SQL Practice Problems: 57 beginning, intermediate, and advanced challenges for you to solve using a “learn-by-doing” approach

»»» NOTE: Used copies of this book are missing critical digital resources. «««

»»» Updated 2020 edition «««

It's easy to find basic SQL syntax information online. What's hard to find is challenging, well-designed, real-world problems—the type of problems that come up when you're dealing with data. Learning how to solve these problems will give you the skill and confidence to step up in your career.

With SQL Practice Problems, you can get that level of experience by solving sets of targeted problems. These aren't just problems designed as syntax examples. These are the most common problems you encounter when you deal with data.

You will get real world practice, with real world data. I'll teach you how to “think” in SQL, how to analyze data problems, figure out the fundamentals, and work towards a solution that you can be proud of.

Can I run SQL Practice Problems on a Mac? No, it requires a computer with Microsoft Windows. I also offer a Professional package at SQLPracticeProblems.com which is suitable for both Windows and Mac.

How important is the real-life, hands-on problem solving that you can find in SQL Practice Problems?

You can watch videos online that will walk you through various aspects of databases, and SQL. And you can read up on SQL syntax and keywords, and review sample code.

But...to really absorb and be able to apply your learning, you need to solve real-world problems. Being presented with a SQL problem, and working through that problem (with hints, if necessary) will help you understand and remember like nothing else.

What do you get when you buy SQL Practice Problems?

• • Setup instructions for Microsoft SQL Server Express Edition and SQL Server Management Studio (Microsoft Windows required). Both are free downloads.
  • A customized practice database, with a video walk-through on setting it up.
  • Practice problems - 57 problems that you work through, step-by-step. There are targeted hints if you need them, which help guide you through the question.
  • Answers and a short, targeted discussion section on each question, with alternative answers and tips on usage and good programming practice.

• Complex descriptions of syntax. There's just what you need, and no more.
• The differences between every single SQL variant (MS SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, etc). The practice problems are set up with Microsoft SQL Server, and the differences are minor and easy to find online.
• Details on Insert, Update and Delete statements. The hardest thing to learn in SQL is how to write Select statements that return complex data. Other components of SQL are relatively easy.

"I have numerous books on SQL, and have taken courses from people with lots of experience with data and SQL. Alas, knowing the material is not the same as being able to present it clearly and in digestible bites. Obviously, you have that knack. I have learned things from your book that nobody ever showed me before. I sincerely hope that you will write more books."
- H. V

"I am starting from scratch, all self-taught so far in SQL, and was picking up the syntax and wording, but I could not find anything to give me real world application and scenarios. This book changed that! Great book, great problems, really makes you think."
-M.G.

I've been working with data for more than 20 years, as a database programmer/architect and data scientist, working at organizations like Expedia, Microsoft, T-Mobile, and the Gates Foundation.

In 2015, I was teaching a SQL Server Certificate course at the University of Washington Continuing Education. It was a 10 week course, and my students paid more than $1000 for it. My students learned the basics of SQL, most of the keywords, and worked through practice problems every week of the course.

But because of the emphasis on getting a broad overview of all features of SQL, we didn't spend nearly enough time on the type of SQL that's used 95% of the time--intermediate and advanced Select statements. After the course was over, many of my students emailed me to ask where they could get more real-world problems. That's when I was inspired to start work on SQL Practice Problems.

Thank you so much to everyone who's contacted me with feedback. I've heard from so many people that working their way through SQL Practice Problems was what really made the difference in understanding SQL. Hearing from you is what keeps me motivated to continue updating and improving the content.