How to learn 5 of the most important computer languages at home

"The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

Most of us understand that coding is important in today’s workforce. We also understand that our society’s increased dependence upon technology creates an opportunity for job openings and job insurance.

But for those of us who don’t have the opportunity to go spend a semester at a university learning how to code, that same technology comes in handy. If you’ve got a little bit of time and motivation to set aside, you can learn how to code by yourself.

For instance, there are ample online courses like the ones curated below. They’re all from Udemy— an online marketplace for learning and teaching online, with a huge library of over 55,000 courses you can take all taught by experts. And thanks to regular sales — like the one going on right now, for the next 20 hours — you can save up to 85% off those already affordably priced courses.

If you prefer solitude that lets you stop and start at your own pace, there are plenty of books written by experts to get you started.

The important thing is to actually get started, rather than just saying one day you’ll begin. Past that point, it’s as simple as deciding which computer language to begin learning, though depending on the learner it can be much easier to pick up a second once you’ve got a handle on a first.

Below are 5 of the most important (and common) computer languages in use in the workforce today, plus both book and online course resources to help you make tangible steps toward realizing your goal:

Captions provided by Udemy and Amazon, edited for length.

SEE ALSO: 17 online classes that teach the skills you need for the modern workforce

1. Learn SQL

Online: The Complete Oracle SQL Certification Course 

1. Become job ready to start contributing as a Database Developer on day one.
2. Pass the Oracle SQL Fundamentals Examinations.
3. Program in the SQL Language to solve a variety of database problems.
4. Be a SQL Ninja and understand how the Oracle Database works.

The Complete Oracle SQL Certification Course, $10.99 (originally $195)

1. Learn SQL (cont.)

By book: "SQL in 10 Minutes, Sams Teach Yourself" by Ben Forta

Expert trainer and popular author Ben Forta teaches you just the parts of SQL you need to know–starting with simple data retrieval and quickly going on to more complex topics including the use of joins, subqueries, stored procedures, cursors, triggers, and table constraints.

You'll learn methodically, systematically, and simply–in 22 short, quick lessons that will each take only 10 minutes or less to complete.

SQL in 10 Minutes, Sams Teach Yourself (4th Edition), $26.46

2. Learn Java

Online: Complete Java Masterclass

1. How to build creative, fully-functional Java 8 programs with confidence (whilst having fun, too).
2. How to program the right way, cutting out the useless fluff and filler.
3. How to easily write advanced programs for all computing platforms at once.
4. Expert-level knowledge of Java code (+ advanced tips and tricks used by the pros).
5. The core skills needed to program for big clients, as a traveling freelancer or from home.

Complete Java Masterclass, $10.99 (originally $195)