---
title: "What is the Best Way to Learn SQL?"
description: "A guide to efficiently learn SQL and its components for different roles."
image: "https://assets.bytebytego.com/diagrams/0031-how-to-learn-sql.png"
createdAt: "2024-03-16"
draft: false
categories:
  - computer-fundamentals
tags:
  - "SQL"
  - "Databases"
---

![SQL Learning Path](https://assets.bytebytego.com/diagrams/0031-how-to-learn-sql.png)

In 1986, SQL (Structured Query Language) became a standard. Over the next 40 years, it became the dominant language for relational database management systems. Reading the latest standard (ANSI SQL 2016) can be time-consuming. How can I learn it?

## SQL Components

There are 5 components of the SQL language:

*   **DDL**: data definition language, such as CREATE, ALTER, DROP

*   **DQL**: data query language, such as SELECT

*   **DML**: data manipulation language, such as INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE

*   **DCL**: data control language, such as GRANT, REVOKE

*   **TCL**: transaction control language, such as COMMIT, ROLLBACK

For a backend engineer, you may need to know most of it. As a data analyst, you may need to have a good understanding of DQL. Select the topics that are most relevant to you.