What is SQL and why should a Business Analyst know it?

Question

Accepted Answer

**SQL** — Structured Query Language. Used to query and manage databases.

**Why BA needs SQL:**
- Extract data for analysis.
- Validate requirements with data.
- Understand data structures.
- Create reports.
- Communicate with technical teams.

**Basic queries:**
```sql
SELECT * FROM customers WHERE country = 'USA';
SELECT COUNT(*) FROM orders WHERE status = 'completed';
SELECT customer_name, SUM(amount) FROM orders
GROUP BY customer_name HAVING SUM(amount) > 1000;
```

**Key concepts:**
- SELECT, FROM, WHERE.
- JOIN (INNER, LEFT, RIGHT).
- GROUP BY, HAVING.
- Aggregations (COUNT, SUM, AVG).
- Subqueries.

**Benefits for BA:**
- Independent data access.
- Better requirements validation.
- Improved communication with developers.

Business Analyst: What is SQL and why should a Business Analyst know it?