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25 Advanced SQL Query Examples

One of the best ways to learn advanced SQL is by studying example queries. In this article, we'll show 25 examples of advanced SQL queries from medium to high complexity. You can use them to refresh your knowledge of advanced SQL or to review before a SQL interview. Many of the examples in this article will be based on the following employee table. Only a few examples will be based on other tables; in these cases, the tables will be explained along with the example.

Learn Advanced SQL with LearnSQL.com

Alexandre Bruffa

In this article, we will propose a learning path that will cover advanced SQL topics. If you already know the basics of SQL, you probably have figured out that most online and offline SQL tutorials and courses usually cover the basic and intermediate concepts: SELECT, FROM, WHERE, ORDER BY, GROUP BY, and joining tables. Even university database courses typically don’t cover more advanced SQL topics. While this is enough SQL for most everyday tasks, there are some relatively new features that have been added to SQL in the last 20 years: window functions, recursive queries, and GROUP BY extensions (ROLLUP, CUBE, GROUPING SET).

SQL Aggregate Functions: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Aldo Zelen

Positional SQL window functions deal with data's location in the set. In this post, we explain LEAD, LAG, and other positional functions. SQL window functions allow us to aggregate data while still using individual row values. We've already dealt with ranking functions and the use of partitions. In this post, we'll examine positional window functions, which are extremely helpful in reporting and summarizing data. Specifically, we'll look at LAG, LEAD, FIRST_VALUE and LAST_VALUE.

SQL Statistical Analysis Part 3: Measuring Spread of Distribution

Dejan Sarka

Besides knowing the centers of a distribution in your data, you need to know how varied the observations are. In this article, we’ll explain how to find the spread of a distribution in SQL. Are you dealing with a very uniform or a very spread population? To really understand what the numbers are saying, you must know the answer to this question. In the second part of this series, we discussed how to calculate centers of distribution.

An Introduction to Using SQL Aggregate Functions with JOINs

Francisco Claria

Previously, we've discussed the use of SQL aggregate functions with the GROUP BY statement. Regular readers of the our blog will also remember our recent tutorial about JOINs. If you're a bit rusty on either subject, I encourage you to review them before continuing this article. That's because we will dig further into aggregate functions by pairing them with JOINs. This duo unleashes the full possibilities of SQL aggregate functions and allows us to perform computations on multiple tables in a single query.

A Beginner’s Guide to SQL Aggregate Functions

Francisco Claria

Aggregate functions are powerful SQL tools that compute numerical calculations on data, allowing the query to return summarized information about a given column or result set. These functions can be used in conjunction with the GROUP BY statement. Let’s see how they work using some easy examples. SQL Aggregate Functions Suppose we have users residing in a city, and we store their information in two tables. These tables and their relationship are shown below:

Useful SQL Patterns: Conditional Summarization with CASE

Aldo Zelen

As you start coding in SQL, you will use some statements and techniques over and over again. We call these "SQL patterns". This series will look at the most common SQL patterns and consider how to use them. Previously, we looked at the SQL pattern of matching NULLs. This is important when you are comparing columns containing NULL values. Today, we're going to consider another SQL practice: conditional summarization with CASE operator.

NULL Values and the GROUP BY Clause

Maria Alcaraz

We've already covered how to use the GROUP BY clause and some aggregation functions like SUM(), AVG(), MAX(), MIN(), COUNT(). In this article, we will explain how the GROUP BY clause works when NULL values are involved. We will also explain about using NULLs with the ORDER BY clause. The best way to master GROUP BY and NULL in SQL is through practice. I recommend the SQL Practice track at LearnSQL.

How to Use Aliases with SQL JOINs

Andrew Bone

SQL aliases are custom names that you can give to the columns and tables you include in your queries. Aliases are very useful, as they can greatly improve the readability and maintainability of your query. We’ll be taking a closer look at using SQL aliases with JOIN and why you might need to do so. The best way to master aliases in SQL is practice. I recommend our interactive SQL Practice Set course.

The SQL AVG() Function Explained With Examples

Himanshu Kathuria

We explain the SQL AVG() function with practical examples, covering how and where you can and cannot use it. The average is probably one of the most widely used metrics to describe some characteristics of a group. It is so versatile and useful that it can describe something about almost anything. If you like sports, you see things like average runs per game in baseball, average assists per game or per season in basketball, and so on.

The SQL Coalesce Function: Handling Null Values

Ignacio L. Bisso

You may already know how to return null values in SQL. Now, we’re going to learn how to do the opposite. Though the SQL COALESCE function may seem complex, it’s actually very straightforward and useful. Let’s look at several examples of how the SQL COALESCE function can be used to work with NULL values in SQL. The Need for Coalesce in SQL Before we dive into the SQL COALESCE function in detail, you should understand how NULL values behave in expressions.

How Often Employees Are Running Late for Work: SQL Datetime and Interval SQL Arithmetic

Ignacio L. Bisso

Computing Tardiness: Date, Time, and Interval SQL Arithmetic In this article, we’re going to discuss some interesting operations we can perform with date-related data types in SQL. The SQL standard, which most relational databases comply with these days, specifies the date-related data types that must be present in relational databases. The most important of such data types are date, time, timestamp, and interval. Here’s a brief rundown of the differences between these data types:

LearnSQL.com For Your Business

b2b offer

LearnSQL.com Team

Are you thinking about SQL training for your employees? See how much you have to gain by choosing LearnSQL.com and how we can help you grow your business. .pre-header { color: #006DFF; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 2px; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 16px; margin-top: 60px; } We live in a time when the ability to process data is crucial. Data is a key resource, the use of which can give you an edge in the market.

3rd Anniversary of LearnSQL.com

LearnSQL.com Team

Time runs so fast. This week, we celebrate the 3rd anniversary of Learn SQL.com. We have come a long way together and we promise to get even better in the upcoming year! Thank you for being with us. 1096 days have passed since February 23, 2020, when we launched the LearnSQL.com platform. That's 26304 hours, or 1578240 minutes, if you prefer. It's been a long time, but it feels like yesterday that we started out together.

How to Set Up a Company SQL Training Program with LearnSQL.com

Kateryna Koidan

Are you looking to set up a business or corporate SQL training for your company's employees? In this article, we’ll discuss how to build an efficient SQL training program and why the LearnSQL.com platform is the choice of leading tech companies. If you are responsible for employees’ professional development – especially in a data-driven company – you know that SQL is essential for anyone who works with data. This programming language can enhance the performance of data and business analysts (for whom SQL is often a primary tool) as well as marketers, salespeople, HR specialists, auditors, and many more.

LearnSQL Track of the Season: SQL from A to Z

LearnSQL.com Team

The ability to analyze data is one of the most sought-after skills in job applicants. Why? Because all organizations want to take advantage of the power of data. And one of the basic tools for that is SQL! See why we have chosen the SQL A to Z track as our track of the season. This fall, take your analytical skills to the next level! Let's start with the basics.

SQL Track of the Season: SQL Fundamentals in PostgreSQL

Jakub Romanowski

Are you ready for a new challenge this spring? Check out our SQL Track of the Season: SQL Fundamentals in PostgreSQL! In this article, we’ll answer common questions about this track. It’s getting warmer. The flowers are slowly beginning to bloom. This can mean only one thing – spring is here. The world is coming to life after its wintertime lethargy. This is a great time for new challenges. Do you want to add something to your skillset?

LearnSQL Track of the Season: Creating Database Structure

LearnSQL.com Team

New year, new challenges, and ... a new SQL Track of the Season! Start 2021 by learning SQL and data engineering. In this article, we answer frequently asked questions about our Creating Database Structure track. Maybe you haven't noticed yet that there’s an order to many LearnSQL.com courses; you can learn SQL by doing them in the right order. We call this option our ‘SQL tracks’. These are logically structured and well-thought-out learning paths that will help you take the next steps towards becoming an SQL expert.

SQL Means Business - The Way of an Engineer

Jakub Romanowski

Have you been wondering why some companies fail and others achieve success? It's not a matter of luck but of the right people. Łukasz Kubicki at Vertabelo deals with business and product development. I asked him how he started his adventure with programming, how an engineer got into business, and if he liked playing computer games. Here's what he said. If you were to write one sentence about yourself, what would it be?

Did You Know LearnSQL.com Has Free SQL Courses?

Jakub Romanowski

Who doesn't like getting something for free? Each month, we give LearnSQL.com users a bit of help in their learning journey – a free, fully interactive SQL course. Since April, we have been giving our users the opportunity to learn SQL for free. Each month, we choose one of our SQL courses and give you full access to it for that month – completely free of charge! Cool, right?

Behind the Scenes at LearnSQL.com: How Our SQL Courses Are Created

Agnieszka Kozubek-Krycuń

Take a peek behind the scenes and learn our secret for creating great SQL courses! Have you ever wondered how LearnSQL.com courses are created? Are we looking at a lot of hard work or just a bit of magic? Or maybe both? Here’s a hint: we rely on proven methods to create user-friendly online courses. But it’s not easy! Read on to see the 8 steps we take when creating a new SQL course.

LearnSQL Track of the Season: SQL from A to Z

LearnSQL.com Team

During Fall 2020, our main SQL track, SQL from A to Z, will be in the spotlight. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about this track. At LearnSQL.com, our SQL courses are organized into tracks. A track is a sequence of courses designed to help you achieve a specific learning goal. The courses in the track are in a recommended order that progresses from the easiest to the most challenging.

A Mathematician in the World of SQL

Jakub Romanowski

She has a PhD in Mathematics and over 10 years’ experience teaching mathematics and computer science at the University of Warsaw. She knows SQL better than just about anyone I’ve met. Let’s get to know Agnieszka Kozubek-Krycuń, Vertabelo’s Chief Content Officer at Vertabelo. Let's go back in time. How did your adventure with math start? I’ve always enjoyed abstract concepts and problem solving. I was fascinated by variables when we learned to solve simple equations like x+2=5 in primary school.

You Want to Learn SQL? You've Come to the Right Place!

Dorota Wdzięczna

It is difficult to list all the benefits of learning SQL. You will work faster and more efficiently with a database, you will no longer be dependent on the IT department, and you will be able to analyze the data yourself and draw appropriate conclusions, among others. Add reporting to this, and you will get a very wide range of cool and useful skills. Maybe you want to change jobs or get a promotion?

Why Take the “SQL Basics” Course at LearnSQL.com

Agnieszka Kozubek-Krycuń

LearnSQL.com’s interactive “SQL Basics” course teaches the foundations of SQL. Discover why we built this online course, our philosophy behind it, and what it contains! What Is SQL, and Why Should You Learn It? SQL is a language used to talk to databases, computer programs that hold data and can process it efficiently. SQL can select data from a database and perform various computations on the data, be they simple or complex.

The Man Behind LearnSQL.com

behind the scenes

Jakub Romanowski

If it wasn't for this guy, LearnSQL.com would never have been created. He manages the entire company, makes strategic decisions – and talks little about himself. Who is the man behind LearnSQL.com? Meet Vertabelo CEO Jarosław Błąd. SELECT interests, early_career, advice FROM Jarek AS the_man_behind_learnsql.com WHERE answer IS NOT Null AND success IS True; If you were to write one sentence about yourself, what would it be? I think I would say that I am an ordinary, simple guy who really likes what he does.

SQL Cookbook with Recipes for Success

Dorota Wdzięczna

The internet holds a lot of information and can provide solutions to various problems. SQL users, both beginners and advanced, often turn to the internet for help with SQL queries. This article will help you find the right SQL queries to solve your problems. Learn what the SQL Cookbook is and why you should use it. You will also find a list of the most important recipes, from which you will prepare a great SQL dish with the taste of success.

How to Get More from Your BI Tools with SQL

András Novoszáth

Are you frustrated with the limitations of your business analytics tool? Do you wonder if there are other features you could tap into? Would you like to know how SQL compliments your work with Power BI and Tableau? Read this article to learn more! If you are a data analyst or if data analysis is part of your everyday job, Business Intelligence (BI) tools are crucial for your work. You also know that most databases run SQL queries in the background of such tools.

An Overview of SQL Text Functions in Google BigQuery

Tihomir Babic

Data analysts and Google BigQuery go hand in hand. Google's cloud data warehouse presents you with plenty of opportunities for using standard SQL text functions you can't avoid in your day-to-day work as a data analyst. BigQuery uses Google Standard SQL, an ANSI-compliant SQL dialect. This means you can use standard SQL text functions in BigQuery without needing to learn a variant of a given function. The Standard SQL Functions course is an excellent resource for learning those functions.

Best SQL Books for Data Analysis

Jakub Romanowski

In the world of data analysis, SQL is a powerful tool. It's a language that helps professionals find, organize, and analyze the data stored in databases. If you're looking to learn this important skill, you've come to the right place. This article will guide you through the best SQL books for data analysis, whether you're just starting out or already have some experience. SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standard language used for working with databases.

The Best Database Books You Should Read Now

Maria Durkin

So, you're interested in databases and looking for some database book recommendations. In this article, we’ll take a look at our top database book recommendations to feed your brain. In essence, databases are like digital filing cabinets. They have the ability to organize, store, and retrieve data. Large amounts of data are stored, managed, and made easily accessible by using databases. Additionally, databases make it possible for data to be organized into tables, which makes searching and sorting easier.

SQL Books for Beginners

Kamila Ostrowska

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. 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.

Interviewing Data with Anthony DeBarros, Author of Practical SQL

Jakub Romanowski

Some make model ships, others collect stamps. I read SQL books. I've read a lot of them, but only a very few deserve to be called really good. Some of them were included in my last year's Six Favorite SQL Books list. The good news is that one of them just got a new release. It was great, even better than the previous edition! Moreover, I was able to talk to its author, Anthony DeBarros.

Read These 5 Data Analysis Books to Jump-Start Your Career

András Novoszáth

Do you want to pivot into a data analyst role, but you are unsure where to start? Do you do analytics in your job and would like to learn more about the big picture of data? Are you looking for a great data analysis book to read? In this article, you will find our selection of the best books on data analysis! If you are a business professional thinking about picking up data analytics skills, you may be wondering how you should start.

Our 6 Favorite SQL Books

Jakub Romanowski

So you want to learn SQL and query databases? Great! Check out these six SQL books for an in-depth look at the language and you’ll be writing queries in no time! You take SQL courses, participate in internet discussions and forums, watch tutorials on YouTube... What else can you do to develop your skills? Sometimes it’s good to reach for old-fashioned sources of knowledge: SQL books. Which book(s) should you choose?

Book Review: “Learn SQL the Hard Way” by Zed A. Shaw

Marek Pankowski

“Learn SQL the Hard Way” by Zed A. Shaw is a great ebook for those who want to learn SQL essentials. At $19.99 USD, it may seem a bit expensive for an ebook, but you’re getting a DRM-free PDF, plus a whole bunch of explanatory videos and additional files. Who should read “Learn SQL the Hard Way”? Anyone interested in SQL basics – modifying databases or selecting information. Make no mistake about it: this book focuses heavily on the practical side of database language.

LearnSQL.com Review: “SQL Cookbook” by Anthony Molinaro

Kacper Skawina

Recipes that make querying easy, even for the novice. In today’s information age, we have at our fingertips almost an overabundance of teaching and information on any and every subject. In the midst of this glut of information, it can be hard to decide which is the best source for our needs. But, fear not; we are here to assist you as you navigate through decisions about books on SQL topics!

5 Books That Will Grow Your SQL Skills

Aldo Zelen

Which books will help you build your database skills? We look at five awesome SQL books. There’s a common saying that “all wise men read books”. I would say that all professionals read books – particularly those related to their field. There are many books about databases and SQL; most are tied to specific vendors (DB2, Oracle, MS SQL) but there are also plenty that are vendor-neutral. In this article, I’m going to review a few books that I would recommend to SQL learners at various levels of proficiency.

Can SQL Help Solve Crossword Puzzles?

Patrycja Dybka

Everyone has solved crossword puzzles and has certainly had some problems finding an appropriate word. Thanks to SQL, it is ridiculously simple to quickly dispel your crossword doubts and give you the correct answers. Of course, Google is commonly known as a universal cure for many doubts, but handling the problem yourself is much more rewarding. Recently I came across some simple and interesting examples from Andrew Cumming's book "

The Best Books for Data Engineers

Kamila Ostrowska

Are you tired of staring at a computer all day? Maybe it’s time to read a book. Take a moment to check out our list of recommended books for data engineers. They will help you deepen your knowledge about databases. Last year, we shared a list of the best books to learn SQL. This time, I want to introduce five books for data engineers. They are worth reading and will help you learn more about databases.

The Best SQL Books for 2024

Jakub Romanowski

In 2024, finding the right resources to learn SQL is more important than ever. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best one? In this guide, I will share some top SQL books to help you learn and master SQL this year. SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a tool that helps you work with data stored in databases; it lets you find and change information quickly and easily.

SQL Statistical Analysis Part 2: Calculating Centers of Distribution

Dejan Sarka

My previous article explained how to calculate frequencies using T-SQL queries. Frequencies are used to analyze the distribution of discrete variables. Today, we’ll continue learning about statistics and SQL. In particular, we’ll focus on calculating centers of distribution. We’ll learn e.g. how to calculate the SQL median, what functions to use to calculate the SQL mode, and how to calculate various types of mean in SQL (geometric mean, harmonic mean and, of course, arithmetic mean).

SQL Statistical Analysis Part 1: Calculating Frequencies and Histograms

Dejan Sarka

Database and Business Intelligence (BI) developers create huge numbers of reports on a daily basis, and data analyses are an integral part of them. If you wonder whether you can perform statistical analysis in SQL, the answer is ‘yes’. Read my article to learn how to do this! Statistics are very useful as an initial stage of a more in-depth analysis, i.e. for data overview and data quality assessment. However, SQL statistical analysis possibilities are somewhat limited as there are not many statistical functions in SQL Server.

Why Use SQL Over Excel

Shanika Wickramasinghe

SQL is replacing Excel in many fields, and data analysis is certainly one of them. If you are still using Excel as a data analyst, you are missing something very valuable. SQL can make your life easier, as it's more efficient and faster than Excel. So, how and from where can you learn SQL? How Can SQL Help Data Analyst? You can use SQL to help you with the following work:

Career Change: From Accountant to Database Designer

Tihomir Babic

How do career changes and life choices impact our future? Can we change the path that's been set for us? And if so, where do we begin? I wouldn't blame you if you thought this article is about change. In a sense, it is—it's in the title, after all. But for me, this article is more about what remains constant. If somebody were to ask me what hasn't changed for me since my childhood, I would know the answer immediately: curiosity.

