Many people feel SQL is outdated today because AI tools look simple, but real analytics work still needs understanding data deeply, not just pressing buttons.
Modern dashboards feel powerful at first glance, yet they quietly depend on SQL behind the scenes to pull the correct data before any chart or insight appears.
Analytics jobs involve messy data, missing values, and multiple tables, where SQL helps analysts connect information properly instead of trusting visuals blindly every day.
AI tools can speed up work, but analysts still need SQL knowledge to verify numbers, correct mistakes, and feel confident about the results they share.
Companies ask SQL questions in interviews because it proves logical thinking and real data understanding, not just experience using dashboards or automated analytics tools.
Learning basic SQL gives career safety, allowing analysts to move across finance, marketing, healthcare, ecommerce, and tech roles without depending on one tool.
No code tools may change or disappear over time, but SQL has remained useful for decades, making it a reliable skill for analytics beginners.
Beginners who avoid SQL often struggle later when questions become complex, and dashboards fail to explain how important business numbers are calculated.
You do not need expert SQL skills, but knowing simple selects, joins, filters, and groupings is enough to start working confidently in analytics roles.
SQL is not gone or replaced; it simply works quietly, helping analysts deliver accurate insights, trusted reports, and better decisions every day.