My Journey Learning SQL with PostgreSQL: Leveling Up My Backend Skills

Starting something new is always exciting—and a bit daunting! As a developer with experience in React and FastAPI, I recently decided to dive into the world of databases by learning SQL using PostgreSQL. My main goal is to bridge the gap in my backend …


This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Vincent Mugondora

Starting something new is always exciting—and a bit daunting! As a developer with experience in React and FastAPI, I recently decided to dive into the world of databases by learning SQL using PostgreSQL. My main goal is to bridge the gap in my backend skills and better understand how databases power the applications we build.

Why PostgreSQL?

With its open-source nature, strong community, and powerful features, PostgreSQL is a natural fit for those looking to expand their backend capabilities. It’s widely used in both small projects and large-scale production systems, making the skills transferable and future-proof.

My Starting Point

So far, I’ve covered the fundamentals:

  • Installing PostgreSQL on my machine and setting up my first database
  • Learning and practicing essential SQL commands like:
    • CREATE TABLE
    • INSERT
    • SELECT
  • Writing simple queries to filter and sort data, exploring how different clauses interact

These basics form the bedrock for any meaningful database interaction, and getting comfortable here sets a solid foundation for more advanced concepts.

What’s Next?

Here’s how I’m planning to strengthen my skills:

  1. Deepen my query knowledge: Practice more complex SELECT statements, using JOIN, GROUP BY, and aggregate functions.
  2. Understand relationships: Learn how to design schemas that use foreign keys, explore data normalization, and practice building relationships between tables.
  3. Indexing and performance: Begin to understand how indexing works and why it matters.
  4. Integrate with full-stack apps: Leverage my React and FastAPI experience to build full-stack projects, using PostgreSQL to store, manage, and query data.

How I’m Documenting My Progress

I’m a firm believer in learning by doing—and sharing!

I’ll be writing about each step, what I learn, and the roadblocks I encounter.

Expect posts on beginner tips, mistakes to avoid, and small projects or challenges I tackle along the way.

Resources & Tips

If you’re also learning SQL or PostgreSQL, here are some strategies that helped me:

  • Practice, practice, practice: Use sample datasets (like Sakila or Chinook) to write real queries.
  • Break projects into small pieces: Build simple data models, like to-do lists or recipe managers, to get used to CRUD operations.
  • Read the docs: The PostgreSQL official documentation is surprisingly readable!
  • Learn ER diagrams: Visualizing table relationships makes complex schemas much easier to design.
  • Don’t just memorize: Focus on understanding how queries work and why.

Join The Learning Journey!

Whether you’re new to SQL or a seasoned backend dev, I’d love to connect, exchange resources, and learn together. Drop your favorite tips, resources, or questions below—let’s grow as a community!

Stay tuned for regular updates, beginner-friendly tips, and honest reflections on this learning adventure. Onward to full-stack mastery with PostgreSQL!


This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Vincent Mugondora


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Vincent Mugondora | Sciencx (2025-08-20T11:09:28+00:00) My Journey Learning SQL with PostgreSQL: Leveling Up My Backend Skills. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/08/20/my-journey-learning-sql-with-postgresql-leveling-up-my-backend-skills/

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" » My Journey Learning SQL with PostgreSQL: Leveling Up My Backend Skills." Vincent Mugondora | Sciencx - Wednesday August 20, 2025, https://www.scien.cx/2025/08/20/my-journey-learning-sql-with-postgresql-leveling-up-my-backend-skills/
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