Complete SQL Practice for Interviews

Marek Pankowski

Congratulations! Your SQL skills were strong enough to get you that job interview! Now, if you only knew what SQL questions and practical exercises a recruiter might ask you to do… This article is meant as a SQL practice for interviews. I’ll help you prepare for the SQL and database aspects of your job interview. In a previous article, I explained how can you boost your career by learning SQL.

Finding the Perfect SQL Job

Marek Pankowski

So you have some SQL skills and you're looking for a job that will use them. What are your options? SQL is everywhere, and there's a huge demand for people with database management skills. This is especially the case when companies start implementing Big Data solutions and strategies. There's no arguing that SQL is a must-have skill. If you're already proficient, how can you put your expertise to practical use in the job market?

A Day in the Life of a SQL Developer

Aldo Zelen

What is a SQL developer? And what does a SQL developer do? Describing a “typical” day for a SQL developer is not easy. When your daily work is using various technologies to create interesting database-oriented products, very few days are alike! Each day brings a new and intriguing challenge. Nevertheless, I’ll have a go at explaining what everyday things a SQL developer might do. Morning: Arrive at Work What does a SQL developer do after arriving at the office?

How to Use CASE in ORDER BY in SQL

Tihomir Babic

This article will show you how and when to use CASE in an ORDER BY clause. Have you ever used a CASE statement? I’m sure you have, at least in a SELECT statement. But have you ever used it in an ORDER BY clause? No? You will, once I show you how! Don’t worry if you’ve never used a CASE statement. I’ll show and explain it to you with a short example.

How to Use CASE in SQL

Himanshu Kathuria

If you need to evaluate multiple conditional statements, the SQL CASE statement will do the job. Here’s what you need to know to use CASE like a pro. Why is CASE so important in SQL? If you’re analyzing or manipulating data, you’ll often want to define rules based on certain conditions, e.g. if an employee’s performance is above average, give them a 10% raise; if it is outstanding, give them a 15% raise; otherwise, give them a 5% raise.

Useful SQL Patterns: Conditional Summarization with CASE

Aldo Zelen

As you start coding in SQL, you will use some statements and techniques over and over again. We call these "SQL patterns". This series will look at the most common SQL patterns and consider how to use them. Previously, we looked at the SQL pattern of matching NULLs. This is important when you are comparing columns containing NULL values. Today, we're going to consider another SQL practice: conditional summarization with CASE operator.

Using CASE with Data Modifying Statements

Dorota Wdzięczna

What happens when you combine CASE with SQL's data modifying statements? Find out in this article. The CASE expression is a very useful part of SQL and one that you'll employ frequently. We've already covered what the CASE expression does, how to format it, and how to use it in a SELECT statement in "Using CASE to Add Logic to a SELECT". Another article, "How to Sort Records with the ORDER BY Clause"

Using CASE to Add Logic to a SELECT

Dorota Wdzięczna

As you write an SQL query, you may need to get values from multiple columns and change values from one form to another. The simple way to achieve this goal is to add a CASE expression to your SELECT statement. In this article, we'll introduce you to the syntax, formats, and uses of the CASE expression. The CASE expression is a conditional expression: it evaluates data and returns a result.

How to Use CASE WHEN in GROUP BY

Nicole Darnley

Learn how you can combine SQL CASE WHEN and GROUP BY to create custom categories in your SQL queries. Raw data, by its very nature, is not always human readable. Many times, the data you’re querying is in its most unformatted form. Examples of this include codes for different business departments or product SKUs that represent specific products. To the naked eye, these codes mean nothing, so pulling them into a report is not helpful for the person reading them.

What Is CASE in SQL?

Andrew Bone

SQL CASE is a very useful expression that provides if-else logic to your SQL queries. It’s a slightly more advanced topic, but you’ll need it when preparing reports – it will deliver massive value to your personal and professional projects. The SQL CASE statement is a control flow tool that allows you to add if-else logic to a query. Generally speaking, you can use the CASE statement anywhere that allows a valid expression – e.

SQL Server Cheat Sheet

LearnSQL.com Team

Welcome to the SQL Server Cheat Sheet! Whether you're just starting out with SQL Server or you're a seasoned developer looking for a quick reference, this guide is tailored for you. This cheat sheet is a comprehensive guide to SQL Server, offering a quick reference to its essential commands. It covers the basics of creating and displaying databases and tables, the commands to modify tables, and the fundamental syntax for T-SQL commands such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE.

SQL for Data Analysis Cheat Sheet

LearnSQL.com Team

Welcome to our SQL for Data Analysis Cheat Sheet — a must-have resource for anyone looking to harness the power of SQL in the realm of data analysis. Whether you're a data enthusiast, a business analyst, or a seasoned data professional, this cheat sheet is designed to empower you to extract valuable insights from your datasets. Inside, you'll find a carefully curated collection of SQL commands and tips that will elevate your data analysis game.

MySQL Cheat Sheet

LearnSQL.com Team

Welcome to the MySQL cheat sheet! Whether you're just starting out with MySQL or you're a seasoned professional looking for a quick reference, this guide is tailor-made for you. This MySQL Cheat Sheet provides a concise and handy reference to the most commonly used MySQL commands and functionalities. It spans a range of topics, from connecting to a MySQL server and managing database contents, to the basic syntax for table creation and modification.

Introducing Our New Ultimate SQL Cheat Sheet!

SQL CTE Explained

sql
count

sql
csv

Martyna Sławińska

CSV files store and transfer data between databases. Read on to find out how easy it is to work with CSV files in a MySQL database. CSV files are one of the oldest data exchange formats and are still heavily used by IT professionals from various domains. It is common for online data resources and different database software to offer their data uploads and downloads in CSV format. In this article, we’ll briefly review what a CSV file is and how to work with it.

How to Export a CSV File From a T-SQL Query

Dorota Wdzięczna

Knowing SQL queries to select data from databases allows you to obtain information easily. However, there are many situations in which we need to export data to another platform or application. The CSV file is a solution to this problem. If you'd like to master complete SQL, try out our interactive SQL from A to Z track. It contains 7 hands-on SQL courses that will take you from a beginner to an advanced SQL user.

What Is a CTE in T-SQL? An In-Depth Beginner’s Guide with 7 Examples

Ignacio L. Bisso

A common table expression (CTE) is a powerful T-SQL feature that simplifies query creation in SQL Server. CTEs work as virtual tables (with records and columns) that are created on the fly during the execution of a query. They are consumed by the query and destroyed after the query executes. In some cases – like when the query expects data in a specific format and the source tables have the data in another format – a CTE can act as a bridge to transform the data in the source tables to the format expected by the query.

How to Write a Recursive CTE in SQL Server

Nicole Darnley

A guide to understanding and using recursive CTEs in SQL Server SQL Server offers a lot of powerful tools for working with data, including Common Table Expressions (CTEs). A CTE is a temporary named result set that you can reference within a SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE statement. CTEs can break down long queries into smaller, more manageable pieces of logic and make them more readable. SQL Server offers recursive Common Table Expressions.

CTE vs. Subquery in SQL: What’s the Difference?

Jill Thornhill

What are Common Table Expressions (CTEs)? Are they the same as subqueries? When would you need to use CTEs? This article looks at the similarities and differences between CTE vs subquery. When I introduce a student to Common Table Expressions, their first reaction is “That’s just a subquery! Why do I need to learn that?”. Let’s answer this question by looking at what you can do with an SQL subquery and what extra advantages there are in using a CTE.

6 Useful Examples of CTEs in SQL Server

sql
CTE

Adrian Więch

The SQL language offers a feature named Common Table Expressions, or CTEs. Also known as WITH clauses, CTEs are a fairly new addition to SQL. They help you break longer queries into smaller chunks, making your queries much easier to understand. Read the article to find out how to use CTEs and how they differ from traditional subqueries. Common Table Expressions (CTEs), which are essentially named subqueries, were first mentioned in the SQL standard between 1999 and 2000.

SQL CTEs Explained with Examples

Kateryna Koidan

Learn how you can leverage the power of Common Table Expressions (CTEs) to improve the organization and readability of your SQL queries. The commonly used abbreviation CTE stands for Common Table Expression. To learn about SQL Common Table Expressions through practice, I recommend the interactive Recursive Queries course at LearnSQL.com. It contains over 100 hands-on exercises on simple and complex recursive CTEs. What does a CTE do? Why might you want to use one in your SQL code?

When Should I Use a Common Table Expression (CTE)?

Tihomir Babic

Interested in hearing more about common table expressions or CTEs? Would you like to know when CTEs are useful? Read on—we’ll discuss in this article. If you’ve heard of common table expressions, you’ve probably wondered what they do. Even if you have not, it’s good that you’re here! CTEs can be very useful, especially if you have already mastered the basics of SQL, such as selecting, ordering, filtering data, and joining tables.

What Is a CTE?

tips
cte

Marek Pankowski

The first long SQL query you’ll have to deal with is likely to be hard for you to structure and understand. These five tips will teach you the best way to organize SQL queries, i.e. write and format them. As we all know, SQL queries are essential to database management. Without them, it would be extremely difficult to find and work with the information in a database. Query length depends on the type of information we need and the size of the database.

Improving Query Readability with Common Table Expressions

Marian Dziubiak

What is a Common Table Expression, or CTE? Where do you use them, and why? This post answers your questions. Simply put, Common Table Expressions (also known as WITH clauses) are essentially named subqueries. They also provide additional features like recursion. If you're new to subqueries, I recommend you read the SQL Subqueries article before continuing. The main purpose of Common Table Expressions is to improve the design and readability of an SQL statement.

SQL for Data Analysis: 15 Practical Exercises with Solutions

Are you new to the world of SQL and eager to unlock the power of data analysis?. In this article, we'll improve our SQL skills through 15 practical, hands-on exercises designed specifically for beginners. Because when it comes to SQL, practice truly makes perfect! We’re going to shine a spotlight on the critical domain of data analysis, where SQL takes center stage. SQL, or Structured Query Language, plays a pivotal role in data analysis.

How to Prepare for the SQL Assessment Test

Jakub Romanowski

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essentials of SQL assessment preparation, from understanding database management to mastering data analysis and SQL commands. Let’s dive in and set you on the path to success. In today's data-centric world, mastering SQL proficiency holds paramount importance. Whether you're a seasoned database manager or a newbie exploring the realm of database management, gearing up for an SQL Assessment is crucial. Stepping into the world of SQL can be both thrilling and challenging.

How SQL Can Help You Understand Your Clients Better

Kamila Ostrowska

In this article, we will delve into how SQL can help businesses analyze customer data, uncover patterns, and make informed decisions to meet their clients' needs. Managing and understanding clients is crucial for any business, and this requires data. Client data, such as purchasing habits, preferences, and feedback, is typically stored in databases. To access and analyze this data, you need to be proficient in SQL, the language designed for managing and querying data in databases.

Python vs. SQL for Data Analysis

Alexandre Bruffa

You surely have heard about SQL and Python. Maybe you’ve even worked with one of those languages. Both have strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to data analysis, which should you use? This article will demonstrate how Python and SQL are useful for data analysis and how knowing both languages can boost your data analysis journey. Decided to get into data analytics? Great! An increasing number of companies are looking for people who can analyze data and draw conclusions from it.

AI for Data Analysis: How the Fusion of AI and SQL Can Accelerate Your Workflow

Maria Durkin

Did you know that using AI for data analysis can be a total game changer for SQL developers and data analysts? In this article, we’ll learn about how AI can help you level up your data analysis skills and why it’s a must-have tool in every data professional’s toolkit. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer in the workforce, transforming industries and redefining how professionals deal with data. Specifically, the use of AI for data analysis is becoming increasingly critical in making informed decisions.

SQL for Data Analysis Cheat Sheet

LearnSQL.com Team

Welcome to our SQL for Data Analysis Cheat Sheet — a must-have resource for anyone looking to harness the power of SQL in the realm of data analysis. Whether you're a data enthusiast, a business analyst, or a seasoned data professional, this cheat sheet is designed to empower you to extract valuable insights from your datasets. Inside, you'll find a carefully curated collection of SQL commands and tips that will elevate your data analysis game.

Best SQL Books for Data Analysis

Jakub Romanowski

In the world of data analysis, SQL is a powerful tool. It's a language that helps professionals find, organize, and analyze the data stored in databases. If you're looking to learn this important skill, you've come to the right place. This article will guide you through the best SQL books for data analysis, whether you're just starting out or already have some experience. SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standard language used for working with databases.

SQL for Data Analysis: What Should I Learn?

Maria Durkin

You may already be aware of SQL's importance in data analytics. But what features of SQL are important to data analysis and where can you learn them? In this article, we will answer your questions. Before we talk about using SQL for data analysis, it helps to know what we’re talking about. So, let’s define these two things. Structured Query Language (SQL) is a programming language that is used to manage data in relational databases.

Google BigQuery SQL Syntax: A Comprehensive Guide

Jill Thornhill

What is Google BigQuery? What can it do for your organization? Is BigQuery SQL a valuable skill? Where can you learn it, and where can you get some practice? Very few organizations today are not computerized. Many processes now make use of the IoT (Internet of Things), where all kinds of devices are networked and continually feed real time data into computer systems. The result is a vast amount of data available for decision-making.

Why Do You Need SQL to Work With Google BigQuery?

Nicole Darnley

Data is just as important to your business as investing or accounting; that’s why many people use Google’s BigQuery data warehouse. In this article, we'll discuss why you should learn SQL if you want to start using BigQuery. Unleash the power of your data! In the ever-growing landscape of data-driven decisions, organizations are continuously on the lookout for tools that can help them handle and analyze their data efficiently. Enter Google BigQuery: a powerful, Cloud-based data warehouse designed to store and analyze massive datasets in record time.

Why Is Data a Valuable Resource for Your Business?

Jill Thornhill

How do you build an effective data resource and make it work for you? In this article, I'll look at why data is so important to any organization and how to make the most of your data resources. Bad decisions are almost always based on incorrect or incomplete facts. Good decisions keep your organization competitive. In a nutshell, that’s why data is such an important business resource. Ever since the dawn of civilization, our ancestors have known the value of information.

Why SQL Is the Perfect Database Language

Maria Durkin

Which programming language should you learn if you want to work with databases? We’ll explain why SQL is the top choice! Learning a database language can be an incredibly valuable skill in today's data-driven world. But with so many options out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we'll make a compelling case for why SQL is the ideal choice for anyone looking to dive into the world of databases.

Top 7 Advanced SQL Queries for Data Analysis

Nicole Darnley

Explore essential advanced SQL queries for data analysis. Structured Query Language, or SQL, is an indispensable tool for data analysts. Most people pick up the language relatively quickly and can begin in-depth data analysis after just a few lessons. Because of this, many data analysts tend to stay in the beginner/intermediate level of using SQL. This level of understanding allows you to “get the job done”, but it might not be the most efficient way to write a query.

Learn SQL for Data Analysis with LearnSQL.com

Nicole Darnley

Updated on: December 1, 2023 Discover how to learn SQL for data analysis and start making sense of your data today. Our guide provides a clear and simple SQL learning path for data analysts, helping you query databases and analyze data with ease. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to polish your skills, we'll help you every step of the way. When I was in high school, I planned to go to college and major in interior design.

Here's Why You Need Analytical Skills to Get Promoted at Work

András Novoszáth

Do you wonder if analytical skills might benefit you in your job? Are ‘analytical skills’ the same as data analytics? Is SQL a useful analytical skill? Read the article to answer these questions. Analytical skills allow you to better understand problems in your work; good analytical skills bring many benefits to your career. The term ‘analytical’ refers to a wide range of traits and capabilities, making it sometimes ironically vague and general.

Roadmap to Becoming a Data Analyst

Kateryna Koidan

What is a data analyst? What are their daily duties, and what skills do they need? In this article, I discuss the role of data analysts and share a step-by-step guide on how to become one. As organizations start to realize the value of their data on their customers, target audience, competitors, suppliers, and other market players, the role of data analysts becomes more important. To become a successful data analyst who can bring real value to the organization, you need to possess a specific set of skills.

How to Learn SQL for Marketing Analytics With LearnSQL.com

Kateryna Koidan

SQL is a valuable tool for any experts wanting to make data-driven decisions. Marketers are no exception. Let's explore how to design an effective learning path for SQL in marketing. SQL for marketing analytics is used to understand customers better and to increase the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. If you work in marketing and want to join other marketing experts who have already benefited from this tool, you need to learn SQL.

Use SQL for Data Analysis With the New Google Analytics 4

Kateryna Koidan

As Google is sunsetting its Universal Analytics in favor of Google Analytics 4, data analysts need to adapt and learn how to get the most from the new tool. In this article, I'll discuss how to enhance your data analysis by using SQL with Google Analytics 4. Universal Analytics by Google has been helping data analysts and marketers in all industries everywhere understand their audience better. However, Google recently announced they would stop their support of Universal Analytics on July 1, 2023.

These SQL Queries Will Help You With Data Analysis

Himanshu Kathuria

Need to streamline your everyday data analysis tasks? This article explains how basic SQL queries can help. If you are planning a corporate career or any field that involves working with data, you must have come across SQL, or Structured Query Language. SQL was first developed in the 1970s and it continues to be the industry standard for database interactions. Many of you may already have decided to learn this language, given how powerful it is.

5 Tips for You From a Senior SQL Data Analyst

András Novoszáth

Are you looking for tips for becoming a better data analyst? Do you want to know about the mistakes and issues you may face? I have collected five tips for your everyday work based on my experience as a data analyst. You may have already read about what data analysts do, how much they earn, and how to become one. However, there is more to it than just becoming a data analyst.

Why Should Every Data Analyst Know SQL?

Himanshu Kathuria

In the 1980s and 90s, it was the emergence of ERPs, processing a few thousand transactions a day. Now, sophisticated Cloud-based systems work with billions of transactions each day. How data is captured and handled has come a long way! Anybody who understands how to use this data has an edge. The good thing is that while the technology working in the background has become more complex, we don’t necessarily need to understand the underlying system’s details to use it.

