What Is Structured Query Language (SQL)? - TechTarget

Why is SQL important?

SQL is a great language to learn because it's the primary database language used for data processing tasks and is used across various industries.

The following reasons highlight the importance of SQL:

• Backbone of the data industry. SQL is considered the backbone of the data industry. It's widely used by data-centric professionals including data analysts, data scientists, business analysts and database developers.
• Universal language. SQL is a universal language that is transferable to other disciplines and languages. Learning SQL can help one understand the workings of other languages such as Python and Java. It also makes collaboration easy, as it has a large supportive community.
• In-demand skill. SQL knowledge is one of the most in-demand skills in the field of data science. It appears in a significant percentage of data science job postings, making it a prized skill for professionals in this field.
• Data manipulation. SQL is well-suited for data manipulation. It enables users to easily test and manipulate data, making it efficient for tasks such as filtering, sorting and aggregating data.
• Rapid query processing. SQL enables rapid query processing, enabling users to retrieve, manipulate or store data quickly and efficiently. However, optimizing queries for rapid processing involves a combination of proper indexing, query optimization and database design considerations.
• Security features. SQL provides various security features such as authentication, access control, audit trails and encryption, making it easy to manage permissions and ensure the security of data.
• Commonality and compatibility. SQL is widely used in various IT systems and is compatible with multiple other languages. Its commonality benefits beginners in the profession, as they are likely to use SQL throughout their careers. It also contributes to ease of application and improves the production and efficiency of businesses.
• Scalability. SQL is suitable for organizations of any size. It can easily scale up to accommodate future growth, making it a versatile choice for small and large businesses alike.
• Open source and community support. SQL is an open source language with a vibrant community of developers that regularly provide updates and troubleshooting assistance to SQL users.
• Cost-effective. Due to its open source nature, SQL is more cost-effective than proprietary solutions, making it ideal for organizations with budget constraints.