With Companies like JPMorgan Chase and Boeing regularly utilizing relational databases for their transactional operations, interested candidates must learn the basics of manipulating them. Among the popular relational database management systems, Microsoft SQL Server holds the most significant portion of the market, with a share of 28.93%.
SQL is the backbone of most of these systems, including Microsoft SQL Server. So you must master this third popular programming language and most popular query language if you’re interested in landing data-specific roles like data scientist and business analyst. For that, you must learn database manipulation and how to write complex queries.
In this article, we’ve gathered the best platforms to learn and practice SQL in 2024. We hope you find the most appropriate tool for your needs.
Interview Query is an exceptional platform tailored for SQL learners, data analysts, and aspiring data scientists who aim to excel in their careers. Known for its focus on real-world SQL problems and interview preparation, Interview Query provides users with the tools they need to not just learn SQL but to master its application in business and data contexts.
With a strong emphasis on SQL for job readiness, Interview Query bridges the gap between academic learning and professional application, making it a standout choice for job seekers and professionals aiming to level up their SQL skills.
LeetCode is a well-known platform for technical interview preparation, offering a comprehensive section for practicing SQL. It caters to intermediate and advanced users, especially those aiming for roles in data engineering, analytics, or software development.
Free vs Paid:
Many problems are free. However, access to company-specific problems, official solutions, and additional features requires a LeetCode Premium subscription (~$35/month or $159/year).
Global Accessibility: The platform is accessible worldwide, with no significant regional restrictions.
HackerRank, featuring a dedicated SQL domain, is a popular platform for practicing coding and data-related skills. It offers challenges for learners across all levels, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced users. The platform is widely used by companies for technical assessments, so its problems are often aligned with real-world scenarios and interview requirements.
SQLZoo is a widely-used, beginner-friendly platform for learning and practicing SQL. It’s designed to teach SQL through interactive tutorials and exercises, making it an excellent starting point for newcomers. Unlike other platforms, it focuses on simplicity and ease of use, without requiring any prior setup.
W3Schools SQL Tutorial is a free, beginner-friendly resource designed to teach the fundamentals of SQL. It combines concise explanations with interactive exercises, making it a great starting point for learners new to databases. The platform is widely regarded for its accessibility and simplicity.
DB Fiddle is an online SQL playground that allows users to write, run, and share SQL queries using various database systems. Unlike other learning platforms focusing on tutorials or structured courses, DB Fiddle is more of a tool for experimenting and practicing SQL in a real-world context. It’s especially useful for testing queries quickly and sharing them with others.
Kaggle is a well-known platform in the data science community, offering datasets, notebooks, and challenges across a variety of data-related topics, including SQL. It’s primarily focused on data analysis, machine learning, and data science projects. Kaggle allows users to practice SQL in the context of real-world datasets and participate in competitions that involve querying large databases.
SQLBolt is a free, interactive platform that teaches SQL from the basics to more advanced concepts. It offers a series of lessons that introduce SQL concepts with immediate hands-on practice, allowing users to write and execute SQL queries directly in their browser. The platform is highly accessible and structured to support self-paced learning.
DataQuest is an interactive learning platform that offers SQL courses as part of its broader data science curriculum. It emphasizes project-based learning, where students can practice SQL queries using real-world datasets, making it a good choice for those interested in combining SQL with data science and analytics.
Each platform highlighted here offers its own unique approach to SQL practice, catering to different learning styles and levels of expertise. While some platforms, such as Interview Query, LeetCode, and Kaggle, are widely recognized for their extensive problem sets and popularity among learners, others provide valuable niche resources or beginner-friendly content that can also contribute significantly to your learning journey. Embracing a diverse range of platforms allows you to explore various SQL concepts and applications, ensuring a well-rounded skillset.
Keep an open mind as you learn and practice SQL, and remember that consistent effort and curiosity are the keys to mastering it. All the best!