Are You Ready to Become a Data Analyst?

Kateryna Koidan

Data analysts enjoy strong career prospects. Do you have the skills required for this role? Let’s find out! If you enjoy working with data, searching for interesting patterns and valuable insights, you may wonder “Should I become a data analyst?” In this article, I’ll explain what data analysts do and what skills a successful data analyst needs. What Does a Data Analyst Do? Data-driven organizations rely on specialists who know how to get value out of data.

Here’s How I Started Creating SQL Reports

Marcin Koryszewski

How Much Do Data Analysts Earn in 2021? How much does a data analyst earn? We did some data analysis ourselves. Nothing fancy, but it will give you some extra motivation for learning SQL for your data analyst gig. Data, data everywhere! We live in the world of (big) data. Having data is just the first step. Knowing what to do with it, how to interpret it, and what insights it holds, is true greatness.

Why You Should Work in a Data-Driven Company

András Novoszáth

Does accessing and using data collected by your company feel painful? Have you heard about data-driven companies? Working in a data-driven company may give you the ownership and the opportunities to use your company’s data. Read our article to learn more! If you work in a company, chances are that you want to do data analysis to solve problems. However, this is often not easy. You face many obstacles, impeding access to the data you need.

How SQL Can Help You Democratize Data in Your Company

András Novoszáth

Are you drowning in an ocean of data but lack the staff to find the treasures in it? Do bottlenecks clog your data and reporting processes? Have you heard about data democratization and wondered what all the fuss is about? In this article, we answer your questions! If you are a part of an organization that works with data, limited access is one of your biggest bottlenecks. It impedes data-related processes and prevents you from generating insights about your business.

Skills Every Data Analyst Should Have

Kate Stolarek

If you’re a student looking for career advice or a specialist seeking new job opportunities, find out if a data analyst job is something worth considering. In today's article, I explain the essential skills required for data analysts and benefits that come from performing such a job. What Is a Data Analyst? Let’s start by defining exactly what a data analyst is. A data analyst is someone who uses their skills to collect, analyze, and report insights from company data.

Data Analyst vs. Data Engineer: A Full Comparison

András Novoszáth

Do you want to become a data analyst? Or maybe you dream about being a data engineer? Can't make up your mind? I'll help you. Read about the two roles’ history, their market situation, and the skills you need to become one. You already know that it's a good idea to enter the data world and work with databases. But how to do it? Behind which door is the better career waiting for you?

Why Does Your Company Need Data Analysis?

Himanshu Kathuria

Data is the new gold. That is what the biggest in the business say, knowing the value of the data, the analyses, and the conclusions they bring. If you are wondering why your company needs data analysis and what value it could bring to your business, then this article is for you. Historically, many companies have gone into analytics mainly through financial and accounting data to improve revenue, reduce costs, and eventually increase profitability.

Analyze, Get Insights, and Make Money: SQL Data Analysis for Small Datasets

Himanshu Kathuria

If you think SQL data analysis is useful only when a business is generating millions of rows of data – that SQL cannot help you if you are generating a limited dataset – think again and read on! There is so much talk about how SQL is useful in analyzing Big Data that sometimes the applications of SQL data analysis for small datasets can go unnoticed. Having worked with early-stage businesses – which have just started generating data through daily transactions – as well as big established clients generating terabytes of data, I can tell you for sure that SQL can be an extremely handy tool for just about any business.

6 Advanced SQL Queries for Analyzing Financial Data

Tihomir Babic

Are you an advanced SQL user who’s new to finance? Do you want to learn how to use your knowledge to analyze financial data? The article will give you some guidance. You probably know that SQL is a potent tool for analyzing all sorts of data. The bigger and more complex data, the more beneficial SQL becomes. In certain situations, financial data can be very complicated; producing a sophisticated analysis requires sophisticated tools.

Why Use SQL Over Excel

Shanika Wickramasinghe

SQL is replacing Excel in many fields, and data analysis is certainly one of them. If you are still using Excel as a data analyst, you are missing something very valuable. SQL can make your life easier, as it's more efficient and faster than Excel. So, how and from where can you learn SQL? How Can SQL Help Data Analyst? You can use SQL to help you with the following work:

SQL Indexing 101

Aldo Zelen

Indexes are one of the most misused and misunderstood entities in physical database design. A good understanding of indexes and how they solve database performance problems is necessary for any database novice. In this article, we'll look at basic database indexes and their role in database development. To picture what an index is, consider a textbook. At the end of most textbooks is an index listing all the terms one can find in the text and the pages on which they appear.

How to Use a SQL Wildcard

Aldo Zelen

SQL wildcard allows us to filter data matching certain patterns in SQL. We use SQL wildcards with the LIKE operator in the WHERE clause of a query to filter data. In this beginner’s article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about basic SQL wildcards. If you like playing cards, then you know that wildcards can substitute any other card in your deck. Similarly, SQL wildcards can substitute one or more characters.

Our Picks for 2020’s 7 Best Online SQL Schools

Dorota Wdzięczna

If you’re looking for the best online SQL courses but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. I evaluated the top 7 ranked SQL schools available online to help you find the right solution. While summer is a great time to relax and get away from work, it’s also an excellent opportunity to learn new skills – like SQL! Thanks to SQL schools putting their courses on the internet, learning new tech skills is super easy and you can choose from a variety of formats to suit your needs.

Why Learn SQL Over the Summer

Kate Stolarek

Think summer is reserved for flying to warm places and hanging out at the beach? Sure! But it's also a great time to learn new skills that you haven't had time for. If you recently graduated from high school and want to get a head start on computer programming for college, learning SQL over the summer is a great opportunity. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain—SQL is actually really easy to learn, especially with so much free time over the summer.

Key Insights for Mastering SQL Queries Using Tinder Data Example

Aldo Zelen

Going from zero to one can be daunting in any endeavor. The same is true for learning new programming languages, even simple ones like SQL. In this article, we’ll take a look at some key insights that will help you understand the nuances of mastering SQL queries. If you’ve never used SQL, you’re in the right place. When learning anything new, you’ll find that there are always some key insights or tips that can help you on your way.

Improving Slow Query Performance: When Runtime Matters

Ignacio L. Bisso

As SQL users, we usually focus on writing queries that return correct results. However, there are more things to consider when you're writing a query; one of them is query performance. In this article, we'll look at some examples where query response time is critical. Scene One: 911 Call Center Let's suppose we're at a 911 call center, when the phone rings. One of the operators answers the call; a witness reports that a man has been shot.

Converting Subqueries to Joins

Ignacio L. Bisso

Not all queries are alike, especially in terms of performance. In this article, we'll look at how you can convert SQL subqueries to joins for improved efficiency. When should I use SQL subqueries? Great question! Unfortunately, there's no concrete answer. SQL beginners tend to overuse subqueries. Typically, once they find that SQL construction works in one situation, they try to apply that same approach to other situations. It's only natural.

Learn to Write a SQL Correlated Subquery in 5 Minutes

Ignacio L. Bisso

If you’re familiar with the famous Russian nesting doll, then SQL correlated subqueries should be a peace of cake to understand—subqueries are just queries nested within queries. An SQL subquery is often called an “inner” query; the main query is usually called the “outer” query. This article covers everything you need to know about correlated subqueries. What Exactly is a SQL Correlated Subquery? A correlated SQL subquery is just a subquery that is executed many times—once for each record (row) returned by the outer (main) query.

How to Become a Database Analyst

Aldo Zelen

Curious about becoming a database analyst? Maybe you've taken some database courses at university and they really struck a chord. Or maybe you learned online. Now you're thinking about making a career out of working with databases. Where would you start? What should you expect at each phase of your professional development? In this post, we'll explore the challenging and exciting world of databases analysis. We'll go from the very beginning of a career to the apex of professional success.

Extracting Data From a String: SPLIT_PART in PostgreSQL

Ignacio L. Bisso

Learn how to use split_part in PostgreSQL to extract data from strings. Quite often, we’d like to extract parts of a string when working with text values. A common example is when we have a full name and need to retrieve only the last name. In this article, we’ll examine how to do it using split_part in PostgreSQL, i.e. a string-related function that can be used to extract a substring.

High-Performance Statistical Queries: Dependencies Between Discrete Variables

Dejan Sarka

In my previous article, we looked at how you can calculate linear dependencies between two continuous variables with covariance and correlation. Both methods use the means of the two variables in their calculations. However, mean values and other population moments make no sense for categorical (nominal) variables. For instance, if you denote "Clerical" as 1 and "Professional" as 2 for an occupation variable, what does the average of 1.5 signify?

Digging Into Data: Explore and Analyze Survey Results With SQL

Kacper Skawina

Excel is a powerful beast that lets you analyze complex data. Yet, operating on big chunks of data can sometimes be a daunting task. Let's take a look at how SQL can help. Today, we'll tackle a common problem with importing data to an SQL database, using a real-life example. Suppose your company conducted a survey on the most popular programming trends and preferences, striving to meet the expectations of its users.

SQL Hacks To Control Family Budget On Black Friday Weekend

Dorota Wdzięczna

If you’re in the US, chances are you’ve been eagerly awaiting the approach of Black Friday just as much as Thanksgiving. Though the shopping frenzy takes hold of nearly everyone, some people have to stick to their budgets and shop prudently. In this article, we’ll take a look at how generating an SQL report can help you track how much your family spent shopping on Black Friday. Storing Black Friday Purchases in a Database Before we can create an SQL report, we first need some data we can use.

Introduction to Reporting with SQL — the Ultimate Tutorial for Business Professionals

Aldo Zelen

Working with the financial aspects of large and small enterprises can be a daunting task for a business professional. In this article, we'll look at several ways of constructing the perfect SQL report. You've probably already heard about SQL from your colleagues or in other areas of your career. If you're here, you've likely concluded that learning SQL will make your professional life easier – and you're right!

SQL Statistical Analysis Part 1: Calculating Frequencies and Histograms

Dejan Sarka

Database and Business Intelligence (BI) developers create huge numbers of reports on a daily basis, and data analyses are an integral part of them. If you wonder whether you can perform statistical analysis in SQL, the answer is ‘yes’. Read my article to learn how to do this! Statistics are very useful as an initial stage of a more in-depth analysis, i.e. for data overview and data quality assessment. However, SQL statistical analysis possibilities are somewhat limited as there are not many statistical functions in SQL Server.

Data-Driven Career Choices: Database Student

Jill Thornhill

Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. A data-driven career is one of the best ways to secure your future; today's trend is to store and make use of more and more data in every field. In this article, I'll look at some of the choices available. We're living in an era where the quality and quantity of data is expanding exponentially. In almost any career you choose, you'll need to leverage data to make effective decisions.

SQL for Data Analysis: What Should I Learn?

Maria Durkin

You may already be aware of SQL's importance in data analytics. But what features of SQL are important to data analysis and where can you learn them? In this article, we will answer your questions. Before we talk about using SQL for data analysis, it helps to know what we’re talking about. So, let’s define these two things. Structured Query Language (SQL) is a programming language that is used to manage data in relational databases.

Google Analytics and SQL

Adrian Więch

Google Analytics is a very popular tool among website and blog owners alike. With a simple and quick setup, it lets you gather data about your web page visitors easily. However, did you know that you can export data from Google Analytics to create your own SQL reports? Read this article to find out how. Google Analytics is an extremely popular and powerful solution that lets you collect and analyze various kinds of information about your website.

Should I Learn SQL as a Data Analyst?

Marija Ilic

So, you are a data analyst—someone who relies on data. You like to gather, clean, and transform data and come to conclusions based on data. You are a data detective. Which tool do you choose to do your job in an elegant, reproducible, and simple way? Excel? R? Python? Or should you learn SQL? Stay tuned! In this article, I will explain why SQL is a must-have skill for data analysts.

SQL Statistical Analysis Part 1: Calculating Frequencies and Histograms

Dejan Sarka

Database and Business Intelligence (BI) developers create huge numbers of reports on a daily basis, and data analyses are an integral part of them. If you wonder whether you can perform statistical analysis in SQL, the answer is ‘yes’. Read my article to learn how to do this! Statistics are very useful as an initial stage of a more in-depth analysis, i.e. for data overview and data quality assessment. However, SQL statistical analysis possibilities are somewhat limited as there are not many statistical functions in SQL Server.

Data Cleaning in SQL

Nicole Darnley

Data cleaning is an important part of any data analysis. Here we’ll discuss techniques you can use to do data cleaning in SQL. I find it nearly impossible to focus on work when my desk is a mess. If it’s cluttered with paper, coffee mugs, or random toys my daughter has somehow snuck into my office, there is no chance I will be able to get anything done until my desk is back in order.

How SQL Can Help You Democratize Data in Your Company

András Novoszáth

Are you drowning in an ocean of data but lack the staff to find the treasures in it? Do bottlenecks clog your data and reporting processes? Have you heard about data democratization and wondered what all the fuss is about? In this article, we answer your questions! If you are a part of an organization that works with data, limited access is one of your biggest bottlenecks. It impedes data-related processes and prevents you from generating insights about your business.

Why You Should Work in a Data-Driven Company

András Novoszáth

Does accessing and using data collected by your company feel painful? Have you heard about data-driven companies? Working in a data-driven company may give you the ownership and the opportunities to use your company’s data. Read our article to learn more! If you work in a company, chances are that you want to do data analysis to solve problems. However, this is often not easy. You face many obstacles, impeding access to the data you need.

How SQL for Business Can Boost Profit and Effectiveness

Maria Durkin

Are you ready to unleash the power of SQL and transform your business? In this article, we'll look at all of the ways SQL can improve your company's performance, from decision-making capabilities to operational efficiency. Having the correct tools to traverse the sea of information is critical in today's data-driven corporate climate. Structured Query Language, or SQL, is an essential tool for this task—and it’s one that has endured the test of time.

How SQL supports data-driven organization

Aldo Zelen

Typical business users make decisions based on gut feelings, but this can't get them so far. In this article, we'll look at how learning to write basic SQL queries helps your company become a data-driven organization. Businesses face many decisions. Do we increase our advertising budget in one region or the other? Are certain products selling quickly enough? What we should do if they aren't? Most of these decisions are driven by intuition, but organizations that make the most business impact use data-driven decision-making.

Want to Get a Data Engineering Job? Learn SQL!

Maria Durkin

So, you want to be a data engineer, but you don't know how to get there. In this article, we’ll help you understand the skills you'll need for different types of data engineering jobs. You’ll also find some data confirming that data engineer jobs are a good career choice. Data engineering and various types of data engineer jobs have become very popular in recent years. And for good reason: Next to data science, data engineering is one of the fastest-growing branches of IT.

What Is the Future of the Data Engineer?

Himanshu Kathuria

If you are wondering about the future of data engineering as a career and whether it is worth becoming a data engineer, then this article is for you. Here, I cover how lucrative the prospects are for data engineering and how you can get started and thrive in the domain. “Data” is probably one of the most used terms in our everyday business language today. A data engineer plays a pivotal role in developing the infrastructure required for data-related actions.

7 Things Every Data Engineer Should Know

Kateryna Koidan

People generate massive amounts of data every day. To get insights from data, organizations need to capture and process them efficiently. That is when data engineers are called up. In this article, I’ll discuss the data engineering role and the skill set necessary to succeed in the role. As the world generates more and more data every year, the IT industry creates new roles to deal with it. These roles include data analysts, data scientists, machine learning engineers, and data engineers.

An Overview of MS SQL Server Data Types

Martyna Sławińska

SQL Server data types define what can be stored in a column, local variable, expression, or parameter. It is essential to pick the right data type. Ultimately. your choice of data types affects the whole database. Read on to learn about all of the data types available in MS SQL Server. In this article, we’ll cover numerical, text, and date and time data type categories in detail. We’ll go through their syntax, storage size, and typical use cases.

New to Data Engineering? Don't Make These Mistakes

Himanshu Kathuria

It's best to learn from the mistakes of others. This advice also works for data engineering. In this article, you'll find tips to help you advance your career and avoid common data engineering mistakes. The data revolution has produced tremendous opportunities and created various high-paying jobs related to the collection, maintenance, and manipulation of data. Data engineering is one of the most lucrative and interesting jobs of this family.

What Is the Difference Between a Primary Key and a Unique Key?

Martyna Sławińska

When designing a database, we often need to decide between defining a primary key vs. a unique key. Both of them are crucial during the design and further phases of a database. They allow us to uniquely identify each row, ensure the uniqueness of values in the column(s), and more. Let’s take a deep dive to learn more. This article will go through the primary and unique keys, their functions, and features.

Data Analyst vs. Data Engineer: A Full Comparison

András Novoszáth

Do you want to become a data analyst? Or maybe you dream about being a data engineer? Can't make up your mind? I'll help you. Read about the two roles’ history, their market situation, and the skills you need to become one. You already know that it's a good idea to enter the data world and work with databases. But how to do it? Behind which door is the better career waiting for you?

What Is a NOT NULL Constraint in SQL?

Ignacio L. Bisso

SQL has several ways of dealing with NULLs. In this article, we’ll focus on the NOT NULL constraint and other NULL-related clauses. Understand this and you’ll take an important step in your SQL growth! Before we get straight into the NOT NULL constraint, let’s quickly define what NULLs and constraints are. NULL values are a central concept in SQL databases. The idea behind a NULL value is simple: a NULL value means that we do not have a known value for that field.

What Is a Unique Constraint in SQL?

Martyna Sławińska

To ensure the uniqueness of data in a database, we use the SQL UNIQUE constraint. In this article, we’ll discuss how, when, and why to implement it. The idea of a unique constraint is not unique to SQL; it’s a familiar concept in real life, although we probably call it something else! For example, think of ID numbers. There can be only one social security number (SSN) per person and each one must be unique.

Data Types in SQL

Ignacio L. Bisso

Read this article and learn the ABC of SQL data types. Data types are used to define the type of data stored in a database. However, there are related concepts that a good SQL developer should know: data type conversion, what operations are possible between different data types, date arithmetic, etc. SQL also provides functions that manipulate values of different data types (i.e. functions for string data, date and time data, etc.

What Is Auto-Increment in SQL?

