Ask HN: Would it make more to sense to learn more SQL or another language?

1 point by yernarak 3 years ago | 5 comments
My skill is fairly limited in SQL and I was wondering would it make more sense to deep dive into SQL or learn another programming language to improve myself as an engineer?
  • TameAntelope 3 years ago
    SQL doesn't sit in a category that's similar to "other" languages. You often need to know how to construct SQL queries in addition to working in another language.

    Honestly, learning a language to "improve" yourself is probably a waste of time. Learning a kind of language is more valuable. Not SQL, but declarative. Not Haskell but functional. Not Java but object oriented.

    Additionally, it'll be more useful to understand programming concepts, like SOLID, flow control, data structures, etc.

    As a developer for ~15 years, I don't generally fear projects using languages I'm not familiar with anymore. I know I'll pick up the basics to start contributing, and I'll grow into mastery over the ensuing months.

    Which brings me to my real advice; learn how to be productive while learning. If you can do that, you'll have a long and successful career as a developer.

    • yernarak 3 years ago
      Ah thanks! That`s why I love HN.

      I'm more of a web dev "code monkey" and good enough writing simple backend apps.

      I was actually thinking about more deep-dive into database design and what`s not. I am fairly sure I can construct queries and understand simpler topics like indexes. However, I am completely lost on optimization techniques like sharding, for example.

      • TameAntelope 3 years ago
        If it's interesting to you, go for it! You'll probably learn a ton more about anything if you're interested, even if it's not 100% relevant to your job, than you would forcing yourself to learn something you feel certain would be relevant but isn't sparking your interest.
    • viraptor 3 years ago
      Just learn both. SQL is not that big unless you want to go full analyst / dba. Spend some time on it and treat it more like regex - you can look things up if you need it. The this or that choice as you explain it doesn't feel right.
      • yernarak 3 years ago
        Yeah, I was thinking of an SQL as a way to improve my general ability to design higher complexity apps.