Course Advise in Programming - SQL and ABAP content

[ACTPerformance]

Hi All

Im interested in doing a career change. I have an opportunity to learn SAP ABAP but I do not have any programming knowledge.

I want to do an entry level course to learn programming.
From what Ive heard SQL is the closest to ABAP.

Can anyone recommend a place where I can take a short course on SQL?
Is it difficult to learn or your own?

Thanks
D

 

[InvisibleJim]

The SQL tutorials at W3Schools are quite a good starting place.

There is quite a lot of info on the web and books to teach yourself SQL. Like a lot of things, the basics are fairly straightforward but you can take take it to a more advanced level if you pursue it.

You can download MySQL or SQL Server Express for free and practice at home. 'Head First SQL' is quite a good book from a self learning point of view.

 

[DawieBotes]

Hi ACTPerformance, Sorry, can't point you to an exact course, but I do know there are plenty of Foundation to Advanced courses available, 2 - 3 days training. I do concur with InvisibleJim, the easiest way to learn is to try it yourself and follow tutorials. As you mentioned you don't have programming knowledge, but I'd recommend (but it will take a bit longer) is to get Visual Studio Express (for free at http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/eng/downloads#d-2012-express) and learn a little C# or VB. They are rather easy and will help with the logic you need when doing complex SQL. SQL Express is also part of the same download. If you're more into Macs, then get Xcode (also free from the App Store), but Objective C is a bit of a creature to get used to. The best Open source alternative is MySQL, but not as nice an Interface (IDE) to start learning, but I've found it a lot more 'forgiving'.

 

[ACTPerformance]

Thanks guys. Will be starting with W3schools this weekend.

 

[InvisibleJim]

Enjoy. Feel free to pm me or post again if you need help setting up a DB environment to play in.

 

[guest2013-1]

Just my 2c. You have the opportunity to learn SAP ABAP. Then learn it. Don't faf around thinking "Oh noes I don't have programming experience/knowledge". That's the whole point in learning something.

If you have an analytical mind and don't get frustrated (too often) with "gobbly-dee-gook" then you're already 1 ahead of most people