How to Practice SQL

Updated on: December 5th, 2023

Are you familiar with SQL's core concepts like aggregation functions, JOINs, GROUP BY, and ORDER BY? That's a great start. But to truly master SQL – especially for data analyst roles and job interviews – it's crucial to understand how to practice SQL effectively. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best methods to practice SQL.

You’re here because you're eager to enhance your SQL skills and become an independent database user. The LearnSQL.com platform is designed specifically for this journey. In this article, I’ll share insights and tips on how to practice SQL effectively.

At LearnSQL.com, our goal is to guide you through a structured learning path – empowering you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to confidently manage and manipulate data. Whether you're preparing for a career in data analysis or simply aiming to broaden your database expertise, our resources are tailored to facilitate your transformation into a proficient SQL user.

Dive into our easy-to-follow guide and learn how to practice SQL effectively.

The Power of SQL Practice

Cambridge Dictionary defines practice as the act of doing something regularly or repeatedly to improve a skill. Without practice, you will never become an expert in any field. It is an essential component of developing and expanding your skills.

“Practice is the hardest part of learning, and training is the essence of transformation.”

SQL is like any other skill. It requires a lot of practice. You must practice SQL if you want to be good at it.

Imagine you are training for basketball. You can watch all your favorite team’s games. You can read biographies of Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. But without going to the court and dribbling, running, and shooting the ball, you will not be a good player. You won't go far without proper knowledge, but you won't go anywhere without practice.

What if you know how to play pick and roll in theory, but you’ve never actually done it in a game? You have to do it to get better at it, and it's the same with working with databases and SQL.

Another example? You take a painting class at your university. The teacher tells you about Picasso, Salvador Dali, and how to mix paints properly to get an aquamarine color. But until you stand in front of the easel and paint, you'll never be able to say that you are a painter. Maybe an art expert, but not an artist.

In SQL, like in any skill, real learning comes from doing. It's important to use SQL regularly, trying out different queries and tackling practical problems. This hands-on approach is how you'll get better. You'll work with real databases, learn to handle complex data, and make your SQL queries efficient. Practice regularly, learn from your mistakes, and keep improving. This is the path to becoming skilled in SQL.

Where to Practice SQL

The amount of SQL you learn really depends on your approach. Some people start with YouTube tutorials, which can be helpful. But often, these videos involve someone writing queries without clear explanations. When you try to apply what you've watched to your own projects, it can get confusing. You might not understand everything, and things can become chaotic. This can lead to frustration and the feeling that you've wasted your time.

A better approach is to choose structured learning resources. Look for tutorials that explain each step clearly and provide practical exercises. This way, you can build your skills step by step, understand the logic behind each query, and avoid the confusion and frustration that come from unclear video tutorials.

Remember, the key to learning SQL is not just watching others do it, but practicing it yourself in a structured and methodical way.

The second way is to reach for a book. There are many interesting SQL-related titles on the market. Here are some of our top suggestions: we've selected that we think are worth reading:

• The Best SQL Books for 2024
• Best SQL Books for Data Analysis
• Interviewing Data with Anthony DeBarros, Author of Practical SQL

Most of these books contain sets of exercises. But yet again, you are left to figure it out alone. You need to first create a database in order to practice a given SQL function. Sound interesting? Not really. Try it, but I can't guarantee much success. Without a specific problem and real practice, you'll never get to where you want to be - an SQLexpert.

Another way to practice SQL is to enroll in an in-person course or programming school. It's usually a good idea. But you must realize that this type of training is not cheap - at least a few hundred dollars. Because it's usually a whole cycle of training or bootcamp, you must first survive many hours of theory to finally start practicing SQL. Most tasks are designed to prepare you for passing the final exam. In my experience, these tasks are mostly useless for starting your own project etc. If you really try, you will gain knowledge and a bit of practice this way, but you still can't be sure that when you start working as an analyst or DBA, for example, that you will manage.

Most tasks are designed to prepare you for passing the final exam. In my experience, these tasks are mostly useless for starting your own projects. If you really try, you will gain knowledge and a bit of practice this way, but you still can't be sure that when you start working as an analyst or DBA that you will manage.

The Best Way to Practice SQL

In my opinion, the best way to practice SQL is by gaining hands-on experience in solving real-world exercises, meaning that you get real-time feedback on your work. Our platform offers such a solution for users who know the basics of SQL. It gives you a ready set of SQL practice exercises, which are logically arranged - from easier ones to more challenging ones. This way, you will be able to practice almost any SQL function and be sure that you can do it well. Most importantly, these are not imaginary exercises. The tasks are based on databases similar to those you might encounter in your later work. They are adapted to the form of the course but, at the same time, give the impression of working on a real project. During the course, you will come across real SQL problems and solutions that you can use in future work.

This way, you will be able to practice almost any SQL function and be sure that you can do it well. Most importantly, these are not imaginary exercises. The tasks are based on databases similar to those you might encounter in your later work. They are adapted to the form of the course but, at the same time, give the impression of working on a real project. During the course, you will come across real SQL problems and solutions that you can use in future work.

What's more, our SQL Practice will be helpful not just for those who have learned the theory and want to test it in practice. Are you preparing for a job interview that requires knowledge of SQL? Great - repeat all the functions in these exercises, and check what else you need to work on. There is also something to gain for those already working with SQL, who want to refresh some functions and features. And for those who do not want their SQL skills to rust and want to be up-to-date with current industry trends.

Where better to practice SQL if not in a comfortable chair at home, with a cup of coffee and at your own pace? All you need is a computer, a browser, and motivation.

