SQL Books for Beginners

How can you learn SQL more efficiently? Besides a good online course, find an interesting book to enrich your knowledge. Here are the best SQL books for beginners.

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a very powerful tool to work with many types of data. Understanding the SQL language is crucial for managing, analyzing, and manipulating data effectively. If you are interested in learning SQL you probably know how useful it is, and how widely it is needed.

To learn SQL successfully, a solid online course for beginners like our SQL Basics is a great start. In this course, you’ll practice writing real queries and learn how to retrieve the information you want. First, you start with one table; once you’re comfortable with that, you'll move to multiple tables and use more advanced functions. If you already know a bit of SQL or if you want to learn all SQL offers, check out our SQL from A to Z learning track or our All Forever SQL Package.

Even when you’re learning online, a good SQL book will always be an asset. We’ve compiled a list of books that are really worth spending time on.

Our Favorite SQL Books for Beginners

1.   Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes

I really like the idea behind this book. Very often, what discourages us from learning new things is the time it requires – time we usually don’t have. Between our job and our personal duties, the last thing we want to add is more activities and responsibilities. But learning SQL takes time. Dividing the content into small but complex parts is a perfect solution for all busy people. But it is not only about the time. It is easier to absorb new information when it is served in the form of short lessons. The book also includes SQL practice problems, which are designed to enhance your skills through real-world scenarios.

Author Ben Forta knows all this very well. He has prepared the book so you can learn easily step by step, starting from the very basics and moving on to more difficult topics. Each lesson takes 10 minutes, tops.

In the book, you will find full-color code examples that help you understand how SQL statements are structured. These short lessons will help you get to know how to use SQL statements to sort, retrieve, and format database contents; how to join multiple related tables; how to update and delete data, and much more.

2.   SQL All-in-One For Dummies

Another book worth reading is this SQL guidebook written by Allen G. Taylor. This book clearly explains what SQL and relational databases are and what’s involved in designing, developing, and maintaining these databases. It also introduces tools like SQL Server Management Studio, which is essential for managing Microsoft SQL Server Express Edition.

This book covers SQL queries, database security, error handling, SQL programming, database and query tuning, XML, and JSON.

Allen Taylor has written a really comprehensive book. You can learn from it if you have just started to learn SQL, but it is also useful for more advanced readers. You can use it as a reference while working with SQL.

The author has great experience in the computer industry. He has written over 40 books, including a whole series on SQL “for dummies”. His SQL All in One is definitely among the best SQL books for beginners.

3.   SQL: Learn SQL (using MySQL) in One Day and Learn It Well

This is one of the most popular books on MySQL. And that’s for a reason.

It’s a perfect choice for SQL beginners and for those with some experience who want to complete their training.

What makes this book stand out is its practical approach. You will find many examples and exercises while going through the lessons.

The author encourages you to try to write your own commands and to check the book afterward. You will be guided through a hands-on project that’s explained step by step.

The book covers what a DBMS (database management system) is and what software you need to work with SQL. You’ll also learn how to select data from tables, input data into the database, use aggregate functions, use JOIN and UNION statements, work with cursors, and more.

4.   SQL Database Programming

SQL Database Programming by Chris Fehily is worth reading if you’re an analyst, data scientist, or database student, developer, or end user. The author discusses the general concept of SQL and offers clear, straightforward explanations for various SQL statements.

Beside some theory, the book is full of practical examples. It starts with simple ones for beginners and moves up to more advanced concepts.

This guide encourages you to download the sample database and practice the examples described by the author.

Chris Fehily explains SQL using various DBMSs like PostgreSQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and MySQL. In this book, you will learn the core language for standard SQL and how to organize a database in terms of the relational model. You will also master tables, columns, rows, and keys; retrieve, sort, format data, and much more. The book also covers advanced SQL techniques, including window functions, which are crucial for effective data analysis and manipulation.

If you need a comprehensive and well-written guide to SQL, this book is a very good solution.

5.   Practical SQL: A Beginner's Guide to Storytelling with Data

You may associate technical books with long, boring descriptions that are difficult to decipher. And that can often be true – but not in this book. Anthony DeBarros’s SQL book for beginners is one of the most amusing pieces on this topic. We already mentioned his book in our previous book rankings, and it is still worth writing about.