Martyna Sławińska

In this article, we’ll learn the basics of the auto-increment feature of SQL: what it is and how to use it efficiently. One of the many features offered by SQL is auto-increment. It allows us to automatically generate values in a numeric column upon row insertion. You could think of it as an automatically supplied default value – the next number in a number sequence – that’s generated when the row is inserted.

LearnSQL Track of the Season: Creating Database Structure

LearnSQL.com Team

New year, new challenges, and ... a new SQL Track of the Season! Start 2021 by learning SQL and data engineering. In this article, we answer frequently asked questions about our Creating Database Structure track. Maybe you haven't noticed yet that there’s an order to many LearnSQL.com courses; you can learn SQL by doing them in the right order. We call this option our ‘SQL tracks’. These are logically structured and well-thought-out learning paths that will help you take the next steps towards becoming an SQL expert.

What is an SQL View?

Martyna Sławińska

A view is a well-known feature in SQL. It allows you to create a virtual table based on an SQL query referring to other tables in the database. A view stores an SQL query that is executed whenever you refer to the view. This is a convenient way to get the desired data because it is easier to run a query stored in a view than to type a query from scratch.

What Is a Foreign Key in SQL?

Ignacio L. Bisso

What does a foreign key do in SQL? Why would you need one? Learn the ABCs of foreign keys in five minutes. Foreign keys are a central concept in SQL databases; they allow us to enforce data consistency. Usually they work with primary keys to connect two database tables, like a virtual bridge. All SQL developers need to know what SQL foreign keys are, how they work, what data values are allowed in them, and how they’re created.

What Is a SQL Constraint?

Martyna Sławińska

What are SQL constraints? When and why should you use them? We give examples of common constraints and demonstrate how to apply them. When you’re creating a relational database, you often want to impose certain restrictions on some columns. For example, a column containing a social security number should store only unique values; a column containing a date of birth should not be null, or left empty. These conditions can be ensured by using SQL constraints.

Top 7 Online Courses for Data Engineers

Zahin Rahman

This article summarizes the top online courses available for data engineers. We have picks suitable for beginners as well as intermediate learners. If you’re interested in database design and management, check these courses out! Most individuals who aspire to enter the realm of data aim for data scientist or data analyst roles. While these roles are indeed very rewarding because of their tangible links to customers and business direction, the role of data engineers is equally vital for businesses that operate in a data-rich environment.

What is a Primary Key in SQL?

Ignacio L. Bisso

Primary keys are an important concept in SQL databases. They provide a unique ID for every row in a database table. As an SQL developer, you should know what primary keys are, what data values are allowed in them, and how to create them. Read this article to learn the ABCs of primary keys in 10 minutes. How to Identify Rows in a Table Tables are the main objects in an SQL database, and as you probably know, tables store records or rows.

What Is a DBMS?

Adrian Więch

We generate vast quantities every day, and that data needs to be stored somehow. That’s where DBMSs come in handy. Find out what they are and how they relate to databases. If you go on a diet and simply want to keep track of your weight, you can probably use a piece of paper and a pencil. If you then want to chart your daily caloric intake, you’ll probably switch to something like a computer spreadsheet.

How to Create Your First Table in SQL

Marija Ilic

Creating a database table with SQL is one of the core skills you’ll need to work with data. And it’s easy to learn, so let’s get started! Imagine you’re analyzing data and want to store your results in a database table. Sure, you've done this a million times in Excel. But you’re not sure how to create a table with SQL. Or maybe you’ve noticed that data engineering is in high demand and you want to start learning its core concepts.

How Much Do Data Engineers Earn in 2020?

Marcin Koryszewski

Data engineering is a hot job right now. What does a data engineer do? And just how much do they earn? We’ve done the research for you. If you are reading this, you’re either starting to learn SQL or you already know some and feel it’s time to look around for a SQL job. Maybe you’re in the midst of tackling our Creating Database Structure track. And, let’s be honest, maybe you need some extra motivation to keep on you track.

How to Create a Table in SQL

Dorota Wdzięczna

Creating tables in databases is a very helpful skill, and not just for software engineers or database administrators. It allows you to design or change the structure of a database and store data that’s related to each other. In this article, you’ll learn what a database table is, who creates them, and how to use the syntax of the CREATE TABLE command. What Is a Database Table? A relational database is built of various structures like tables, views, procedures, and triggers.

Who Is a Data Engineer?

Adrian Więch

A new kind of job has recently emerged in the IT world: Data Engineer. At first sight, it may seem very similar to Data Analyst or Data Scientist positions. However, our article explains all the important differences. We present the skills, tools, and everyday tasks of Data Engineers. We also explain how you can get started with this career path. Thirty years ago, we typically used terms such as “Computer Scientist” when referring to anyone working with computers.

LearnSQL.com’s New Learning Path: Data Engineering

LearnSQL.com Team

Calling all future data engineers! Would you like to learn to use SQL? Then our new Data Engineering Learning Path is just for you! We’re very excited to announce the release of a new learning path at LearnSQL.com: Data Engineering, published in July 2020. This is the second learning path offered in our platform. So far, we offered an analytical path, SQL Querying & Reporting, that focuses on writing queries and business reports in SQL.

What Is Data Engineering?

Adrian Więch

Data Engineering is a fairly new term in IT. And it’s getting more and more attention. You may have heard about a few similar fields like data science, Big Data, and machine learning. This article explains the difference between these concepts and shows how they can be combined to analyze vast amounts of data. When computers first appeared, their storage capacity was very limited. Do you remember floppy disks? They were popular in the late 20th century and typically offered around 1.

TRUNCATE TABLE vs. DELETE vs. DROP TABLE: Removing Tables and Data in SQL

Dorota Wdzięczna

What’s the difference between truncating, deleting, and dropping a table in SQL? Find out in this article. There are a lot of ways to delete data in SQL, including the DELETE, TRUNCATE TABLE and DROP TABLE commands. Which one should you use in a given situation? In this article, you’ll learn the syntax of each command in different database engines like MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and Oracle. And you’ll understand the DROP TABLE vs.

Simplify SQL Code: Recursive Queries in DBMS

Aldo Zelen

Hey SQL users! Are you repeating the same query in every report? Are your queries getting too complicated? Use recursive queries to simplify SQL code! Too many SQL reports can lead to clutter on your desktop and in your head. And is it really necessary to code each of them separately? Ad-hoc queries can share much of the same SQL code with managerial reports and even regulatory reports. Suppose you’ve been writing basic SQL code for a while.

Using CASE with Data Modifying Statements

Dorota Wdzięczna

What happens when you combine CASE with SQL's data modifying statements? Find out in this article. The CASE expression is a very useful part of SQL and one that you'll employ frequently. We've already covered what the CASE expression does, how to format it, and how to use it in a SELECT statement in "Using CASE to Add Logic to a SELECT". Another article, "How to Sort Records with the ORDER BY Clause"

Extracting Data From a String: SPLIT_PART in PostgreSQL

Ignacio L. Bisso

Learn how to use split_part in PostgreSQL to extract data from strings. Quite often, we’d like to extract parts of a string when working with text values. A common example is when we have a full name and need to retrieve only the last name. In this article, we’ll examine how to do it using split_part in PostgreSQL, i.e. a string-related function that can be used to extract a substring.

How to Remove Junk Characters in SQL

Ignacio L. Bisso

Unwanted characters in text data can be a bit of a pain, but there’s an easy way to fix them. Scroll down to learn how to remove junk characters in SQL in the easiest way! Sometimes, we’ll find unwanted characters inside our string data because our SQL queries didn’t work as expected. Moreover, these extra characters may sometimes be invisible, which really complicates things. In this article, we’ll examine some string-related SQL functions that can handle unwanted characters—visible or not!

How to Solve Capitalization Data Quality Issues

Ignacio L. Bisso

Misspelled names, typos, and text data quality issues in your database? Power up your queries! Use SQL string functions to address data quality issues related to capitalization. Sometimes, our SQL queries don't work as expected because of data quality issues. In this article, we will examine some string-related SQL functions that can correct data quality issues related to capitalization. We'll be using PostgreSQL in our examples, but similar functions are available in most database engines.

Learn SQL for Data Science With LearnSQL.com

Kateryna Koidan

If you are interested in a data science career and have looked at a few relevant job descriptions, you've probably noticed many leading tech companies expect their data scientists to know SQL. Let's see how you can learn SQL for data science and become more valuable to any data-driven organization. A data scientist is a complex technical role that expects a combination of the skills of a statistician, a business analyst, and an IT expert.

Understanding Numerical Data Types in SQL

Aldo Zelen

Working with databases of any kind means working with data. This data can take a couple of predefined formats. As you start on your learning path with LearnSQL.com, you will start to understand SQL's different data types. In this article, we will cover different variations of the SQL numeric data type. We'll also examine some functions that convert data from one type to another. Creating tables is the first step in any SQL coding project.

How to Recognize SQL Text Data Type

data types

Aldo Zelen

How can you store textual information in database tables? Thanks to this post, you’ll learn the characteristics of every text data type in SQL Note: This post is intended for readers familiar with SQL data definition language (DDL) and the DDL CREATE statement. To learn more about DDL, check out LearnSQL.com. Most data types are classified as NUMERIC, CHARACTER, or DATE. In this post, we’re going to focus on each CHARACTER or text data type in SQL.

How to Join Tables in SQL Without Using JOINs

Tihomir Babic

Here’s how you can combine tables without the JOIN keyword. It seems like it shouldn’t be possible: join tables in SQL without using the JOIN keyword. But using the JOIN keyword is not the only way to join tables in SQL. This article will show you two additional methods for joining tables. Neither of them requires the JOIN keyword to work. They are: Using a comma between the table names in the FROM clause and specifying the joining condition in a WHERE Using UNION/UNION ALL.

The Most Popular Databases in 2023

sql
database

Kamila Ostrowska

Have you heard about databases but you’re not sure which database to work with? In this article, you’ll find a list of today’s most popular databases and a quick summary of what each one does. Businesses run on data. But to get the most from that data, it needs to be stored in a structured way – usually in a database. If there’s a lot of data or if you need to do more than just basic analysis, Excel or any other spreadsheet might not be enough.

What Is an SQL Database?

sql
database

Luke Hande

SQL databases have been used for decades and have grown in popularity, becoming one of the most common data management tools. They provide the user with an efficient way to store the data and an intuitive way to access or modify it. In this article, we’ll start by explaining what a database is and showing some examples. We’ll move on to how databases can be used to efficiently work with large amounts of structured data.

The Most Popular Databases for 2022

database
sql

Marko Calasan

We explore the separation of SQL into its four principal sublanguages and explain the meaning behind each of them. When you’re learning SQL – perhaps through LearnSQL.com’s very own comprehensive SQL Basics course – you may have come across the terms DDL, DML, DQL, and DCL. And maybe you’ve gotten confused by all the acronyms. In this article, we will explain what these terms stand for and how they correspond to sublanguages that neatly divide the SQL language into four parts that function together.

What Are DDL, DML, DQL, and DCL in SQL?

Marko Calasan

We explore the separation of SQL into its four principal sublanguages and explain the meaning behind each of them. When you’re learning SQL – perhaps through LearnSQL.com’s very own comprehensive SQL Basics course – you may have come across the terms DDL, DML, DQL, and DCL. And maybe you’ve gotten confused by all the acronyms. In this article, we will explain what these terms stand for and how they correspond to sublanguages that neatly divide the SQL language into four parts that function together.

What Is the DELETE Statement in SQL?

sql
DELETE

Kamila Ostrowska

You want to learn SQL effectively but you keep forgetting queries? Now you can use LearnSQL.com’s new notebook feature in all our courses! This new tool will help you memorize and recall content. I remember when I first started to learn SQL. I was moving quite smoothly through most of the lessons, taking a lot of notes in my paper notebook. (I have a lot of old school paper notebooks).

How to Practice SQL with LearnSQL.com

Kamila Ostrowska

Practicing new skills online needs motivation and self-discipline, but it’s worth it. We’re facing a difficult, uncertain time. On one hand, the COVID pandemic caused a lot of fear. What will happen in the future? Will I keep my job? Will we stay safe and healthy? On the other hand, COVID is giving us a lot of time. Working remotely, not having anything to do but stay home and… And what?

Top 5 Beginner Online SQL Courses in 2020

Arleta Więch

Looking for an exciting new career? Data analysis won’t disappoint you! The simplest way to make this possible is by learning SQL, and online SQL courses are the most effective learning method. Don’t know where to start? Here’s an overview of the best online SQL courses for complete beginners. There are infinite reasons for changing your industry. You may want to land a new job because you’re burnt out. You may be bored and want something more challenging.

Choose the Best Way to Learn SQL

Arleta Więch

SQL has become a hot topic in the professional world, and many resources have appeared both online and offline for learning SQL. It’s easy to get lost in the jungle of books, tutorials, and courses. Which resources do you choose? If you want to know how to learn SQL quickly and effectively, take a look at my list. There are many reasons for learning SQL. We asked our users about them and learned that there was no universal motive.

Online Education in the Times of COVID-19

LearnSQL.com Team

LearnSQL.com grants free access to their Interactive courses till 04/20/2020. People around the world are faced with a new challenge. A challenge which requires swift action and adaptability. Students and teachers, employers and employees, families and friends. Many have shown vigilance and decisiveness, while at the same time trying their best to maintain their everyday-life continuity. However, there are those who, due to the current circumstances, need to postpone plans and invest their resources in different areas.

Stay at Home and Learn SQL for Free with LearnSQL.com

LearnSQL.com Team

Working remotely is a dream come true for some. You ditch commuting and have more time for the people you love and the things you enjoy. For others, it's a challenge to maintain their focus when there are new distractions. It's also an opportunity to invest the few gained hours in learning something new. Staying at home can be a time when you might find yourself busier than you've ever been, but not getting many things done, and worse, not learning what you planned to.

What Programming Language Should You Learn?

Magdalena Wojtas

If you've ever been wondering which programming language you should learn first, you know that's a tough nut to crack. It’s especially difficult if you are new to IT and programming. In this article, I give suggestions for what to learn first and what perspectives each language can give you in IT. There are hundreds of programming languages, and new ones are showing up all the time. Getting to know all of them is simply impractical and impossible.

How to Study Online: 5 Steps to Becoming an Effective Learner

Kamila Ostrowska

If you suffer from procrastination or lack of motivation, you’re not alone. We have some online learning tips to make your learning journey smoother and more enjoyable. One of the best things about being an adult is that we can do what we want: go to sleep late at night, party until morning, eat junk food. Besides all those small pleasures, as adults we are responsible for ourselves, our choices, and our mistakes.

53 Years of Relational Databases

LearnSQL.com Team

If it weren't for him, there would be no modern databases. It is the 53st anniversary of the publication of his article that changed the rules of the game. Edgar Frank Codd is one of the fathers of SQL, and his name is one of the first to be mentioned in the history of databases. Or maybe even the history of computer development in general? See what we owe to Dr.

A Non-Technical Introduction to Learning SQL on Your Lunch Break

Ignacio L. Bisso

Do you think learning SQL will help you in your career? You are right. SQL is one of the easiest computer languages to learn. These days many non-IT employees have SQL skills and use them to extend their professional capacity. Moreover, more and more companies are encouraging their employees in non-IT areas (like sales, advertising, and finances) to learn and use SQL. One of the benefits of empowering employees with SQL skills is that once you answer one data question, the results will generate a new data question, and then perhaps a cascade of further data questions.

5 Reasons Why No One Should Be Afraid to Learn SQL

Kamila Ostrowska

Updated on: September 17, 2023 Think SQL is just for tech experts? Think again. In this article, we'll bust some common myths and show you that anyone can learn SQL. Let's dive in and make SQL simple. In today’s world, even those in non-technical jobs need some technical skills. And you don’t have to be a hard-core nerd to get these skills. Everywhere you look, from marketing to management, a touch of tech knowledge can set you apart.

How to Learn SQL: 6 Ideas for Newbies

Aldo Zelen

Learning a new skill can be a daunting task, especially in programming. SQL is not immune to this. Luckily, with the Internet and the explosion of programming-related information out there, there are a lot of options you can use to undergo your SQL training! But we then come to a new roadblock. Where to begin? How will we know which option is best for our budget, skill level, and schedule?

SQL INSERT, SQL UPDATE, SQL DELETE – Oh My!

Rebecca McKeown

Need to understand SQL INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE? We'll get you up to speed with a comprehensive How-To and useful examples! SQL INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements—what are they all about? If you're a data engineer, a database administrator, or even just your average data fanboy or girl, one day you're going to find yourself with a database that becomes your "baby." Charged with this special bundle of joy, you're going to need to feed and change the little fella.

SQL, Databases, and Hollywood Movies

Jakub Romanowski

Policemen, doctors, lawyers, scientists, teachers: These are the professions that we often see in Hollywood movies. But are movies also trying to show what the work of data analysts looks like? Here is a list of six movies in which screenwriters, directors, and producers decided to cast SQL and databases in the main roles. Data analysis is most often associated with business, reporting, and making key decisions for the company.

Career Change: From Accountant to Database Designer

Tihomir Babic

How do career changes and life choices impact our future? Can we change the path that's been set for us? And if so, where do we begin? I wouldn't blame you if you thought this article is about change. In a sense, it is—it's in the title, after all. But for me, this article is more about what remains constant. If somebody were to ask me what hasn't changed for me since my childhood, I would know the answer immediately: curiosity.

Forget About Excel, High Five With SQL

Adrian Więch

Find out why you should forget about Excel and start using SQL even if you're not an IT expert. We'll show you how easy it is to learn SQL, how it can make you work better, and how LearnSQL.com makes the learning process fun. "I Don't Deal With Data" We frequently hear the sentence above from people outside the IT industry. Well, it's not entirely true. Data is now almost everywhere.

How to Install PostgreSQL on Windows 10 in 5 Minutes

Ignacio L. Bisso

It may look like a complicated task to install PostgreSQL, Oracle, or SQL Server or any other database software, but it really isn’t! These days, most relational database management systems come with installation wizards that make the process much simpler. In this article, we’ll look at how to install PostgreSQL and test that the installation is working. Install PostgreSQL: Steps Involved To install PostgreSQL, we’ll complete the following tasks:

Our Picks for 2020’s 7 Best Online SQL Schools

Dorota Wdzięczna

If you’re looking for the best online SQL courses but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. I evaluated the top 7 ranked SQL schools available online to help you find the right solution. While summer is a great time to relax and get away from work, it’s also an excellent opportunity to learn new skills – like SQL! Thanks to SQL schools putting their courses on the internet, learning new tech skills is super easy and you can choose from a variety of formats to suit your needs.

