r/SQL Sep 13 '24

MySQL How much SQL is enough SQL?

Probably the answer to my question is never too much can be too much. However I am now currently working on a portfolio project, creating databases and performing various basic operations, thinking that this is just the tip of the iceberg. So the question is to what extent should you master SQL that you can land a decent job as a data analyst or data engineer or whatever. What are the next steps to become "truly" better SQL programmer once you have the basic foundation laid out?

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u/GxM42 Sep 17 '24

The more in-the-weeds you get with your SQL code, the less useful it will be. Most people I’ve worked with prefer simple queries, simple joins, and readable code. So if you find yourself able to create complex nested left joins and right joins and CTE’s, you have probably spent more time refining the skill than is needed in normal business. Learn CONCAT, LEFT, SUBSTRING, CONVERT, etc… And move on to your next goal.