- 1). Login to an SQL database. Learning SQL is best achieved if you can work directly with a database during the process. SQL queries require extreme attention to detail. While the general strategies can be learned without any interactivity, you will not become fluent in the process unless you can practice on a working database.
- 2). Locate a good online tutorial resource from a reputable SQL provider. Three excellent and free tutorials are the official MySQL developer's site, the W3 Schools documentation site, and the "SQL Course" Website. These resources begin with the most basic SQL queries and gradually introduce more advanced methods of manipulating a database. The MySQL site is particularly advanced, as it is the official documentation for the widely-used MySQL platform and covers all aspects of its use. The W3 Schools is an industry-standard Web developers reference site that educates programmers on all Web languages, including SQL. The third-party site SQLCourse focuses on advanced topics and is a good site for getting a fresh perspective on complicated query design.
- 3). Program SQL queries on your own database system as you move through the tutorials. For example, if a tutorial covers the basic of selecting data in a database using the "SELECT" statement, create the query yourself. Note that all SQL commands are entered in uppercase letters. Even if the queries seem particularly simple and straightforward, implementing them yourself will solidify the concepts.
- 4). Enter your own queries in addition to those covered in the tutorial. Programming is about creativity and it is best to learn the basic concepts using your own parameters, even if they are similar to the ones covered in the tutorial. By performing several queries of your own for each that is listed in a tutorial, you are sure to build a strong foundation in the language.
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