Practical SQL is written in a very accessible and interesting way. The author avoids focusing on theory and history too much. Instead, you’ll get the essence of SQL and a lot of practical examples from the business and data analysis world.

Anthony DeBarros shows how you can find a different story in every project by working with data. This is a fast-paced guide towards successful programming with SQL. It is a great learning tool for complete beginners as well as for more advanced readers.

In this book, the author mainly focuses on the open-source PostgreSQL database system. This is a good chance for students to learn about this popular version of SQL; however, the general SQL syntax and concepts apply to most database systems, e.g. MySQL, MS SQL Server, and SQLite.

Here you will learn how to define, organize, and analyze data sets. Also, you will get to know what it means to aggregate, sort, and filter data to find patterns. You will be able to use basic math and advanced statistical functions, identify errors in data (and deal with them), import and export data using delimited text files, create advanced queries, and automate tasks.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive book that explains sometimes-difficult topics in an accessible way, this is a perfect choice. You can read an interview with the author to get more background.

5.   SQL Programing For Beginners The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Analyze, Manage and Manipulate Data with SQL

For newcomers to SQL, SQL Programming for Beginners is crafted as a straightforward guide. The author breaks down essential SQL concepts—from creating databases to querying and updating data—using everyday language and real-world examples.

Each chapter walks you through practical steps, building gradually from basic commands like SELECT and INSERT to more complex topics like JOINs and filtering data. The book’s examples make it easier to understand how SQL works, so you’re not just learning theory but also building confidence with hands-on exercises.

For those who are balancing work, study, or a busy schedule, this book’s easy-to-digest format is a big plus, offering clear explanations without overwhelming technical jargon.

5.   Simple SQL: Beginner’s Guide To Master SQL And Boost Career

Simple SQL for Beginners by Dane Wade takes a straightforward approach to learning SQL, focusing on essential skills for newcomers. This book guides readers through SQL basics, including creating databases, writing queries, and managing data. Every chapter is crafted to build practical skills that beginners can directly apply, making it especially useful for those who want to develop data competencies for professional use.

Dane Wade, the author, is a data expert with extensive industry experience. His background in data analytics and technology consulting adds valuable insights throughout the book, helping readers grasp how SQL is applied in real-world scenarios. Wade’s clear writing and his knack for simplifying complex topics make this book an accessible starting point for anyone diving into SQL.

The book provides a range of examples, from basic data retrieval commands to more advanced SQL operations like data manipulation and filtering. Each concept is broken down into manageable lessons, allowing readers to learn progressively without feeling overwhelmed. By focusing on practical applications, Wade ensures that beginners not only understand SQL syntax but can also see how to use SQL in their careers or projects.

If you're looking for an approachable introduction to SQL that is rich in practical exercises, Simple SQL for Beginners could be a perfect choice.

5.   Learn SQL Quickly: A Beginner’s Guide to Learning SQL

Learn SQL Quickly is tailored for beginners who may feel intimidated by databases but want to master SQL effectively. This book emphasizes hands-on learning, offering clear explanations and guided exercises to help readers build a strong foundation. Each chapter introduces essential SQL commands, such as SELECT, INSERT, and JOIN, progressing gradually to cover more complex topics in an approachable way.

The book’s structured format makes it easy to follow, with lessons designed for both absolute beginners and those refreshing their SQL skills. The author’s practical approach encourages readers to apply what they learn immediately, making SQL concepts stick through real-world examples

Designed with efficiency in mind, Learn SQL Quickly also addresses common beginner pitfalls, helping readers avoid mistakes as they practice. The interactive exercises and detailed explanations enable learners to develop confidence in SQL, whether they’re preparing for a career in data or just want to enhance their skillset.

Find the SQL Book for Beginners That Enriches Your Learning Journey

I hope this list of SQL books for beginners provides some inspiration for your learning journey. Each book offers valuable insights that can help enrich your understanding of SQL. Adding reading to your learning path is a great way to consolidate new skills through diverse perspectives.

Ready to take your SQL skills further? Check out our SQL Basics course. This hands-on course will guide you through writing SQL queries step-by-step, covering everything from basic SELECT statements to more advanced concepts like filtering, sorting, and joining data. Practice is key to mastering SQL, and this course is designed to help you build confidence with real examples.

Do you have a favorite SQL book that helped you on your journey? Share it in the comments!