Learn the one skill that will save you hours, and even your job
Do you struggle with your data access tools and run up against problems that you just can't solve? Maybe you have a "data person" or "SQL freak" at your work that jumps in to save the day when your database grinds to a halt.
These people are extremely valuable and for a very good reason: they can quite literally save the company from going under.
It's Not a Problem Until It's a Problem, Right?
We learn as programmers not to "prematurely optimize" our code, and that most of the problems we dream up won't actually happen. Some of this is true, except when it's not.
Databases tend to bear the brunt of this thinking. In the early days of a project or a company, everything is typically fine. After a year or two, things begin to slow down and you need to scale. No big deal!
But then strange things begin to happen::
- Backups start to fail.
- Customers report timeouts and your logs show sporadic connection errors.
- Your servers run out of RAM during replication.
That's when you hear that all-too familiar manager's refrain:
Looks like we need a database person to help us out
Programmers Hate SQL Until They Need to Know It
It's something I've never understood: why do programmers hate SQL so much? Is it aesthetics? If so, I can understand that - SQL isn't terribly pretty to look at or to decipher... but the things that it can do are much more important.
Maybe it's the fact that learning SQL can be a chore - online courses typically have you creating DVD stores and learning dry syntax rules that are boring and have absolutely no real-world applicability.
Or maybe it's just what they've heard or read, constantly, from other developers who are just perpetuating one of the most ridiculous ideas in computer science. SQL is a fantastic investment in your career, and by knowing it, you could quite literally save the day when your server is in flames.
Your Hero's Journey
I won't try to convince you that SQL is awesome - it's not. It's an old, clunky language that's difficult to read and even harder to write given the strange syntax rules. But if you take just a weekend and learn it, your career will change forever.
That's not hyperbole - it's happened to everyone who has become the "database person" on their project. Programmer's fear of SQL pushes them to do absolutely anything to avoid dealing with SQL, which includes asking you to solve the problem they're having.
Let them. It makes you extremely valuable.
These Skills are Always In Demand
It might be hard to believe but SQL consistently ranks in the top 10 programming languages, even though it's not a programming language! It's ahead of languages like Go, Swift and Ruby - consistently! That's because SQL people are always needed!
People do horrible things with data and spreadsheets, introducing errors, bias and often data that's simply trash. Being able to "sense" these issues and then correct them can save your company millions of dollars, making you look like the badass you are.
I bought your first book in 2016 or 2017. Loved it because of the videos back then. Bought the interview prep videos on your website recently as well. Your books over the years, videos, and a little bit of leetcode... plus my 10 years of experience got me a job at AWS the first time through.
Back then, your first book got me over the imposter syndrome I had. Being self-taught, I had a lot of doubts, coupled with being a javascript developer and getting a lot of flack from backend engineering. That's all noise now to me, I know my worth. Have for a while. Now I try to help others see that too.
What You'll Learn
SQL. And data skills. The fun part of programming and, indeed, business in general. You'll learn how to be indispensable, someone everyone else can go to.
ETL Mastery
Learn robust ETL techniques so you can transform messy real-world data into structured, queryable formats, which means you'll never again be stopped by "dirty" datasets
Relational Modeling
Master the art of relational transformation so you can model complex systems accurately and efficiently, which means your databases will be both powerful and maintainable
Analytical Insights
Develop analytical query skills so you can extract meaningful patterns from massive datasets, which means you'll be able to provide insights nobody else can see
Performance Optimization
Learn to optimize your database operations so your queries run at lightning speed, which means you can work with larger datasets without waiting for results
Data Storytelling
Practice data-driven storytelling so you can convert raw numbers into compelling narratives, which means your analyses will actually influence decisions
Real-World Application
Apply everything to real NASA data so you're solving authentic scientific problems, which means you'll be genuinely engaged while learning transferable skills
Real Data, Real Fun
You'll be given the raw data that Cassini gathered during its time orbiting Saturn and passing by Enceladus. You're going to load this data, transform it into a solid relational design using PostgreSQL, and then export it for analysis by the analytical team. When you're done, you'll be able to create tables and views, run analytical queries and tweak data as needed. You'll be on your way to your new life as a data pro