While many are reeling from an economy in a global recession, there are loads of programmers with plenty of job security. Everything requires software to operate these days and the people that program it are always in demand. Companies still need their websites to work and their software suites as well. This means that an established company won’t be laying off their programmers even during a bad economy.

When you have database experience with SQL, then you become even more in demand as so much relies on a database. This is especially true now with the Internet of Things.

If you really want to make sure that you have the skills needed to not only survive these crazy economic times, but to also thrive then you should be looking into how to become a programmer that works on SQL. That means you should be working on your skills right now.

In this article, I will go over what those skills should be so you can set yourself up for success right away.

What is SQL?

Simply put, SQL is a database. Everything that is happening now online is collecting data and this data is used to run the operations of just about every business.

Since many databases are not able to understand a variety of programming languages like Ruby, PHP or Python, SQL is required to code it. Then it is able to play nice with the other languages.

SQL has a markup just as many other languages do so a new user will have to learn it. If you then think of a SQL database as a table and the markup is used to process the information in the table you can sort of get an idea on how it works. The table is how the database is organized sort of like the shelves and aisles in a library.

Then the SQL server 2019 is used to transfer the data to a client where it can be analysed. It may sound a bit complicated at first, but as you break it down piece by piece you’ll see that it is actually there to simplify things.

Learn C++  and Java

Java is one of the most in demand programming languages right now. Even if you don’t end up using SQL, having expertise in Java will help you become an in demand programmer.

Lots of apps on the Android (News - Alert) platform are being built with Java since it works with databases. And data is essential for any kind of mobile app right now. And it looks like it will stay that way in the future.

Java is platform independent making it an excellent choice for a software company to use since it offers a lot of flexibility. Getting stuck on one platform is very limiting and can cause problems later if a company decides to switch to a different platform and all of the coding needs to be switched. With Java, it doesn’t matter as it is portable from one platform to another.

Java is used not just in mobile devices, but in just about every appliance from washing machines to air conditioners and even in your car’s on board computer system.

C++ is another language that is often used alongside Java and with SQL as it speeds up processes and allows software to use less resources to do its job. One problem with C++ is its complexity so it is not easy to learn as you go. You will likely have to learn Java first and then concentrate on C++ so you can devote yourself to learning it.

Start creating

To be considered for a job working with SQL, you’ll need to have something to show to a prospective employer. You can create your own project using Java and C++ or you can work with others for something more complex.

Either way, your project should demonstrate that you are able to see a problem and then create the software required to solve the problem. All the while, using those languages together with SQL.

The best way to do this would be to volunteer with a local business or cause and help them out with some software that incorporates all three languages and solves one of their problems. Because if you solve a problem for them, and the program works, then it is likely that you can solve other problems that a company may have.

This will show that you have the right mindset to work within this framework and that you also have the chops to put something together. When you work for a company it is easier in a way over doing your own project. At a company you will be given a specific task within the stack to work on rather than trying to handle the various aspects when you DIY it.

Show added value

There are a lot of Java developers out there that are also learning SQL that you will be competing with. You’ll have to set yourself apart from them to be seen and then hired.

An example of this would be to secure your software. Making your code impervious to hackers once it is uploaded to the SQL server will show that you are dedicated and are willing to put in the time and effort to make something perfect and useful.

When you are in your new job, you aren’t likely to actually do the work to make sure the code is secure, but the fact that you understand how it works will help you to stand out from others that likely are not thinking in those terms.

Conclusion

Your path to working as a SQL developer is not going to be quick or easy, but it will be rewarding. If you can focus and dedicate yourself to learning this as a craft then you will guarantee yourself steady work going forward.

One thing to keep note of, however, is that you will need to also be a perpetual learner. Things change quickly in software and you will need to stay abreast of all the newest developments.