Python is the Most-Loved Language, but SQL Helps Make More Money

When we talk about the world's leading programming languages, there are some programming languages to learn that are and will be in demand in the future. SQL (Structured Query Language) and Python are well-placed at the top of the list.  Python and SQL can perform some overlapping functions, but developers typically use SQL when working directly with databases and use Python for more general programming applications.

SQL was the most sought-after language for quick data insights, fetching records, and drawing conclusions. SQL is great, but R and Python really shine when it comes to more complex statistics, machine learning, and automation. SQL is the most in-demand skill among all jobs in data, appearing in 45.4% of job postings. Python and SQL skills can get you a job in the data field, whether it be Data Science, Data Analytics, Data Engineering, or Machine learning. SQL is the most-used language in data science.

Python vs SQL:

SQL has been designed to query and extract data. Therefore, you can use SQL to fetch data and further manipulate the structured data using Python. SQL is tougher than coding in Python. SQL is a leading desirable skill, at least according to job ads. The strength of the SQL signal is not because there are a lot of employers looking for just SQL coders. They want a given language plus SQL.

SQL most often develops and maintains these databases. According to the surveys Python topped the list of popular programming languages followed by three flavors of C, Java, SQL, and JavaScript. SQL was ranked at number 10. Developers may also use SQL to produce quick data insights, perform data analyses and retrieve records from extensive databases.

Python's presence atop the list is atypical, as JavaScript regularly leads lists of popular languages from other sources. Developers use Python to analyze and manipulate data by running regression tests. JavaScript is in pole position, followed by HTML/CSS, SQL, Python, and Typescript. the SQL syntax persists through time and space. SQL's greatest advantage is its ability to combine data from multiple tables within a single database.

The fundamentals of more general languages like Python or R are critical. However, ignoring SQL will make it much harder to get a job in data science.  If you've already mastered Python, you're going to miss out on 3 out of 5 data scientist job opportunities unless you've got SQL skills on your resume, too. SQL remains the most popular language for data work and one of the most popular languages for developers of all kinds. Mastering SQL is key to starting your career in data. While it's easy to get distracted by the latest and greatest language or framework, learning SQL will pay dividends on your path to breaking into the data industry.