Why Learn SQL Over the Summer

Kate Stolarek

Think summer is reserved for flying to warm places and hanging out at the beach? Sure! But it's also a great time to learn new skills that you haven't had time for. If you recently graduated from high school and want to get a head start on computer programming for college, learning SQL over the summer is a great opportunity. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain—SQL is actually really easy to learn, especially with so much free time over the summer.

Essential SQL Terms to Know for Beginners and Pros

Aldo Zelen

Working with databases can seem daunting to a non-technical person. Right away, you’re bombarded with new terms that make your head spin. Database, database instance, table, SQL and others are some of the basic terms that you need to understand just to have a normal conversation with your technical colleagues. In this article, we’ll explore some basic SQL database terminology you need to know to succeed. Imagine you’re attending a meeting with the development staff and suddenly feel as if you’re listening to white noise.

15 Best SQL Articles for Beginners Published in 2017

Dorota Wdzięczna

For this post, I've gathered 15 of the most interesting SQL articles published in 2017. If you're looking for articles on SQL for beginners, want to learn more about databases and SQL queries, or just expand your knowledge of SQL, this article is perfect for you. Let's dive right in! Top 3 Vertabelo Academy Articles I'll start off the list with three of the most popular Vertabelo Academy SQL articles.

How to Draw a Christmas Tree in SQL

Aldo Zelen

You can use SQL to manipulate all kinds of data, from huge analytical queries to brief single-purpose statements. But you can also use SQL just for fun, without any business requirements stifling your creativity. So, get out your jolly hat and prepare to sing O Christmas Tree as we create some quirky art with plain old SQL. Today, we’re going to generate some holiday-themed ASCII art, just for fun. That’s right.

SQL Hacks To Control Family Budget On Black Friday Weekend

Dorota Wdzięczna

If you’re in the US, chances are you’ve been eagerly awaiting the approach of Black Friday just as much as Thanksgiving. Though the shopping frenzy takes hold of nearly everyone, some people have to stick to their budgets and shop prudently. In this article, we’ll take a look at how generating an SQL report can help you track how much your family spent shopping on Black Friday. Storing Black Friday Purchases in a Database Before we can create an SQL report, we first need some data we can use.

The 5 Highest Paying Jobs That Use SQL

Marek Pankowski

IT provides a wide and growing job market, offering many excellent opportunities in both career development and earning potential. Today we’ll take a look at several very interesting types of database jobs that use SQL. Every year, many in the work force set their sights and aim for new and better jobs. When it comes to jobs, “better” means different things to different people, but earning potential is almost always a top priority.

5 Reasons Why No One Should Be Afraid to Learn SQL

Kamila Ostrowska

Updated on: September 17, 2023 Think SQL is just for tech experts? Think again. In this article, we'll bust some common myths and show you that anyone can learn SQL. Let's dive in and make SQL simple. In today’s world, even those in non-technical jobs need some technical skills. And you don’t have to be a hard-core nerd to get these skills. Everywhere you look, from marketing to management, a touch of tech knowledge can set you apart.

5 Books That Will Grow Your SQL Skills

Aldo Zelen

Which books will help you build your database skills? We look at five awesome SQL books. There’s a common saying that “all wise men read books”. I would say that all professionals read books – particularly those related to their field. There are many books about databases and SQL; most are tied to specific vendors (DB2, Oracle, MS SQL) but there are also plenty that are vendor-neutral. In this article, I’m going to review a few books that I would recommend to SQL learners at various levels of proficiency.

How to Join Tables in SQL Without Using JOINs

Tihomir Babic

Here’s how you can combine tables without the JOIN keyword. It seems like it shouldn’t be possible: join tables in SQL without using the JOIN keyword. But using the JOIN keyword is not the only way to join tables in SQL. This article will show you two additional methods for joining tables. Neither of them requires the JOIN keyword to work. They are: Using a comma between the table names in the FROM clause and specifying the joining condition in a WHERE Using UNION/UNION ALL.

Oracle Top-N Queries for Absolute Beginners

Aldo Zelen

It's common to run a query using only part of a dataset – for example, the top 100 salespeople in a company. In this article, we'll see how to use Oracle's Top-N query method to query just these rows. Top-N queries retrieve a defined number of rows (top or bottom) from a result set. In other words, they find the best or worst of something – the ten best selling cars in a certain region, the five most popular routers, the 20 worst-performing stores, etc.

What Is the Benefit of Foreign Keys in SQL?

Martyna Sławińska

What is a foreign key and why is it so important in relational databases? Learn all the details about foreign keys in this article. One of relational databases’ key features is the ability to link data stored in different tables. These links, called references, essentially act as connections between tables. They are created using the FOREIGN KEY constraint on table columns. In this article, we’ll learn what the FOREIGN KEY constraint does in SQL.

Referential Constraints and Foreign Keys in MySQL

Francisco Claria

Foreign keys and referential constraints allow you to set relationships between tables and modify some of the database engine’s actions. This beginner’s guide explains referential integrity and foreign key use in MySQL. One of the most important aspects of database usage is being able to trust the information you store. Database engines provide several features that help you maintain the quality of your data, like defining required columns as NOT NULL and setting an exact data type for each column.

Free SQL Courses to Elevate Your Skills

Jakub Romanowski

In this article, I'll explain why LearnSQL.com offers free SQL courses. I’ll also introduce you to some of the courses we’ve offered for free over the years. If you're eager to enhance your SQL skills without breaking the bank, you've come to the right place. You're here because you understand the significance of learning SQL. But are you tired of those lengthy YouTube tutorials? How about diving into an online SQL course?

Halloween Promo 2023

LearnSQL.com Team

Halloween is just around the corner and with it come monsters and ghosts. Join the fun and get a special, monstrous promo code. Are you scared, do you feel chills? This Halloween, we have prepared some fun for you. Have you ever wondered what kind of monster you would be? Answer a few questions and find out! Here's our SQL Monster Quiz - perhaps this will also give you a hint for a Halloween disguise!

Stay at Home and Learn SQL for Free with LearnSQL.com

LearnSQL.com Team

Working remotely is a dream come true for some. You ditch commuting and have more time for the people you love and the things you enjoy. For others, it's a challenge to maintain their focus when there are new distractions. It's also an opportunity to invest the few gained hours in learning something new. Staying at home can be a time when you might find yourself busier than you've ever been, but not getting many things done, and worse, not learning what you planned to.

Black Week 2023 - Free SQL Training For Companies

LearnSQL.com Team

Are you looking for the best SQL training for your employees? Now, with our Black Week special offer, they can learn for FREE at LearnSQL.com. Read on to find out more. Black Week 2023 is upon us, and we’re excited to bring some great offers to the table once again. This year, we’re particularly keen to involve our business users in the event, so we’ve put together a tailored proposal just for them.

Black Week 2023 - Free SQL Training For Educational Institutions

LearnSQL.com Team

Are you looking for the best SQL training for your students? Now, with our Black Week special offer, they can learn for FREE with LearnSQL.com. Read on to find out more. With the arrival of Black Week 2023, we’re taking a fresh look at how we can further support the educational institutions that use our SQL training solution. We want to expand our existing program with an exclusive offer for education which, we hope, will go some way to showing our appreciation for the entire sector.

A Complete Guide to Working With Substrings in SQL

functions for manipulating SQL strings

Tihomir Babic

In this article, we’ll discuss how to work with substrings in SQL. It involves learning several approaches, so we’ll show you their ins and outs. To work with substrings in SQL, we first need to know what a string is. In programming, a string is any kind of textual data (a title, a description, a name). A string consists of any number and type of characters. In a SQL database, strings are typically stored as CHAR or VARCHAR data types.

5 SQL Functions for Manipulating Strings

Marek Pankowski

SQL functions used for manipulating strings, commonly called string functions, are among most important SQL’s tools. In this post, we’ll look at five ways you can perform various operations on strings. There are many SQL functions that let you “edit” string data. As you learn SQL, you’ll see how useful they prove. Some sql trim off unneeded spaces or characters; others tell you how long a string is. These functions give you a lot of opportunities to transform and work with strings, which makes your code more effective.

Can SQL Help Solve Crossword Puzzles?

Patrycja Dybka

Everyone has solved crossword puzzles and has certainly had some problems finding an appropriate word. Thanks to SQL, it is ridiculously simple to quickly dispel your crossword doubts and give you the correct answers. Of course, Google is commonly known as a universal cure for many doubts, but handling the problem yourself is much more rewarding. Recently I came across some simple and interesting examples from Andrew Cumming's book "

Useful SQL Patterns: Date Generator

Aldo Zelen

As you start coding in SQL, you will use some statements and techniques over and over again. We call these “SQL patterns”. This series will look at the most common SQL patterns and consider how to use them. SQL patterns, such as the pivot pattern we discussed last week, can save you a lot of time and effort. Suppose you are asked to get a range of days in a financial quarter, but the only records you have are for the start and end dates of each quarter.

How to Install Microsoft SQL Server 2019 and SQL Server Management Studio

Dorota Wdzięczna

Do you want to install SQL Server 2019 on your Windows PC? How about the latest version of SQL Server Management Studio? I’ll walk you through the process. Soon you’ll be writing T-SQL queries and operating on SQL Server databases! As I write this article, Microsoft SQL Server 2019 is the latest version of SQL Server. It’s the 15th version of one of the most popular database servers in the world.

Join us on Facebook–We Can Learn More Together

Jakub Romanowski

We are so happy that you have joined us to learn and develop your SQL skills! We want to invite you to a new Facebook group, We Learn SQL. It is a great place for anyone interested in meeting like-minded people who also want to learn about database-related concepts. Learning together is easier, don't you think? Joining this group is a great opportunity to begin sharing your learning experiences with others.

YouTube Tutorials That Actually Teach You Some SQL

Jakub Romanowski

YouTube is not just funny cats, music clips, and viral videos. It can also be a mine of knowledge – if you know where to look. Can YouTube tutorials really help you learn SQL? Let's say you're a marketer or an accountant. You work with databases every day. But when it’s time to write a query and get specific data, you need to call someone from IT. Why not learn to do it yourself?

Career Change: From Accountant to Database Designer

Tihomir Babic

How do career changes and life choices impact our future? Can we change the path that's been set for us? And if so, where do we begin? I wouldn't blame you if you thought this article is about change. In a sense, it is—it's in the title, after all. But for me, this article is more about what remains constant. If somebody were to ask me what hasn't changed for me since my childhood, I would know the answer immediately: curiosity.

Forget About Excel, High Five With SQL

Adrian Więch

Find out why you should forget about Excel and start using SQL even if you're not an IT expert. We'll show you how easy it is to learn SQL, how it can make you work better, and how LearnSQL.com makes the learning process fun. "I Don't Deal With Data" We frequently hear the sentence above from people outside the IT industry. Well, it's not entirely true. Data is now almost everywhere.

A Non-Technical Introduction to Learning SQL on Your Lunch Break

Ignacio L. Bisso

Do you think learning SQL will help you in your career? You are right. SQL is one of the easiest computer languages to learn. These days many non-IT employees have SQL skills and use them to extend their professional capacity. Moreover, more and more companies are encouraging their employees in non-IT areas (like sales, advertising, and finances) to learn and use SQL. One of the benefits of empowering employees with SQL skills is that once you answer one data question, the results will generate a new data question, and then perhaps a cascade of further data questions.

How to Install PostgreSQL on Windows 10 in 5 Minutes

Ignacio L. Bisso

It may look like a complicated task to install PostgreSQL, Oracle, or SQL Server or any other database software, but it really isn’t! These days, most relational database management systems come with installation wizards that make the process much simpler. In this article, we’ll look at how to install PostgreSQL and test that the installation is working. Install PostgreSQL: Steps Involved To install PostgreSQL, we’ll complete the following tasks:

How SQL supports data-driven organization

Aldo Zelen

Typical business users make decisions based on gut feelings, but this can't get them so far. In this article, we'll look at how learning to write basic SQL queries helps your company become a data-driven organization. Businesses face many decisions. Do we increase our advertising budget in one region or the other? Are certain products selling quickly enough? What we should do if they aren't? Most of these decisions are driven by intuition, but organizations that make the most business impact use data-driven decision-making.

Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Installation Step by Step

Dorota Wdzięczna

Microsoft SQL Server is one of the most popular professional database servers on the market. In this guide, I’ll show you all SQL Server 2017 installation steps to help you install it on the Windows operating system together with SQL Management Studio. If you want to learn T-SQL, the dialect of SQL used in SQL Server, check out our SQL from A to Z in MS SQL Server track.

How to Begin Running SQL Queries

Ignacio L. Bisso

In this article, I’ll explain how to run a SQL query to help you execute your first one. Let’s jump right in! Running SQL queries for the first time is not a complex task, but it can seem intimidating at first if you’re a complete beginner. But once you get past that initial roadblock, you’ll be able to focus on learning SQL and writing more interesting queries to meet your business needs.

How to Use a SQL Wildcard

Aldo Zelen

SQL wildcard allows us to filter data matching certain patterns in SQL. We use SQL wildcards with the LIKE operator in the WHERE clause of a query to filter data. In this beginner’s article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about basic SQL wildcards. If you like playing cards, then you know that wildcards can substitute any other card in your deck. Similarly, SQL wildcards can substitute one or more characters.

Our Picks for 2020’s 7 Best Online SQL Schools

Dorota Wdzięczna

If you’re looking for the best online SQL courses but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. I evaluated the top 7 ranked SQL schools available online to help you find the right solution. While summer is a great time to relax and get away from work, it’s also an excellent opportunity to learn new skills – like SQL! Thanks to SQL schools putting their courses on the internet, learning new tech skills is super easy and you can choose from a variety of formats to suit your needs.

Why Learn SQL Over the Summer

Kate Stolarek

Think summer is reserved for flying to warm places and hanging out at the beach? Sure! But it's also a great time to learn new skills that you haven't had time for. If you recently graduated from high school and want to get a head start on computer programming for college, learning SQL over the summer is a great opportunity. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain—SQL is actually really easy to learn, especially with so much free time over the summer.

Here’s Why You Should Learn SQL

Kate Stolarek

Why learn SQL? We asked our users about it. This is what we’ve learned. At LearnSQL.com, we help people with no computer science background to understand the core concepts of databases and data science. For example, we teach users how to extract the most important data from a database to build simple reports and how to understand key statistical metrics in data analysis. We love to provide easy-to-understand examples that thoroughly depict complex technical concepts.

How to Start Thinking in SQL

Jeffrey Edison

Thinking in SQL will help you understand what SQL queries do, how to create and change them, and how to create reports from the data you obtain. If you want to know how to write better SQL queries, you have to change the way you think about the code. One of the greatest skills you can have in SQL programming is the ability to change an existing SQL query so you get the results you need.

Introduction to Reporting with SQL — the Ultimate Tutorial for Business Professionals

Aldo Zelen

Working with the financial aspects of large and small enterprises can be a daunting task for a business professional. In this article, we'll look at several ways of constructing the perfect SQL report. You've probably already heard about SQL from your colleagues or in other areas of your career. If you're here, you've likely concluded that learning SQL will make your professional life easier – and you're right!

5 Great Benefits of Learning SQL

Alex Briggs

If you want your business to succeed in 2017, it’s absolutely critical that you understand your data; this is why you should get acquainted with SQL ASAP. But there are other reasons to learn it that may not be obvious. In this article, I’ll show you 5 huge benefits of learning SQL! Don’t fall for the common trap—analyzing data isn’t just a concern for those competing at national or corporate levels.

5 Reasons Why No One Should Be Afraid to Learn SQL

Kamila Ostrowska

Updated on: September 17, 2023 Think SQL is just for tech experts? Think again. In this article, we'll bust some common myths and show you that anyone can learn SQL. Let's dive in and make SQL simple. In today’s world, even those in non-technical jobs need some technical skills. And you don’t have to be a hard-core nerd to get these skills. Everywhere you look, from marketing to management, a touch of tech knowledge can set you apart.

5 Books That Will Grow Your SQL Skills

Aldo Zelen

Which books will help you build your database skills? We look at five awesome SQL books. There’s a common saying that “all wise men read books”. I would say that all professionals read books – particularly those related to their field. There are many books about databases and SQL; most are tied to specific vendors (DB2, Oracle, MS SQL) but there are also plenty that are vendor-neutral. In this article, I’m going to review a few books that I would recommend to SQL learners at various levels of proficiency.

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to SQL Fundamentals

LearnSQL.com Team

LearnSQL.com is a great place to learn SQL. If you’re a complete beginner, it’s best to have an overview of what SQL is, what a database is, and how they work together. In this article, you’ll find a complete guide to SQL fundamentals. SQL Fundamentals: Database Let’s begin our guide to SQL with basic definitions. You might have already heard that SQL is used with databases. What exactly is a database?

How to Learn SQL: 6 Ideas for Newbies

Aldo Zelen

Learning a new skill can be a daunting task, especially in programming. SQL is not immune to this. Luckily, with the Internet and the explosion of programming-related information out there, there are a lot of options you can use to undergo your SQL training! But we then come to a new roadblock. Where to begin? How will we know which option is best for our budget, skill level, and schedule?

SQL Indexing 101

Aldo Zelen

Indexes are one of the most misused and misunderstood entities in physical database design. A good understanding of indexes and how they solve database performance problems is necessary for any database novice. In this article, we'll look at basic database indexes and their role in database development. To picture what an index is, consider a textbook. At the end of most textbooks is an index listing all the terms one can find in the text and the pages on which they appear.

SQL Aggregate Functions: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Maria Durkin

Are you curious about SQL aggregate functions and how they apply to real-world scenarios? In this article, we'll explore SQL aggregate functions, showcase real-world examples, and offer valuable insights on how to master them. Data aggregation is the process of taking several rows of data and condensing them into a single result or summary. When dealing with large datasets, this is invaluable because it allows you to extract relevant insights without having to scrutinize each individual data point.

