is essential
The world of software development has evolved enormously in recent years, with has led to such innovations as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Machine Learning. An efficient management of these latest techniques requires both an adequate Cloud infrastructure and the ability to manage databases. It is no coincidence that despite all this progress, the central role of SQL (Structured Query Language), the standardised language of databases using a relational model, has remained unaltered. These are the most widely used databases due to their simplicity, efficiency and the fact that they were created using a model founded on solid theoretical principles.
Developed for the creation and management of data archives with complex structures, the above-mentioned programming language is considered by many international experts to be a fundamental skill for anyone wishing to maintain their competitive edge in the labour market.
According to those with extensive experience in the software development sector, this language will always be an essential part of the job. Data analysis and management are in fact essential steps in the creation process of an efficient and functional strategy.
SQL usage fields
This language can be used effectively in numerous analytical contexts. SQL is in fact an ideal instrument for optimising working procedures and workflow. It should be highlighted that, over the last 20 years, its syntax has not changed much and continues to be based on the need to copy the text in lower case exactly as it appears; this programming language is not case-sensitive and in examples, both lower and upper case letters appear, which improves legibility significantly. The practicality of this system means that programmers do not need to carry out detailed preparation each time they carry out similar procedures.
Not only SQL
In order to operate effectively in the world of programming – and to be competitive at a professional level – it is essential to know key languages such as SQL, Java, JavaScript, C# and Python. It is also fundamental to be aware of their importance beyond the IT sector. Programming is in fact a key competency in many fields, such as chemistry, biology, communications, banking and insurance.
If we take a look at job offers in the USA, it soon becomes clear that the best-paid positions almost always require a knowledge of the above programming languages. As a rough guide, those professionals able to master the basics of coding can earn approximately 22,000 dollars more than those who don’t and their average yearly salary is calculated at around 84,000 dollars. Furthermore, reliable sources indicate that professions linked with programming are currently growing at a rate of 12% more than the market average.
According to experts in that field, coding will soon become a key element of the academic syllabus taught in schools, considering that programming enables repetitive tasks to be automated and issues previously considered difficult to deal with to be resolved.
As early as the mid-nineties, coding started to be recognised as a key skill in order to keep ahead in the labour market. Several authoritative figures from the fields of technology and politics have expressed positive opinions regarding the possibility of teaching the basics of programming languages such as SQL in schools, as they are viewed as useful instruments to enable people to learn to think better.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
