SQL tutorial

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a programming language widely used for managing relational databases. It provides a standardized way to interact with databases, allowing users to store, retrieve, update, and delete data efficiently. SQL is a declarative language, meaning that users specify what they want the database to do, and the database management system (DBMS) figures out how to execute the request.

Key Concepts in SQL

Database: A collection of organized data stored and accessed electronically. It is composed of one or more tables, views, functions, and other database objects.

Table: A fundamental component of a database that stores data in a structured format. Tables consist of rows and columns, where each row represents a record, and each column represents a field or attribute.

Query: A request for data or information from a database. SQL queries are used to retrieve specific data based on specified conditions.

Data Manipulation Language (DML): SQL provides a set of commands to manipulate data within a database. DML commands include INSERT (to add data), SELECT (to retrieve data), UPDATE (to modify data), and DELETE (to remove data).

Data Definition Language (DDL): DDL statements are used to define and manage the structure of the database objects. DDL commands include CREATE (to create tables, views, etc.), ALTER (to modify the structure of existing objects), and DROP (to delete objects).

Constraints: Rules applied to the data to ensure its integrity and validity. Common constraints include primary key (uniquely identifies a row), foreign key (establishes relationships between tables), and check constraints (limits the values that can be inserted into a column).

Joins: SQL allows the combination of data from multiple tables using JOIN operations. Joins help retrieve related data by matching values in specified columns across tables.

Aggregation Functions: SQL provides several built-in functions to perform calculations on sets of data. These include functions like SUM, AVG, COUNT, MIN, and MAX, which allow users to calculate totals, averages, counts, and other statistical operations on data.

Views: Virtual tables created from the result of a query. Views enable users to simplify complex queries, encapsulate logic, and provide controlled access to data.

Transactions: A sequence of database operations that must be performed as a unit. Transactions ensure data consistency and integrity by either committing (making changes permanent) or rolling back (undoing changes) all operations.

SQL Basics

CREATE TABLE
The “CREATE TABLE” statement is used to create a new table in a database. It specifies the table’s name and defines the columns and their data types.

DROP TABLE
The “DROP TABLE” statement is used to remove a table and its data from a database.

INSERT
The “INSERT” statement is used to add new records or rows into a table. It allows you to specify the values to be inserted into each column.

UPDATE
The “UPDATE” statement is used to modify existing records in a table. It allows you to change the values of specific columns based on certain conditions.

DELETE
The “DELETE” statement is used to remove one or more records from a table. It allows you to specify conditions to determine which rows to delete.

SELECT
The “SELECT” statement is used to retrieve data from one or more tables. It allows you to specify the columns to be retrieved and conditions to filter the result set.

DISTINCT
The “DISTINCT” keyword is used in a “SELECT” statement to return unique values in a column. It eliminates duplicate values from the result set.

WHERE
The “WHERE” clause is used in a “SELECT,” “UPDATE,” or “DELETE” statement to filter rows based on specific conditions.

AND / OR
The “AND” and “OR” operators are used in the “WHERE” clause to combine multiple conditions. “AND” requires all conditions to be true, while “OR” requires at least one condition to be true.

BETWEEN
The “BETWEEN” operator is used in the “WHERE” clause to retrieve rows within a specified range of values.

LIKE
The “LIKE” operator is used in the “WHERE” clause to search for a specified pattern in a column. It allows wildcard characters, such as “%” or “_”.

ORDER BY
The “ORDER BY” clause is used in a “SELECT” statement to sort the result set based on one or more columns. It can be sorted in ascending (default) or descending order.

GROUP BY
The “GROUP BY” clause is used in a “SELECT” statement to group rows based on one or more columns. It is often used in conjunction with aggregate functions.

HAVING
The “HAVING” clause is used in a “SELECT” statement to filter groups created by the “GROUP BY” clause based on specified conditions. It is similar to the “WHERE” clause but operates on grouped data.

AVG
The “AVG” function calculates the average value of a specified column in a “SELECT” statement.

COUNT
The “COUNT” function is used to count the number of rows that match a specific condition in a “SELECT” statement.

SUM
The “SUM” function calculates the total sum of a specified column in a “SELECT” statement.

MAX
The “MAX” function retrieves the maximum value from a specified column in a “SELECT” statement.

MIN
The “MIN” function retrieves the minimum value from a specified column in a “SELECT” statement.

These are some of the fundamental SQL operations and keywords that are commonly used in working with databases.

SQL is widely supported across different database management systems, including popular ones like T-SQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle PL/SQL, SQL Server, and SQLite. While the core SQL syntax is generally similar across these systems, there may be variations in specific features, functions, and performance optimizations.

SQL is a powerful language that empowers users to interact with databases efficiently. Its simplicity, flexibility, and widespread adoption make it an essential skill for developers, data analysts, and database administrators in various industries.

SQL related tutorials

T-SQL tutorial – an important resource for learning the T-SQL language.

PL/SQL tutorial –  an useful website for learning Oracle PL/SQL language.

SQL tutorial – a well-detailed SQL tutorial that helps you learn the basics of the SQL language to advanced commands in SQL Server.

SQLite tutorial – a practical and useful guide to understanding SQLite.

MySQL tutorial – a useful guide that teaches you how to work with the MySQL database.

SQL Server tutorial – a tutorial designed to learn SQL Server from basic to advanced.