SQL Practice: 10 GROUP BY Practice Exercises with Detailed Solutions

Ignacio L. Bisso

Need to practice your SQL skills? These 10 GROUP BY practice exercises – with explanations and solutions – are a great start! GROUP BY is a powerful SQL clause that allows you to create groups of records and then calculate summary metrics (such as averages) for those groups. However, GROUP BY is often challenging for SQL learners to master. Yet, practicing GROUP BY is very important if you’re planning on using SQL.

What Does GROUP BY 1 and GROUP BY 1, 2, 3 Mean in SQL?

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GROUP BY

Dominika Florczykowska

Have you ever come across the unfamiliar GROUP BY 1 syntax in SQL queries and wondered what it's all about? Well, you're not alone! In this article, we'll dive into this syntax, explain its purpose, and make it easier to understand. Whether you are a regular SQL user or you’re just beginning to learn this language, you have probably worked with GROUP BY before. The GROUP BY clause in SQL is used to group rows from a table based on one or more columns.

How to Use GROUP BY and ORDER BY in the Same Query: A Detailed Guide

Tihomir Babic

Untangling how to use two basic SQL clauses – GROUP BY and ORDER BY – in one query. GROUP BY and ORDER BY are basic SQL clauses. As such, they are taught relatively early in the learning process. And they usually don’t present a big hurdle to beginners. However, using GROUP BY and ORDER BY together can be confusing. By the end of this article, your confusion on this subject will go away.

How to Use COUNT() with GROUP BY: 5 Practical Examples

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GROUP BY

Radu Gheorghiu

Using the COUNT() function with GROUP BY is one of the most common SQL constructs in aggregate queries. Read this article to find out how to use COUNT() with GROUP BY correctly using 5 examples. In this article, we will explain the importance of using COUNT with GROUP BY. We’ll talk about why it is essential in SQL and how it enables data analysis and summarization based on specific criteria.

How to Use SUM() with GROUP BY: A Detailed Guide with 8 Examples

Gustavo du Mortier

Explore some real-world examples of using SUM() and GROUP BY in SQL, from the most basic to the most sophisticated. SUM() is a SQL aggregate function that computes the sum of the given values. GROUP BY is a SQL clause that partitions rows into groups and computes a stated aggregate function for each group. Using these two functions together, you can compute total sums for a group of rows. In this article, we’ll see 8 different examples of how you can combine SUM() and GROUP BY to create many different reports.

Free Course of the Month – GROUP BY Extensions in PostgreSQL

Jakub Romanowski

Do you work with data? Want to be able to create better and more sophisticated SQL reports? Then check out our interactive GROUP BY Extensions in PostgreSQL course. In May 2023, you can complete this online PostgreSQL course for FREE! How can you get this free SQL course in May 2023? Create a free LearnSQL.com account or log in if you already have one. Start the course.

How to Use CASE WHEN in GROUP BY

Nicole Darnley

Learn how you can combine SQL CASE WHEN and GROUP BY to create custom categories in your SQL queries. Raw data, by its very nature, is not always human readable. Many times, the data you’re querying is in its most unformatted form. Examples of this include codes for different business departments or product SKUs that represent specific products. To the naked eye, these codes mean nothing, so pulling them into a report is not helpful for the person reading them.

How to Group by Multiple Columns in SQL

Gustavo du Mortier

When analyzing large data sets, you often create groupings and apply aggregate functions to find totals or averages. In these cases, using the GROUP BY clause with multiple columns unfolds its full potential. GROUP BY is a clause of the SELECT command. It allows you to compute various statistics for a group of rows. For example, you can use GROUP BY with an employee table to know how many employees are of each gender.

How to Use WHERE with GROUP BY in SQL

Nicole Darnley

In this article, we’ll discuss how to combine the WHERE and GROUP BY clauses in SQL. If you’re writing SQL on a daily basis, you will quickly realize how often both WHERE and GROUP BY clauses are used. WHERE is an essential part of most queries. It allows you to filter large datasets to only the pieces you are interested in. GROUP BY is one of the most powerful tools an analyst has when aggregating data.

How to Use GROUP BY in SQL

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GROUP BY

Martyna Sławińska

As the amount of data in the world grows day by day, the need increases for managing and querying data efficiently. SQL offers ways to manipulate and query data at any scale. As an important part of this, the WHERE and HAVING clauses allow you to filter data as you need, but they are not the same. We will explain the differences between them in detail. One of the most common tasks in manipulating and querying data is filtering using the WHERE and HAVING clauses.

The SQL HAVING Clause Explained

Dorota Wdzięczna

What is the SQL HAVING clause? Why do you need it, and where do you use it? We’ll explain HAVING in detail. HAVING is a very common clause in SQL queries. Like WHERE, it helps filter data; however, HAVING works in a different way. If you are familiar with the GROUP BY clause and have only heard about HAVING – or if you’re not familiar with HAVING at all – this article is what you need.

Using GROUP BY in SQL

Zahin Rahman

Now that you know SQL’s core commands, power up your queries with the GROUP BY clause and aggregate functions. GROUP BY is a SQL clause that arranges data into groups based on a common value (or values). It is widely used to obtain summary information for large datasets as well as for computing basic aggregate statistics. Once you have grasped SQL’s basic commands like SELECT, WHERE, and JOIN, mastering the GROUP BY clause can help you implement your SQL knowledge in real-world business intelligence scenarios.

What Is the Difference Between a GROUP BY and a PARTITION BY?

Emil Drkušić

Window functions are a great addition to SQL, and they can make your life much easier if you know how to use them properly. Today, we will address the differences between a GROUP BY and a PARTITION BY. We’ll start with the very basics and slowly get you to a point where you can keep researching on your own. PARTITION BY vs. GROUP BY The PARTITION BY and the GROUP BY clauses are used frequently in SQL when you need to create a complex report.

Difference between GROUP BY and ORDER BY in Simple Words

Shanika Wickramasinghe

For someone who is learning SQL, one of the most common places to get stuck is when learning the GROUP BY command. GROUP BY and ORDER BY are two important keywords in SQL that we use to organize data. The difference between GROUP BY and ORDER BY is that ORDER BY is more simple than GROUP BY and is usually introduced early in an SQL course. Sometimes, people are quite confused over these two concepts (SQL ORDER BY vs.

SQL Hacks To Control Family Budget On Black Friday Weekend

Dorota Wdzięczna

If you’re in the US, chances are you’ve been eagerly awaiting the approach of Black Friday just as much as Thanksgiving. Though the shopping frenzy takes hold of nearly everyone, some people have to stick to their budgets and shop prudently. In this article, we’ll take a look at how generating an SQL report can help you track how much your family spent shopping on Black Friday. Storing Black Friday Purchases in a Database Before we can create an SQL report, we first need some data we can use.

A Beginner’s Guide to SQL Aggregate Functions

Francisco Claria

Aggregate functions are powerful SQL tools that compute numerical calculations on data, allowing the query to return summarized information about a given column or result set. These functions can be used in conjunction with the GROUP BY statement. Let’s see how they work using some easy examples. SQL Aggregate Functions Suppose we have users residing in a city, and we store their information in two tables. These tables and their relationship are shown below:

Getting the Hang of the GROUP BY Clause

Marian Dziubiak

GROUP BY is an important part of the SQL SELECT statement. But new SQL coders can run into some problems when this clause is used incorrectly. Here’s how to avoid those issues. You’re learning SQL. You know how to SELECT some data FROM a table and how to filter the data with a WHERE clause. You can process the data using aggregate functions (MIN, MAX, SUM, AVG, and others). But when you’re dealing with a lot of data, you may need to narrow it down even more.

GROUP BY Clause: How Well Do You Know It?

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Agnieszka Kozubek-Krycuń

The database can do different kinds of computations: it can add and subtract, multiply and divide, it can do computations on dates, it can count rows and sum row values, and so on. It can also do quite sophisticated statistics. The GROUP BY clause is the most basic way to compute statistics in SQL. It can be quite tough for beginners but it is really powerful. Let's look at the details of the GROUP BY clause, starting with the basics.

The Best YouTube Channels for Learning SQL

Jill Thornhill

SQL is not hard to learn, and YouTube tutorials are plentiful. Are online videos the best choice for you? How do you find quality YouTube channels for learning SQL? So you’re thinking of learning SQL? Maybe your job includes working with data, or maybe you’re looking to further your career by upping your skills. Good choice! But what’s the best way to learn? You may decide that an SQL YouTube tutorial is the best choice for you at the moment.

How to Install a MySQL Database on a Windows PC

Dorota Wdzięczna

Do you want to install a MySQL database on your Windows computer? And maybe find out how to start using a MySQL database? In this article, we’ll cover the installation process. MySQL is one of the most popular relational database servers. This is one reason to start using a MySQL database. Among the various editions of MySQL delivered by Oracle, the Community edition is available for free. You can download it from the MySQL website.

2021’s Most Popular Databases

Marcin Koryszewski

What was the most popular database in 2021? And what do you need to know to use it? If you’re learning SQL, you’re in luck. This year’s most popular database uses SQL. But the list doesn’t end there. Read our article and find out the 5 most popular databases this year. My list was based on the latest research of one of the most important platforms in the IT world: Stack Overflow.

SQL Terms Beginners Should Know - Part 4

Kamila Ostrowska

Here it is – another batch of must-know SQL terms. In the first two parts, we covered tables, relational databases, queries, aliases, SQL JOINs, primary keys, and subqueries. Last time, we moved to more advanced terms like INSERT INTO, GROUP BY, and HAVING. Are you ready to dive deeper into SQL terminology? This is the fourth installment of our series on basic SQL terms for beginners (and everyone else). Don’t worry if you missed the previous articles; you can find Part 1 (essential SQL terms), Part 2, and Part 3 in our blog.

SQL Terms Beginners Should Know - Part 3

Jakub Romanowski

This is the third part of my list of essential SQL terms for beginners. In the first, you learned what tables, relational databases, and queries are. In the second part of the tutorial, I told you about aliases, SQL JOINs, primary keys, and subqueries. Now, it's time for more advanced database terms. But don't be afraid! I won’t crush you with scientific definitions. I will explain everything simply so that you can easily understand.

SQL Terms Beginners Should Know – Part 2

Jakub Romanowski

This is the second part of my list of essential SQL terms for beginners. In the first, you learned what a table, relational database, and query are. Now, it's time for more advanced database terms. But don't be afraid! I won’t crush you with scientific definitions. I will explain everything simply so that you can easily understand. If you want to review the basic SQL terms, see my previous article, SQL Terms Beginners Should Know.

SQL Terms Beginners Should Know

Jakub Romanowski

Have you started learning SQL? Do you feel a little lost in the maze of new words and ideas? Here’s a list of 10 absolutely essential SQL terms for beginners. When you start learning SQL, there’s a lot to process. And some of it – even basic SQL terms – gets lost in the shuffle. If this sounds like you, bookmark this article; it will be a handy reference.

Five Essential Features of a Good SQL Course: What to Look for When Choosing a Course for You

Agnieszka Kozubek-Krycuń

There are many different platforms offering SQL courses. If you’re a beginner, it may be difficult to choose the right one for you. Find out what we think are the essential features of a good SQL course. Remember, if you make a poor choice at the beginning, you may get discouraged or get into bad habits that will impact your work down the line. What Is SQL? SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a programming language you use to talk to databases.

The Most Popular Databases in 2020

Jakub Romanowski

Which database solution is currently most popular? Which SQL dialect should you study? In this article, I’ll share the results of my research and my personal experience. Here are the databases that are worth learning SQL to use. First, let's answer some simple questions: Is SQL still useful? Is it worth learning? If you complete an online SQL course, will it make your work easier? The answer is YES! Why?

Top 10 Laptops for Learning SQL in 2020

Jakub Romanowski

If you want to learn SQL, you’re going to need a device that’s portable and powerful. I recommend a laptop. Here are the features you’ll need, as well as my picks for laptops to get you learning SQL in 2020! I must admit that browsing Amazon’s computer offers or entering any computer store can give you a headache. So many models, with so many options! They differ in components, workmanship, battery life, and screen size and resolution.

What Is a SQL Dialect, and Which one Should You Learn?

Agnieszka Kozubek-Krycuń

Updated on: September 12, 2023 SQL, standard SQL, SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, … You’d like to learn SQL, but you feel overwhelmed with options and you don’t know where to start. We’ll explain what each of these terms mean and what this has to do with SQL dialects. Diving into the world of SQL dialects can feel like jumping into a deep pool without knowing how to swim. There's a ton of stuff to pick up!

How to Publish a LearnSQL.com Course Certificate on LinkedIn

Jakub Romanowski

LinkedIn draws both job seekers and recruiters. Showcasing your knowledge, skills, and experience on this professional networking site can lead to great opportunities. We know this well at LearnSQL.com. Have you finished one of our courses? Great! Tell your future employer about what you have learned. Here's a step-by-step how-to guide for publishing a course certificate on LinkedIn. I will show you how easy it is to publish a LearnSQL.

Last-Minute Preparation Tips for a Database Class Exam

Adrian Więch

Getting to learn SQL is fun. You don’t really need to spend much time to understand some basic SQL concepts and use them fluently. If you’re a student facing your first database class exam soon, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we explain what you should focus on while learning SQL and studying for an entry-level database exam. Check your knowledge with our 10 sample questions and discover where you can find more SQL practice.

Top 5 Programming Languages to Learn Alongside SQL

Rebecca McKeown

If you already know or are about to learn SQL, you’re well on your way to being a sought-after database administrator, database engineer, or just a general database whizz kid! SQL is a modern, widely-used language that finds application in almost every industry. There is no shortage of jobs with SQL. But what if you want to branch out and learn another language to complement your SQL knowledge and skills?

Advanced SQL Courses for Data Analysts – A Complete Review

Dorota Wdzięczna

Even data analysts who already know SQL need to keep their skills sharp. Where can you find the best advanced SQL courses for data analysts? Check out our review of the top online sources! In this article, I present a list of online SQL courses for data analysts. These courses are offered by various platforms. Why wait? Let’s jump right in! 8 Advanced SQL Courses for Data Analysts Let's take a closer look at these courses to decide which platform will be better for you in learning SQL.

What SQL Practice Do You Need to Prepare for a Technical Job Interview?

Rebecca McKeown

You’ve scored yourself an interview for an SQL-related job. Nice work! But perhaps uncertainty is creeping in as your interview date looms closer. Do you know enough SQL to make the cut? What questions are you likely to be asked? What SQL practice should you be doing before your interview? Almost all SQL job candidates go through exactly the same nerve-wracking process. Here at LearnSQL.com, we have the lowdown on all the SQL practice and preparation you’ll need to ace those interview questions and take your career to the next level.

Is SQL Worth Learning?

Kate Stolarek

We’re in the 21st century. These are the “ultimate data times” in which loads of information on all kinds of things is available. We want to explore this info even more, slice and dice it, understand where it comes from and what triggers it. With such large amounts of data coming in, people have discovered that spreadsheets aren’t enough. There’s a need for a greater solution, something like a spreadsheet on steroids.

Top 3 Platforms to Learn SQL Online: A Complete Comparison

Arleta Więch

Do you want to learn SQL online? Where do you start? There are many choices on the internet, and it can be hard to decide. But don’t worry—I tested and compared three major platforms to help you find the best place to learn SQL online! E-learning is on the rise. It gives us infinite possibilities of growing our professional careers without leaving our homes. And increasing our competencies is especially important now that the labor market has become dynamic and unstable.

Choose the Best Way to Learn SQL

Arleta Więch

SQL has become a hot topic in the professional world, and many resources have appeared both online and offline for learning SQL. It’s easy to get lost in the jungle of books, tutorials, and courses. Which resources do you choose? If you want to know how to learn SQL quickly and effectively, take a look at my list. There are many reasons for learning SQL. We asked our users about them and learned that there was no universal motive.

The 50 Best Resources for Learning SQL (Updated for 2024)

Rebecca McKeown

Updated on: December 6, 2023 Do you want to know where to learn SQL? We’ve got you covered with the ultimate list of 50 SQL learning resources, including the best SQL courses, tutorials, books, and much, much more! Learning SQL can be hard enough without wading through thousands of websites and articles. So, we thought we’d do you a solid and put the top SQL resources here in this handy slice of the internet.

How to Stay Healthy When Learning SQL

Jakub Romanowski

So, maybe you’re learning SQL. Congratulations! Or maybe you already work as a data analyst, DBA, or data scientist. That’s great too! Either way, you are most likely spending hours in front of a computer. I will give you tips on how to avoid bad habits and take care of your health while learning and/or working with SQL. Have you ever wondered how sitting in front of a computer affects your health?

What Programming Language Should You Learn?

Magdalena Wojtas

If you've ever been wondering which programming language you should learn first, you know that's a tough nut to crack. It’s especially difficult if you are new to IT and programming. In this article, I give suggestions for what to learn first and what perspectives each language can give you in IT. There are hundreds of programming languages, and new ones are showing up all the time. Getting to know all of them is simply impractical and impossible.

How to Study Online: 5 Steps to Becoming an Effective Learner

Kamila Ostrowska

If you suffer from procrastination or lack of motivation, you’re not alone. We have some online learning tips to make your learning journey smoother and more enjoyable. One of the best things about being an adult is that we can do what we want: go to sleep late at night, party until morning, eat junk food. Besides all those small pleasures, as adults we are responsible for ourselves, our choices, and our mistakes.

How to Install PostgreSQL on Windows 10 in 5 Minutes

Ignacio L. Bisso

It may look like a complicated task to install PostgreSQL, Oracle, or SQL Server or any other database software, but it really isn’t! These days, most relational database management systems come with installation wizards that make the process much simpler. In this article, we’ll look at how to install PostgreSQL and test that the installation is working. Install PostgreSQL: Steps Involved To install PostgreSQL, we’ll complete the following tasks:

Halloween Promo 2023

LearnSQL.com Team

Halloween is just around the corner and with it come monsters and ghosts. Join the fun and get a special, monstrous promo code. Are you scared, do you feel chills? This Halloween, we have prepared some fun for you. Have you ever wondered what kind of monster you would be? Answer a few questions and find out! Here's our SQL Monster Quiz - perhaps this will also give you a hint for a Halloween disguise!

What Is the SQL HAVING Clause?

András Novoszáth

Are you learning SQL? Are you wondering what you can use the HAVING clause for? Or, perhaps, have you tried to use WHERE on your GROUP BY aggregates? You are in the right place! In this article, we explain how to use HAVING with plenty of examples. Have you tried to filter your metrics you created with GROUP BY with a WHERE clause and found out that it did not work?

