The strong local economy is driving up the demand for SQL developers. The reason is that the demand for SQL development skills is tied to the increasing demand for web, intranet and internet application development skills which is driven by the increased need to automate business operations as they grow in complexity, expand in size and become more profitable than ever.

Why are SQL developers needed, what do SQL developers do, how can you become a SQL developer and what makes SQL developers different from other developers? These are some of the questions I will be addressing next.

What Is SQL?

SQL (Structured Query Language) pronounced “sequel”, is a SET based language used to manipulate (add, retrieve, edit, update, delete) data in relational database management systems (RDBMS). SQL is commonly used to query the data contained in relational databases or create the data structures (tables, views, stored procedures) that contain the data.

SQL also describes a family of languages that adhere loosely to ANSI-SQL standards and are used in relational databases including Microsoft Access, SQL Server, Oracle and MySQL for data analysis and database development.

Why Become A SQL Developer?

• SQL developer jobs offer a transition path to high demand careers in computer programming
• SQL development is less complex than traditional web or windows application development
• The majority of web or windows applications need to perform a task in the database (retrieve, save or manipulate data) which in turn creates a demand for database and SQL development skills

What You Need To Know About SQL Developer Positions

1. SQL Dialects: There are as many dialects of SQL as there are types of relational databases. For example the SQL language used in SQL Server differs from that used in Oracle which differs from that used in MySQL
2. First Step to Success: When starting out as a SQL developer, focus on learning and mastering one SQL dialect like Microsoft’s Transact SQL or Access SQL. Then learn additional SQL dialects like Oracle’s PL/SQL as the need presents itself
3. SQL is fairly specific in what it does: SQL programming is SET based and is designed for manipulating (adding, retrieving, editing, deleting) data. Unlike other types of programming like Java or C# which are more Object Oriented and are used for creating full blown web and windows applications.
4. Difficulty of Learning SQL: Becoming a SQL programmer is easier than most people think because programming with SQL on databases like SQL Server is less complex than programming with languages like Java or C#. The reasons are:
   1. You can’t create web applications or windows applications in SQL which removes one layer of complexity.
   2. You are expected to use a fully fledged application development language like Java or C# to develop complex business rules and not SQL.
5. Master Relational Database Theory and Practice: To become a SQL developer, you must master both the theory and practices of Relational Database Design and Development in real world databases like Microsoft Access, SQL Server or Oracle
6. Pure SQL Developer Positions: There are fewer pure SQL developer jobs than other types of programming jobs like Java or Microsoft .NET Programming. This is because traditional SQL development is part of what a professional software developer does.
7. SQL Developer Hiring Trend: Most companies hire a software developer or database developer expecting the developer to be highly skilled at both SQL and application (web or windows) development. So, clarify with your recruiter or hiring manager the percentage of SQL development you will be doing on the job.
8. SQL Developer’s Responsibility: A SQL developer’s responsibility is to create the stored procedures, views and tables used in the database. It is not the SQL developer’s responsibility to create the web or windows GUI, the business logic or data access used by applications that connect to the database.

Job Satisfaction

Even though there are fewer pure SQL developer jobs, if you get one, it is likely to be fun and enjoyable because SQL developers do not have to handle the challenges that come with creating web or windows applications or master the size of libraries that come with application development in tools like the .NET Framework.

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