If you need help, LearnSQL.com mentors will make suggestions and lead you to the right solution. If you want to talk about your SQL query, the SQL Practice course will give you access to an active student community.

You can also talk about it on our interesting, ever-growing Facebook group, We Learn SQL. People from the industry, students, and maybe your future employer gather there. It is worth joining, participating in discussions, and commenting – not only because it’s better to learn something in a group, but also because it’s worth it to build your personal brand in the SQL community.

So let's make a comparison using none other than SQL. Here is a database containing all the options I indicated. I added columns containing features that in my opinion are the most important. They are called the options:

SELECT source 
FROM Options
WHERE I_tried_it is true AND community is true AND real_world_examples is true AND self_paced is true;

RESULT:

Real SQL Problems and Solutions

In the SQL Practice course from LearnSQL.com, you will be learning by doing. This means that you will gain practical knowledge and practice thanks to the real code editor, real data sets, and real-world problem solving.

What can you expect?

• Exercises for basic SQL clauses (SELECT statements with WHERE and ORDER BY clauses).
• SQL joins (INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN, RIGHT JOIN, FULL JOIN, multi-table JOIN, self-JOIN, non-equi JOIN).
• Aggregation with GROUP BY and HAVING.
• SQL subqueries (including correlated subqueries).
• And many other SQL practice exercises

In addition, you will receive a special certificate that you will be able to show your boss and add to your LinkedIn profile. Perhaps this is the chance to achieve the raise that you've been eyeing for months? Or maybe a future employer will notice you on social media and offer you a good position?

More SQL Practice for You

Want more? Here are additional resources for SQL practice to boost your learning. Our website, LearnSQL.com, offers a variety of courses and articles that cater to different skill levels, from beginners learning the basics to advanced users looking to sharpen their skills.

Here are some recommended SQL online practice courses:

Monthly SQL Practice

Every month, a new SQL Challenge is released, consisting of 5 to 10 exercises. These challenges are not just about learning; they're about applying your knowledge in fun and thematic ways, whether it’s solving problems related to Italian cuisine or exploring data related to outer space.

These courses are perfect for those who want something more than just theory. It’s about getting hands-on with SQL and tackling new tasks that test and expand your knowledge. Each challenge is centered around a specific theme, making learning engaging and diverse. From analyzing pizza sales to exploring planetary data, these challenges keep you intrigued and invested in your learning journey.

The Monthly SQL Practice track is ideal for anyone looking to regularly practice their SQL skills. Whether you’re a beginner seeking to solidify your understanding or an intermediate learner aiming to tackle more complex queries, these monthly challenges provide a structured yet flexible way to enhance your SQL abilities. Plus, reviewing previous challenges adds an extra layer of fun and learning.

Advanced SQL Practice

If you're ready to take your SQL skills further, the Advanced SQL Practice track at LearnSQL.com is your next step. This course is designed for those who already know basic SQL and want to dive into more complex topics.

Focusing on window functions and other advanced SQL features, it's perfect for anyone looking to sharpen their SQL skills. This track includes three interactive online courses and over 250 exercises.

Blog Articles

The LearnSQL.com blog is an exceptional resource for anyone eager to learn more about SQL; it caters to all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Our blog is filled with articles by SQL experts, offering insights on a range of topics from fundamental concepts to complex techniques. It's an ideal place to find solutions to specific SQL challenges, keep up with the latest industry trends, or broaden your understanding of SQL.

Below, we've handpicked a selection of our best articles on SQL practice. They’ll provide you with actionable insights and tips to refine your SQL skills:

• 10 Beginner SQL Practice Exercises with Solutions
• How to Practice Advanced SQL Online
• Learning SQL? 12 Ways to Practice SQL Online
• Where to Practice SQL
• Where Can I Find Free Online Data Sets to Practice SQL?
• SQL Practice for Students: 11 Basic SQL Practice Exercises with Solutions
• SQL Joins: 12 Practice Questions with Detailed Answers
• How to Practice SQL Subqueries

And by subscribing to our newsletter, you'll get regular updates on the latest blog posts and expert insights. Each issue is carefully curated to bring you the most useful and informative content, making sure you never miss out on important SQL tips, tutorials, and news. It's a convenient way to keep your skills up-to-date, with expert guidance and valuable information sent directly to your inbox.

So, Are You Ready to Practice SQL?

In this article, I've shared practical ways to practice SQL effectively, and my personal story is a testament to their effectiveness. I was a news journalist, always on the edge with constant deadlines and stress. Seeking a change, I turned to SQL, enticed by promises of a new career path in tech. Skeptical yet hopeful, I immersed myself in courses, proudly sharing my achievements online. To my surprise, this led to a job offer in data analytics, marking the start of my SQL journey.

This newfound knowledge opened doors to learning other languages like Python and R. With these skills, I ventured into the IT world, enjoying the flexibility of working from home and spending time with my son.

My story isn't unique – many have transformed their careers through SQL. If you're still doubtful, I encourage you to give it a try. You might be surprised at how much your life can change for the better with just a bit of SQL knowledge.

Practicing SQL is key to getting better at it. It's how you move from just knowing about SQL to using it well in real jobs. Regular practice helps you make smarter decisions and do well in tech careers. So, if you want to get good at SQL, you need to use it often.

Already intrigued by our SQL Practice track mentioned earlier in this article? It's a great way to boost your SQL abilities. This course covers everything from simple basics to more complex topics.

To see if it's right for you, just create a free account on LearnSQL.com – no credit card is needed. You can start with a “Free Trial” and explore the course at your own pace.

So, why wait? Begin your SQL journey with us now and transform your theoretical knowledge into practical, real-world SQL skills!