SQL HAVING Tutorial

Zahin Rahman

Learn how to use the SQL HAVING clause to filter groups using your own specified conditions. The SQL HAVING clause is often a challenging concept to grasp, especially for beginners. Additionally, its specific use cases can be difficult to visualize without specific examples based on real-world datasets. In this tutorial, you will learn how to apply the SQL HAVING clause to filter groups of records based on specified conditions. You’ll see examples where we apply this concept to solving business problems on a realistic dataset.

HAVING vs. WHERE in SQL: What You Should Know

Ignacio L. Bisso

This article is about SQL’s WHERE and HAVING clauses. Both clauses are part of the foundations of the SQL SELECT command. They have similar uses, but there are also important differences that every person who uses SQL should know. Let’s see what’s behind the HAVING vs. WHERE debate. In this article, we’ll suppose we work for a government social agency supporting people or families whose income is below a certain threshold.

How SQL Helps the Healthcare Sector

Jakub Romanowski

Why does the healthcare industry need SQL? Find out how you can use SQL for healthcare in this article. The digital age has ushered in a new era where data is at the heart of every industry. From finance to retail, data drives decision-making and strategy, shaping the way businesses operate and grow. The healthcare sector, with its vast and complex data sets, is no exception to this trend. The rise of digital health records, patient databases, and health informatics has underscored the importance of efficient data management in healthcare.

How to Stay Healthy When Learning SQL

Jakub Romanowski

So, maybe you’re learning SQL. Congratulations! Or maybe you already work as a data analyst, DBA, or data scientist. That’s great too! Either way, you are most likely spending hours in front of a computer. I will give you tips on how to avoid bad habits and take care of your health while learning and/or working with SQL. Have you ever wondered how sitting in front of a computer affects your health?

Hierarchical Data and How to Query It in SQL

Tihomir Babic

How do you recognize hierarchical data, and how do you query it? Two common SQL questions are about to be answered. Querying hierarchical data is a rather common situation if you’re working with SQL and relational databases. Not that hierarchical data is something mystical and rare; on the contrary, it’s everywhere. So why is hierarchical data so challenging when it comes to relational databases? Mainly, the difficulties occur in translating hierarchical data to relational database principles.

The History of Slonik, the PostgreSQL Elephant Logo

Patrycja Dybka

Logos are powerful. What better way to remind people of a product than an eye-catching, memorable symbol? With that in mind, today we’ll answer the question ‘Why did PostgreSQL choose an elephant for its logo?’ Every product or company has its logo – something that identifies and encapsulates the essence of their brand. In time, it practically becomes the brand: can you imagine McDonald’s without its golden arches? What if the Coca-Cola logo was suddenly done in purple block print?

Practical Ways to Improve the Performance of SQL Queries

LearnSQL.com Team

Knowing how to improve SQL query performance is an important skill, especially when working with with large databases. In this article, you'll learn how to write more efficient SQL queries to get results faster. The biggest difference between SQL and other languages is that SQL is a non-procedural language. In a non-procedural language you specify the results that you need but not the methods used to get it. The advantage of a non-procedural language is that it is easier to write programs, therefore it is common for non-programmer business users to generate reports from SQL queries.

SQL Filtering 101

Aldo Zelen

Sometimes, SQL queries return lots of data you don't need. In this article, we'll look at a simple example of filtering SQL queries to reduce the complexity of your data. The key to learning how to filter data in SQL is understanding the very basics of Boolean algebra. That's just a fancy term mathematicians use to describe expressions involving logical values (true/false) and their associated operators (and, or, not, etc.

Improving Query Readability with Common Table Expressions

Marian Dziubiak

What is a Common Table Expression, or CTE? Where do you use them, and why? This post answers your questions. Simply put, Common Table Expressions (also known as WITH clauses) are essentially named subqueries. They also provide additional features like recursion. If you're new to subqueries, I recommend you read the SQL Subqueries article before continuing. The main purpose of Common Table Expressions is to improve the design and readability of an SQL statement.

SQL Development? Structured Query Language and Apps

Marian Dziubiak

You know about using SQL with databases. How does SQL fit in with app development? Is there anything like SQL development? In this post, we look at the app development process, how it intersects with modeling a database, and what developers can do with SQL outside of their app. Obviously, the beginning of this process is defining your app — what it does, who it is for, how it will function and look, etc.

Performing Calculations on Date- and Time-Related Values

Maria Alcaraz

Relational databases support several date and time data types. In this article, we'll look at several arithmetic operations we can do on these types. These operations are logical and understandable, even for the beginning SQL coder. Let's first briefly explain the main data types used for dates and times. Keep in mind that data types may differ by database engine, so check your database documentation for specifics before you start working with them.

Getting the Hang of the GROUP BY Clause

Marian Dziubiak

GROUP BY is an important part of the SQL SELECT statement. But new SQL coders can run into some problems when this clause is used incorrectly. Here’s how to avoid those issues. You’re learning SQL. You know how to SELECT some data FROM a table and how to filter the data with a WHERE clause. You can process the data using aggregate functions (MIN, MAX, SUM, AVG, and others). But when you’re dealing with a lot of data, you may need to narrow it down even more.

Refine Results with SQL Set Operators

Aldo Zelen

Using UNION, UNION ALL, EXCEPT, and INTERSECT to manage SQL query results. The function of SQL set operators is pretty simple; they allow us to combine results from different SQL queries into one result set. The best way to understand how set operators work is to use visual methods like the Venn diagram. For those of you not familiar with Venn diagrams, they are two circles that represent items or collections of items.

6 Common SQL Syntax Mistakes All Learners Make

Adrian Dembek

We all make mistakes when learning a new language – especially at the beginning. New words, complicated grammar... Everyone needs time to master a language. But when we get immediate feedback, we can progress more quickly. The same goes for learning SQL. In this article, we'll look at 6 common SQL syntax mistakes most SQL learners make. Mastering SQL Queries Interactive SQL courses are one way to get immediate feedback on your queries.

8 Tips Absolute Beginners Can Use to Fix SQL Queries

The 5 Highest Paying Jobs That Use SQL

Marek Pankowski

IT provides a wide and growing job market, offering many excellent opportunities in both career development and earning potential. Today we’ll take a look at several very interesting types of database jobs that use SQL. Every year, many in the work force set their sights and aim for new and better jobs. When it comes to jobs, “better” means different things to different people, but earning potential is almost always a top priority.

Four Reasons You Must Learn SQL in Data Science

Jenny Hung

Is SQL important for data science? It certainly is! This language can help you build a foundation for your analytical career. Let’s see how you use SQL in data science. Data science is hot right now. What if you could predict the next market crash? Or contain the spread of Ebola? Or accurately predict a health crisis months or even years before it happens? Data scientists are working hard on these kinds of projects, and they are earning healthy salaries in the process.

5 Reasons Why No One Should Be Afraid to Learn SQL

Kamila Ostrowska

Updated on: September 17, 2023 Think SQL is just for tech experts? Think again. In this article, we'll bust some common myths and show you that anyone can learn SQL. Let's dive in and make SQL simple. In today’s world, even those in non-technical jobs need some technical skills. And you don’t have to be a hard-core nerd to get these skills. Everywhere you look, from marketing to management, a touch of tech knowledge can set you apart.

Introducing SQL Set Operators: Union, Union All, Minus, and Intersect

Marek Pankowski

Ever heard terms such as union and intersection in SQL? They're examples of set operators, and they come in handy when you need to combine information from multiple tables or queries. In this article, we'll take a closer look at them. SQL queries let us choose the most important bits from large amounts of information. Of course, we can't expect that all necessary data will be stored in one table.

Improving Query Readability with Common Table Expressions

Marian Dziubiak

What is a Common Table Expression, or CTE? Where do you use them, and why? This post answers your questions. Simply put, Common Table Expressions (also known as WITH clauses) are essentially named subqueries. They also provide additional features like recursion. If you're new to subqueries, I recommend you read the SQL Subqueries article before continuing. The main purpose of Common Table Expressions is to improve the design and readability of an SQL statement.

Complete SQL Practice for Interviews

Marek Pankowski

Congratulations! Your SQL skills were strong enough to get you that job interview! Now, if you only knew what SQL questions and practical exercises a recruiter might ask you to do… This article is meant as a SQL practice for interviews. I’ll help you prepare for the SQL and database aspects of your job interview. In a previous article, I explained how can you boost your career by learning SQL.

SQL Development? Structured Query Language and Apps

Marian Dziubiak

You know about using SQL with databases. How does SQL fit in with app development? Is there anything like SQL development? In this post, we look at the app development process, how it intersects with modeling a database, and what developers can do with SQL outside of their app. Obviously, the beginning of this process is defining your app — what it does, who it is for, how it will function and look, etc.

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to SQL Fundamentals

LearnSQL.com Team

LearnSQL.com is a great place to learn SQL. If you’re a complete beginner, it’s best to have an overview of what SQL is, what a database is, and how they work together. In this article, you’ll find a complete guide to SQL fundamentals. SQL Fundamentals: Database Let’s begin our guide to SQL with basic definitions. You might have already heard that SQL is used with databases. What exactly is a database?

Performing Calculations on Date- and Time-Related Values

Maria Alcaraz

Relational databases support several date and time data types. In this article, we'll look at several arithmetic operations we can do on these types. These operations are logical and understandable, even for the beginning SQL coder. Let's first briefly explain the main data types used for dates and times. Keep in mind that data types may differ by database engine, so check your database documentation for specifics before you start working with them.

Getting the Hang of the GROUP BY Clause

Marian Dziubiak

GROUP BY is an important part of the SQL SELECT statement. But new SQL coders can run into some problems when this clause is used incorrectly. Here’s how to avoid those issues. You’re learning SQL. You know how to SELECT some data FROM a table and how to filter the data with a WHERE clause. You can process the data using aggregate functions (MIN, MAX, SUM, AVG, and others). But when you’re dealing with a lot of data, you may need to narrow it down even more.

Refine Results with SQL Set Operators

Aldo Zelen

Using UNION, UNION ALL, EXCEPT, and INTERSECT to manage SQL query results. The function of SQL set operators is pretty simple; they allow us to combine results from different SQL queries into one result set. The best way to understand how set operators work is to use visual methods like the Venn diagram. For those of you not familiar with Venn diagrams, they are two circles that represent items or collections of items.

6 Common SQL Syntax Mistakes All Learners Make

Adrian Dembek

We all make mistakes when learning a new language – especially at the beginning. New words, complicated grammar... Everyone needs time to master a language. But when we get immediate feedback, we can progress more quickly. The same goes for learning SQL. In this article, we'll look at 6 common SQL syntax mistakes most SQL learners make. Mastering SQL Queries Interactive SQL courses are one way to get immediate feedback on your queries.

8 Tips Absolute Beginners Can Use to Fix SQL Queries

Marcos Pierri

Code errors are common – and frustrating. And when you're just learning SQL, it can be very challenging to find and fix your mistakes. In this post, we'll show you eight ways to solve or eliminate common SQL coding errors. Today, we'll talk about some tips the SQL beginner can use to avoid several common errors. These tips work in any database environment. As we go along, we'll be showing some error messages.

How to Learn SQL: 6 Ideas for Newbies

Aldo Zelen

Learning a new skill can be a daunting task, especially in programming. SQL is not immune to this. Luckily, with the Internet and the explosion of programming-related information out there, there are a lot of options you can use to undergo your SQL training! But we then come to a new roadblock. Where to begin? How will we know which option is best for our budget, skill level, and schedule?

Five Common SQL Syntax Errors

Aldo Zelen

As you learn SQL, watch out for these common coding mistakes You’ve written some SQL code and you’re ready to query your database. You input the code and …. no data is returned. Instead, you get an error message. Don’t despair! Coding mistakes are common in any programming language, and SQL is no exception. In this post, we’ll discuss five common SQL syntax errors people make when writing code.

SQL Errors: Five Common SQL Mistakes

Aldo Zelen

As you learn SQL, watch out for these common coding mistakes You’ve written some SQL code and you’re ready to query your database. You input the code and …. no data is returned. Instead, you get an error message. Don’t despair! Coding errors are common in any programming language, and SQL is no exception. In this article, we’ll discuss five common mistakes people make when writing SQL. The best way to prevent mistakes in SQL is practice.

Best SQL IDEs for You

Kamila Ostrowska

Maybe you just started learning SQL. Maybe you already have some experience. Whatever your situation is, choosing the right IDE for you is another step in your development. Why IDE? IDE stands for integrated development environment. It is a software application that enables us to combine various aspects of writing a computer program. An IDE usually contains a source code editor, build automation tools, and a debugger. You might ask why you need an IDE when you have the command line available on your computer.

What Is the INSERT Statement in SQL?

Andrew Bone

The INSERT statement in SQL is used to add new data to your database. This article will explain how to use it and show you practical examples along the way. When you learn SQL, you focus on getting data out of a database, working mostly with SELECT. In SQL, there are also statements that let you modify data in a database. The first one is the INSERT statement: it adds data to a table.

Learn SQL Views in 30 Minutes

Ignacio L. Bisso

Views aren't complicated – if you've got half an hour, we'll get you started writing SQL queries using views! Let's start by answering the question "What is a view in SQL?'. A view is a database object (as is a table, an index, or a stored procedure). Like a table, you can query a view and extract the information in it. It can be used in the FROM clause of a SELECT, and you can reference view columns in clauses like SELECT, WHERE and GROUP BY among other clauses as well.

Using CASE with Data Modifying Statements

Dorota Wdzięczna

What happens when you combine CASE with SQL's data modifying statements? Find out in this article. The CASE expression is a very useful part of SQL and one that you'll employ frequently. We've already covered what the CASE expression does, how to format it, and how to use it in a SELECT statement in "Using CASE to Add Logic to a SELECT". Another article, "How to Sort Records with the ORDER BY Clause"

How to Install Microsoft SQL Server 2019 and SQL Server Management Studio

Dorota Wdzięczna

Do you want to install SQL Server 2019 on your Windows PC? How about the latest version of SQL Server Management Studio? I’ll walk you through the process. Soon you’ll be writing T-SQL queries and operating on SQL Server databases! As I write this article, Microsoft SQL Server 2019 is the latest version of SQL Server. It’s the 15th version of one of the most popular database servers in the world.

Microsoft SQL Server 2017 Installation Step by Step

Dorota Wdzięczna

Microsoft SQL Server is one of the most popular professional database servers on the market. In this guide, I’ll show you all SQL Server 2017 installation steps to help you install it on the Windows operating system together with SQL Management Studio. If you want to learn T-SQL, the dialect of SQL used in SQL Server, check out our SQL from A to Z in MS SQL Server track.

How to Begin Running SQL Queries

Ignacio L. Bisso

In this article, I’ll explain how to run a SQL query to help you execute your first one. Let’s jump right in! Running SQL queries for the first time is not a complex task, but it can seem intimidating at first if you’re a complete beginner. But once you get past that initial roadblock, you’ll be able to focus on learning SQL and writing more interesting queries to meet your business needs.

What Do the SQL INTERSECT and MINUS Clauses Do?

Andrew Bone

Do you know the difference between SQL’s INTERSECT and MINUS clauses and how to use them? You will find examples and explanations in this article. SQL INTERSECT and MINUS are useful clauses for quickly finding the difference between two tables and finding the rows they share. INTERSECT compares the data between tables and returns only the rows of data that exist in both tables. MINUS compares the data between tables and returns the rows of data that exist only in the first table you specify.

MySQL Crash Course - An Interview With Rick Silva

Jakub Romanowski

If you've read my articles before, you probably already know that I love reading. What's more, I also collect SQL books. It may sound weird, but I enjoy comparing different approaches and ways of writing about databases. The best ones end up in our recommended books lists, like The Best SQL Books for 2023. One of those books, MySQL Crash Course, has just been released. I was able to talk to its author, Rick Silva, and this is what he told me.

Why Every Database Administrator Needs SQL

Jill Thornhill

What is a database administrator? What do they do? Why do they need to know SQL, and what do they use it for? In this article, I'll answer these questions. As technology advances, more and more data is available to help organizations make informed decisions. You can't stay competitive – or provide good service to your customers – without the right information. Database administrators are responsible for making sure the right data is stored safely, that it's easily accessible to those who need it, and that it’s protected from malicious attacks.

This Is the Best SQL Assessment to Boost Your Career

Jakub Romanowski

What’s an SQL assessment and why would you need one? Where can you find a free and reliable gauge of your SQL skills? Find out in this article. In today's data-driven world, proficiency in SQL is more than just a skill—it's necessary. Whether you're looking to explore and analyze data to derive actionable insights or to store, manage, and optimize data in a relational database, having a solid foundation in SQL can significantly boost your resume.

SQL for Project Managers: Enhancing Decision-Making

Maria Durkin

Did you know that SQL is a vital component in the project manager’s toolkit? In this article, we'll delve into how SQL for project managers enhances their workflow, promotes informed decision-making, and boosts operational efficiency. Data has become the foundation of decision-making across industries. In today's data-driven world, it's critical to arm yourself with the correct tools for dealing with the influx of data. One such tool that has stood the test of time is Structured Query Language, better known as SQL.

How to Prepare for an Advanced SQL Interview

Nicole Darnley

Tips and tricks to help you ace even the most advanced SQL interview questions. SQL has become the lingua franca of data – the standard method for interacting with databases, extracting insights, and conducting analytical tasks. As a data analyst, the ability to understand and manipulate SQL code is not just a 'nice to have'; it's an absolute necessity. For many data analyst roles, a basic understanding of SQL isn't enough.

Data-Driven Career Choices: Database Student

Jill Thornhill

Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. A data-driven career is one of the best ways to secure your future; today's trend is to store and make use of more and more data in every field. In this article, I'll look at some of the choices available. We're living in an era where the quality and quantity of data is expanding exponentially. In almost any career you choose, you'll need to leverage data to make effective decisions.

How SQL Skills Can Boost Your Resume

Alexandre Bruffa

You may wonder: does having SQL skills matter? In what areas could I use my SQL skills? In this article, I will explain how having SQL skills can boost your resume and add momentum to your professional career. We are living in the Big Data era. Every time we go online, we provide the websites we visit with a lot of information. If we voluntarily give our data by creating an account, filling out a form, or making a purchase, we give them even more information.

