Emily Clarke

What's the Difference Between SQL and Python?

In the world of data science, there are two programming languages scientists and engineers rely on to do their jobs. SQL and Python are important in modern data analysis and management, but knowing their differences can help you decide which language to focus on most for your career.

What is SQL?

SQL stands for Structured Language Query. Data professionals use This programming language to build, store and retrieve data from larger data management systems. In conversations around SQL vs Python, you'll often hear that SQL is a high-performance language that facilitates efficient database communication.

It prioritizes speed and reliability. SQL is beginner-friendly and comparatively easy to use. The syntax is straightforward, and you can use a wide range of commands. SQL is also scalable.

One of the biggest differences between SQL and Python is that the former performs significantly faster. Databases already have a defined schema, enabling faster communication.

What is Python?

Python is a programming language commonly used to build websites and applications. Big-name applications like Netflix and Instagram utilize Python to power services. However, it's a staple for data professionals, too.

Regarding SQL vs Python, Python focuses on data exploration. While SQL prioritizes speed and reliability to connect databases, Python offers a broader range of functionality. It operates much slower than SQL because systems must extract and load data before exploration. However, that added functionality makes Python a more powerful language for in-depth data analysis.

Python has built-in libraries and functions. Therefore, it can perform multiple tasks that SQL can't. Python has the versatility and performance capabilities to do everything from deep data exploration to manipulation and wrangling.

Which Language Should You Learn?

Ultimately, it pays to have some proficiency in SQL and Python if you plan to work with data professionally. But what language you'll use most depends on your role.

Data engineers use SQL and Python, but they need extensive SQL knowledge for data modeling and querying relational databases. Meanwhile, data scientists typically focus on learning Python because it can handle more complex tasks.

Author Resource:-

Emily Clarke writes about business software and services like spreadsheets that automatically generate Python code and transform your data with AI etc. You can find her thoughts at python data manipulation blog.