Learning MySQL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
MySQL is a valuable skill to learn if you want to be a full stack or back end software engineer, or if you want to be a front end engineer. This is because learning MySQL will help you understand how the entire application that you\u2019re running works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, what is the best way to get started with learning MySQL?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Should I Learn MySQL?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You should learn MySQL if you want to get into software engineering, as pretty much any website is going to store user data so it can be retrieved for later use. Companies such as WordPress, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube all use MySQL to power their databases that store user data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
MySQL is used for data analysis. Data analysis is crucial in many areas, from business to research and journalism. In a business context, you can use data to make decisions about how resources should be allocated and where growth has occurred. Pairing MySQL with SQL can help you dig into the data needed to make these decisions. If you perform research in an academic or journalistic setting, data analysis can help you identify patterns that can inform the content you produce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MySQL and SQL are also valuable in data science<\/a>. You can load data into a MySQL database, clean the data (remove inaccuracies), and then use SQL queries to lift insights from your data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some top reasons why you should learn MySQL:<\/p>\n\n\n\n MySQL is popular<\/strong> MySQL has a strong community<\/strong> MySQL skills are in demand<\/strong> To get some more perspective on the role of MySQL in today\u2019s job market, let\u2019s look at some salary numbers. According to Glassdoor<\/a>, the average annual base pay of a MySQL database administrator is $76,526. Salary.com<\/a> lists the hourly wage for a MySQL database engineer as being between $59 and $82 ($122,720-$170,560 a year). <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you already have some programming experience, learning the basics of MySQL could take you as little as two to three weeks. Keep in mind that really understanding how to use MySQL involves knowing how to use it with SQL and how to use a code editor like MySQL Workbench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To fully comprehend the role that MySQL plays in websites, you\u2019ll probably need some background in web development. In other words, before you start learning MySQL, it is good to have even just a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and a scripting language such as Python, PHP, or Perl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no single right or wrong way to learn MySQL. Some people prefer to watch a lot of YouTube videos, go through tutorials and courses, and read the MySQL documentation before installing and using MySQL. Others like to do just a little research, install MySQL, and start actually using it while reaching out to the MySQL community and resources as needed. Wherever you are in your MySQL learning journey, following these general big-picture steps will help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a basic framework for getting started with MySQL:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This course is a great beginner\u2019s guide to MySQL queries, database design, and other aspects of MySQL. To complete this course, you\u2019ll need to download and install MySQL Server Community Edition and MySQL Workbench (both are free).<\/p>\n\n\n\n MySQL Workbench is essentially a code editor built specifically for MySQL. You\u2019ll progress from being a beginner to being an advanced SQL and MySQL developer. This course provides 18.5 hours of video content plus 66 downloadable resources. You\u2019ll also get a certificate upon completion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this course, you will learn about managing MySQL queries, using MySQL on the command line, relational database design, and more. Other topics include how MySQL interacts with PHP, a scripting language. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This program will help you become a proficient MySQL user. The course includes 6.5 hours of video content plus other resources. When you have completed the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you ready to go beyond MySQL and see how it fits within the larger picture of business analytics? If so, this is a fantastic educational option, offered by Duke University via Coursera. In this specialization, you will explore how Excel, MySQL, and Tableau analyze data and how to share your insights with others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll also dive into topics like linear regression, data visualization, SQL, and binary classification. This program includes a capstone project where you focus on optimizing revenues from residential property, thus practicing your skills in a real-world context. This specialization takes approximately seven months to complete if you are dedicating to it at least four hours a week. You will earn a certificate upon completion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re interested in becoming a database developer, this course may just be for you. This program is composed of several courses, including Programming Foundations: Databases, Learning SQL Programming, Learning MySQL Development, and Learning MongoDB. It includes seven hours of content, and you are awarded a certificate of completion when you finish the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Head First<\/em> series has a very beginner-friendly approach to learning programming languages. If you are just getting started with MySQL and understanding databases, this is a helpful book to get started. You\u2019ll be guided through examples and \u201cbrain-friendly\u201d exercises that truly help cement your understanding of MySQL and PHP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether or not you have experience with other programming languages (such as HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript), this book is a helpful guide to understanding how these languages, together with MySQL, can work to create dynamic websites. If you already understand the basics of front end development, this book will help you add MySQL to your toolkit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a good book to read once you have some MySQL experience, as it is not a full-fledged tutorial but rather is \u201cdesigned as a handy resource when you need quick solutions or techniques.\u201d It can be helpful as a guide to the problems you may encounter on your journey to learn MySQL and database management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is an online guide to using MySQL. It is similar to using an e-book and includes chapters on the MySQL language, Pivot tables, and optimization. There\u2019s even a guide on how to work through the debugging process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n W3Schools.com has a guide to MySQL. This guide includes explanations, examples, and \u201ctry it yourself\u201d modules that allow you to see how MySQL operates. You\u2019ll find a list of MySQL\u2019s built-in functions. These include numeric functions, date functions, and advanced functions to perform tasks like displaying the name of the database.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>MySQL is one of the most popular relational database management systems. It\u2019s free and open source, runs on common operating systems like Windows, Linux, and MacOS, and is relevant for many data storage and analysis needs. According to the Stack Overflow 2020 Developer Survey<\/a>, MySQL ranks as the most popular database, with 55.6% of all respondents choosing MySQL over other database options like PostgreSQL and Microsoft SQL Server. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>With so many websites relying on MySQL for their database needs, you can bet that there are many people who are discussing ways to improve their MySQL skills. You can go to sites like StackOverflow<\/a> to ask questions about MySQL and share what you are learning with the wider community. There are MySQL events, a Slack channel, and user groups. You can learn more about the MySQL community on the MySQL Community Resources<\/a> page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>As of this writing, there are over 19,000 job postings<\/a> on LinkedIn that mention MySQL for jobs in the United States. On Glassdoor, there are over 13,000<\/a>. Based on these job descriptions, the type of roles where knowledge of MySQL is needed or helpful include positions like web developer, Python developer, and digital copywriter. Knowing how to manage a database can be useful in a variety of contexts, whether you are a full-time developer or have some other role.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Long Does It Take to Learn MySQL?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Learn MySQL: Step-by-Step<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Best MySQL Courses
Udemy: MySQL, SQL, and Stored Procedures from Beginner to Advanced<\/a>
Cost: $29.99<\/h4>\n\n\n\nUdemy: Richard Stibbard\u2019s \u201cPractical MySQL\u201d<\/a>
Cost: $24.99<\/h4>\n\n\n\nCoursera: Excel to MySQL – Analytic Techniques for Business (Specialization)<\/a>
Cost: Coursera subscription (varies)<\/h4>\n\n\n\nLinkedIn Learning: Become a Database Developer<\/a>
Cost: LinkedIn Premium subscription ($29.99\/month)<\/h4>\n\n\n\nMySQL Books <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Head First: PHP & MySQL <\/em>by Lynn Beighley and Michael Morrison <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Learning PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, CSS & HTML5: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Dynamic Websites <\/em>by Robin Nixon <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
MySQL Cookbook: Solutions for Database Developers and Administrators<\/em> by Paul DuBois <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Online MySQL Resources <\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wikibooks: My SQL<\/strong><\/a> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
W3Schools.com: MySQL Functions<\/strong><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
MySQL Documentation<\/strong><\/a> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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