Who Is a Data Manager?

Maria Durkin

Who are data managers? What are their responsibilities, and how do I become one? We’ll answer these questions and get you on your way to becoming a data manager! Simply put, data managers oversee the management of information or data within an organization. They manage data organization, storage, security, and accessibility, and they collaborate with other team members to guarantee data accuracy and usefulness in supporting decision-making. To ensure that data is effectively managed and used appropriately, they may also develop and implement policies and procedures pertaining to data management.

How I Used SQL to Advance in My Career

Crystal Frazier

SQL has become increasingly valuable in today’s job market. In this article, I will share my personal experience with SQL. I hope it will inspire you to grow in your career and achieve your own goals! A few years ago, I felt stuck in a job that I didn’t fully enjoy. Sure, there were aspects of my job that I appreciated, like building budgets, analyzing the performance of promotional programs, and watching my team grow professionally.

This Advanced SQL Course Will Boost Your Career!

Maria Durkin

Can you already create pretty good SQL reports? Do you want to take it a step further? In this article, I'll explain how an advanced SQL course can propel you (and your career) to the next level. Since you are looking for information about SQL, you probably already know how important data is nowadays. Very few companies can stay on the market without using the power of data or basing their strategic decisions on it.

SQL for the Business Analyst

Maria Durkin

How can SQL benefit business analysts? In this article, we’ll discuss why SQL is a fundamental skill in this role. You’ll also learn what a business analyst does and what they need to advance their career. According to BrainStation, the already high demand for business analysts is set to grow even more. One of the driving forces behind the rising demand is the digital revolution, which has been accelerated by the recent pandemic.

Database Jobs to Choose in 2023

Alexandre Bruffa

In this article, we will explore some of the top database jobs to choose from in 2023. So you want to land yourself a database job in 2023. It’s a great choice, and there are lots of options. Let’s talk about the most popular data-related jobs and what you need to do to get one. SQL Is Essential for a Database Job It’s important to mention that most of the popular databases nowadays are relational – i.

Want to Get a Data Engineering Job? Learn SQL!

Maria Durkin

So, you want to be a data engineer, but you don't know how to get there. In this article, we’ll help you understand the skills you'll need for different types of data engineering jobs. You’ll also find some data confirming that data engineer jobs are a good career choice. Data engineering and various types of data engineer jobs have become very popular in recent years. And for good reason: Next to data science, data engineering is one of the fastest-growing branches of IT.

Here's Why You Need Analytical Skills to Get Promoted at Work

András Novoszáth

Do you wonder if analytical skills might benefit you in your job? Are ‘analytical skills’ the same as data analytics? Is SQL a useful analytical skill? Read the article to answer these questions. Analytical skills allow you to better understand problems in your work; good analytical skills bring many benefits to your career. The term ‘analytical’ refers to a wide range of traits and capabilities, making it sometimes ironically vague and general.

SQL Courses for Software Testers

Tihomir Babic

In this article, you will learn why software testers need SQL and which courses are ideal for them to learn it. Do software testers need SQL? Oh yes, they do! They don’t necessarily use it all the time or take advantage of all its possible features. But a tool for accessing data in a database is essential for a software tester. And SQL is exactly that: a programming language designed specifically for handling data in relational databases.

How Much Do Business Analysts Earn?

Himanshu Kathuria

What does a business analyst do, and why are they essential to their companies’ success? What skills do you need to become a business analyst? How much can you expect to earn? We’ll answer all those questions in this article. With our dependence on digital systems increasing by the day, IT and IT related jobs like business analysts are seeing a continuous boom in opportunities. Did you know that IDC estimates around 60% of the global GDP will be mostly impacted by the introduction of digital tools by the end 2022?

Prepare for a SQL Interview with LearnSQL.com

LearnSQL.com Team

You've been working hard to get a SQL interview at your dream company. Now they’ve called – and you need to prepare if you’re going to ace it. In this article, I’ll show you the most efficient way to prepare for a job interview using the interactive SQL courses at LearnSQL.com. SQL is an essential skill for anyone working with data. Wanna be a data analyst, data scientist, software engineer, or tester?

5 Tips for You From a Senior SQL Data Analyst

András Novoszáth

Are you looking for tips for becoming a better data analyst? Do you want to know about the mistakes and issues you may face? I have collected five tips for your everyday work based on my experience as a data analyst. You may have already read about what data analysts do, how much they earn, and how to become one. However, there is more to it than just becoming a data analyst.

PostgreSQL Interview Questions and Answers

Andrew Bone

Job interviews are always stressful. Interviewing and getting asked technical questions about PostgreSQL is even more of a challenge! In this article, we’ll cover some of the PostgreSQL interview questions you can expect when applying for a new job. By the end of the article, you should be able to handle most of the questions you are likely to face. We’ve previously covered common questions you can expect at a SQL job interview, but this article will be focused on Postgres specifically.

SQL for Startups – Do You Need It?

Kamila Ostrowska

If you’ve been wondering whether to use SQL in your startup, it’s probably high time to do so. SQL can be an amazing tool for small, fast-growing businesses. But don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with SQL for startups. Maybe you are not sure what SQL is all about. Don’t worry; you don’t have to make any decisions this second! First, answer these questions: Can you think of any data related to your business – prices, clients, details about clients, production details, budget, costs, strategy, or anything else?

How SQL Helps Everyone in Your Office

Karolina Niewiarowska

I don't know about you, but I really like to make my life easier. If something can be done faster and more efficiently, especially if it's everyday, routine tasks, I’m all for it! This is where SQL works brilliantly. It's not just about complicated data analysis. Everyone in the office works with different types of data, and SQL can help anyone. How? Anything is possible once you learn SQL!

How to Show Your Sql Experience

Karolina Niewiarowska

Do you want to work in the IT industry? This is now one of the best ideas for a good career. What should convince you to do so? Demand for specialists, high earnings, and the fact that it is a future-proof profession. Interestingly, it's not gonna be that hard – especially for you, smartie! You just need some skills and good preparation for an interview to be successful. I'll tell you how to land a great job!

How Much Do Data Analysts Earn in 2021?

Marcin Koryszewski

How Much Do Data Analysts Earn in 2021? How much does a data analyst earn? We did some data analysis ourselves. Nothing fancy, but it will give you some extra motivation for learning SQL for your data analyst gig. Data, data everywhere! We live in the world of (big) data. Having data is just the first step. Knowing what to do with it, how to interpret it, and what insights it holds, is true greatness.

How Will a SQL Course Improve the New Employee Onboarding Process?

Jakub Romanowski

Are you looking for something to improve the onboarding process of new employees at your company? If they will be working with databases and SQL, and if you need resources for them to learn quickly, choose interactive SQL online courses. You’ve just hired some new employees. Great! After a long recruitment process, you have finally managed to find people who can do the job and meet your expectations. You may have even used our advice on why it makes sense to Practice SQL Before Interviewing a Potential Employee.

Best SQL Certifications for Leveling up Your Career

Kamila Ostrowska

If you want to build and strengthen your position in the IT industry, you should look into these SQL certifications. We always encourage you to learn, to gather new skills and experience. Training is really important; without it, you will not make much progress if you want to advance in IT or specifically in the SQL industry. That said, you also need something that can validate your competencies, like SQL certifications.

Skills Every Data Analyst Should Have

Kate Stolarek

If you’re a student looking for career advice or a specialist seeking new job opportunities, find out if a data analyst job is something worth considering. In today's article, I explain the essential skills required for data analysts and benefits that come from performing such a job. What Is a Data Analyst? Let’s start by defining exactly what a data analyst is. A data analyst is someone who uses their skills to collect, analyze, and report insights from company data.

Where Can I Find a Data Analyst Internship?

Karolina Niewiarowska

Are you wondering how to land a data analyst job without any professional experience? This article is the answer! Finding an SQL-related internship – an important part of eventually landing a data analyst job. Internships enrich your CV and, more importantly, help you learn SQL from the practical side. I will tell you where to find data analyst internships and what you should know about them. That's right! To gain experience, you need experience – especially when you’re entering the labor market or embarking on a new career.

Want to Work With Data? Learn SQL!

Jakub Romanowski

Are you looking for a database job? How are things working out? If you don't know what to do, I suggest you start by learning SQL. Here’s why. In this article, I’ll explain how you can succeed at finding a database job. If you are tired of your current job and fed up with your boss (who hasn't given you a raise in years), read on. Stay with me too if one more stupid Zoom call will make you scream.

Practicing SQL for Your First Day of Work

Arleta Więch

Your new SQL job is likely to surprise you in many ways. To minimize the risk of getting lost in the jungle of data, I recommend you get some additional SQL practice before your first day. There are special SQL practice sets and projects on the internet to help you prepare. You’ll also get help from your colleagues, as programmers are usually open and supportive. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably heard about the opportunities SQL and data science offer.

The Top 10 SQL JOIN Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Andrew Bone

Have you ever wondered what SQL JOIN questions you might be asked in an interview? Do you feel prepared to answer them? This article covers the most common SQL JOIN interview questions and how to answer them. If you are applying for a job as a data analyst or software developer, you will likely be asked about your SQL JOIN knowledge. SQL JOIN clauses are a great topic for interviewers to quiz you on.

Practice SQL Before Interviewing a Potential Employee

Kamila Ostrowska

Has your company grown to the point that you need to hire an SQL expert? Have you found a candidate for the job? How do you prepare for the interview, especially if you don’t know SQL? Don't worry! Follow our suggestions on how to practice SQL. We have tips and tricks to help you feel confident and find the perfect employee. Who You Want To Hire First of all, you need to know the requirements for the new employee.

How to Boost Your Company With SQL Courses

Rebecca McKeown

SQL has the power to supercharge the capabilities and performance of your entire company. But if you don’t dip your toes in the water and give some SQL courses a go, you’ll never realize the vast potential of the language. SQL, or Structured Query Language, is your ticket to expanding the scope and the results of your business or organization, no matter what sector you operate in. Whether you’re the owner or manager of your company or simply an employee interested in improving operations, learning SQL is undoubtedly, unquestionably, for you.

How Will Learning SQL Make You a Better Boss?

Kamila Ostrowska

Want to improve the performance of your team, of your own, of your department, or of your entire company? Try SQL! Why should you learn SQL? Because it just pays off! What does learning SQL and being a better boss have to do with each other? Being a better manager can make your employees happier while growing your business. When employees feel a sense of fulfillment, they are more motivated to do well.

How Much Do Data Engineers Earn in 2020?

Marcin Koryszewski

Data engineering is a hot job right now. What does a data engineer do? And just how much do they earn? We’ve done the research for you. If you are reading this, you’re either starting to learn SQL or you already know some and feel it’s time to look around for a SQL job. Maybe you’re in the midst of tackling our Creating Database Structure track. And, let’s be honest, maybe you need some extra motivation to keep on you track.

Why and How to Find Freelance SQL Jobs

Rebecca McKeown

If Covid-19 has you all “I-want-to-stop-working-for-the-man-and-enjoy-a-more-fulfilling-life-as-the-master-of-my-own-destiny”, then I’ve got news for you. Not only is it possible to be an SQL freelancer, it’s also a potentially lucrative and liberating career move. It will allow you to work for a diverse range of clients and march to the beat of your own drum. Of course, SQL freelancing isn’t for everyone. You will need a strong sense of self-motivation, some serious hustling skills, and the ability to sell yourself and your services as THE ABSOLUTE BEST all the time, every time - day in, day out.

How to Convince Your Boss That You Need to Start Learning SQL

Pierre Timms

Learning SQL is a great goal. Now, if you could only convince your boss that it’s good for the company as well as for you ... You’re aware of the benefits of adding SQL to your skill set. You believe that the rewards gained from you learning SQL will also benefit your employer – it’s not just another way for you to develop your professional profile. But how do you articulate this to your boss?

Which Major Companies Use PostgreSQL? What Do They Use It for?

Jakub Romanowski

Which companies use the open-source relational database management system PostgreSQL? Find out … and learn why you should be a PostgreSQL user too. You know the blue elephant logo. You have heard that PostgreSQL is a very good solution. But which companies use it? Here is a list of the largest IT and business companies that use PostgreSQL (or Postgres, for short). Multinationals worth billions of dollars can't be wrong, right?

Advanced SQL Interview Questions (and Answers)

Tihomir Babic

Do you want to move to a job that uses SQL? Are you unsure about what to expect during the job interview or how to benchmark your knowledge? This article will give you a good idea of where you stand. If you feel stuck in your job, you’re not the only one. The modern division of work pushes people to perform very specific tasks, expecting them not to look at what's on the other side.

What SQL Practice Do You Need to Prepare for a Technical Job Interview?

Rebecca McKeown

You’ve scored yourself an interview for an SQL-related job. Nice work! But perhaps uncertainty is creeping in as your interview date looms closer. Do you know enough SQL to make the cut? What questions are you likely to be asked? What SQL practice should you be doing before your interview? Almost all SQL job candidates go through exactly the same nerve-wracking process. Here at LearnSQL.com, we have the lowdown on all the SQL practice and preparation you’ll need to ace those interview questions and take your career to the next level.

Are There Any Good SQL Courses for Marketers?

Kate Stolarek

Looking for places to learn SQL online and level up your marketing efforts? Check out these SQL courses. Introduction With the help of IT experts, meticulous marketers analyze information to create advertising strategies. This commonplace state of affairs forces the marketer to rely on data experts and sometimes wait for their availability. But what if marketers could pull the data themselves? They can – by turning into a technical marketer.

Types of Database Jobs: Choose One of Them and Start Being Awesome

Jakub Romanowski

Do you dream of high earnings and interesting work? Are you fed up with your boss and his or her annoying vacation stories in exotic countries? Is it time to change your job? Why not learn SQL? Here are some examples of the types of database jobs that may lead you to a better life. What types of database jobs use SQL? Here are some examples, but first, a small caveat.

How Will Learning SQL Improve My Daily Work?

Tetyana Skorykh

Whether you want to boost your professional development, learn in-demand skills, or start something new and interesting, learning SQL will make your life easier in many ways. Are you thinking of learning SQL but aren’t sure if it's a good idea? At first glance, learning SQL may seem completely useless, especially if the industry you are in is not related to IT. But that's not true. Although your position in the company may not imply that you code every day, you can still gain a lot from SQL.

Should I Learn SQL as a Data Analyst?

Marija Ilic

So, you are a data analyst—someone who relies on data. You like to gather, clean, and transform data and come to conclusions based on data. You are a data detective. Which tool do you choose to do your job in an elegant, reproducible, and simple way? Excel? R? Python? Or should you learn SQL? Stay tuned! In this article, I will explain why SQL is a must-have skill for data analysts.

Top 10 Websites That Will Help You Find the Perfect SQL Job

Jakub Romanowski

People learn SQL for many reasons. In my case, I wanted to find a better job that would allow me to earn more and have more free time to pursue my interests. But where do you find such a job? Here is my list of the 10 best websites with database jobs. Although SQL is almost 40 years old, it is appearing in more and more job advertisements. Data has become an essential tool for entrepreneurs, and they are looking for people to squeeze every bit of information from their databases.

Common Entry Level SQL Developer Interview Questions

Tihomir Babic

Have you ever been interviewed for an entry-level SQL position? Are you planning to apply for such a job? This article will help you to know what to expect and prepare for common SQL developer interview questions. After gaining some basic knowledge of SQL and programming, you're probably wondering what to do next. Or maybe you're not wondering! You know that what you've learned will soon disappear if you don't use it regularly.

How to Become an SQL Developer

Emil Drkušić

There is no simple answer to the question “How do you become an SQL developer?” However, if the answer were too complex, there would be no point in writing this article, and yet I’m doing it. So, somewhere along the way, we’ll find the answer. As said in the intro, there is no magic wand that will turn you into an SQL developer. But reading this article will save you some time and help you focus on what is important to achieve your goal.

Why Use SQL Over Excel

Shanika Wickramasinghe

SQL is replacing Excel in many fields, and data analysis is certainly one of them. If you are still using Excel as a data analyst, you are missing something very valuable. SQL can make your life easier, as it's more efficient and faster than Excel. So, how and from where can you learn SQL? How Can SQL Help Data Analyst? You can use SQL to help you with the following work:

Career Change: From Accountant to Database Designer

Tihomir Babic

How do career changes and life choices impact our future? Can we change the path that's been set for us? And if so, where do we begin? I wouldn't blame you if you thought this article is about change. In a sense, it is—it's in the title, after all. But for me, this article is more about what remains constant. If somebody were to ask me what hasn't changed for me since my childhood, I would know the answer immediately: curiosity.

Complete SQL Practice for Interviews

Marek Pankowski

Congratulations! Your SQL skills were strong enough to get you that job interview! Now, if you only knew what SQL questions and practical exercises a recruiter might ask you to do… This article is meant as a SQL practice for interviews. I’ll help you prepare for the SQL and database aspects of your job interview. In a previous article, I explained how can you boost your career by learning SQL.

Finding the Perfect SQL Job

Marek Pankowski

So you have some SQL skills and you're looking for a job that will use them. What are your options? SQL is everywhere, and there's a huge demand for people with database management skills. This is especially the case when companies start implementing Big Data solutions and strategies. There's no arguing that SQL is a must-have skill. If you're already proficient, how can you put your expertise to practical use in the job market?

A Day in the Life of a SQL Developer

Aldo Zelen

What is a SQL developer? And what does a SQL developer do? Describing a “typical” day for a SQL developer is not easy. When your daily work is using various technologies to create interesting database-oriented products, very few days are alike! Each day brings a new and intriguing challenge. Nevertheless, I’ll have a go at explaining what everyday things a SQL developer might do. Morning: Arrive at Work What does a SQL developer do after arriving at the office?

SQL JOINs Explained: 5 Clear SQL INNER JOIN Examples for Beginners

Martyna Sławińska

Looking for a clear explanation of joins in SQL? Check out these five SQL INNER JOIN examples! In SQL, INNER JOINs can be a bit difficult for beginners to master. But once you start working with them, you’ll learn they’re very useful! Let’s discuss five examples of SQL INNER JOINs. But first, let’s do a quick review of why JOINs matter. In relational databases, data is organized and stored within tables.