The Best 9 Websites to Practice SQL Online

Choose the Best out of the 9 Most Popular SQL Practice Platforms

In this article, we’ll explore the 9 best websites to practice SQL, providing you with platforms rich in data, examples, and guidance to help you use them easily.

As you might know, SQL, or Structured Query Language, is a programming language for interacting with databases. It is a standard way to use SQL for operating with tables and most databases support it. Moreover, SQL is one of the most in-demand skills in the tech industry, with data analysts, data scientists, and software engineers all needing to know SQL.

Best Platforms to Practice SQL

If you are looking to practice SQL, there are a number of great platforms available. Here are a few of the best:

Why Practice SQL?

Before we delve into the platforms, it’s important to understand the benefits of practicing SQL:

• Skill Development: SQL proficiency is a basic skill in data-related professions. Practicing SQL enhances your ability to manage and analyze data effectively.
• Problem-Solving: SQL enables you to extract, transform, and manipulate data. Regular practice sharpens your problem-solving skills, making you adept at tackling real-world data challenges.
• Career Advancement: SQL expertise is in high demand across various job roles. Whether you’re looking to become a data analyst, a web developer, or a database administrator, SQL proficiency can give you a competitive edge.

Best Platforms to Practice SQL

In order to help you, I have compiled a list including some of the best platforms for practicing SQL, catering to various skill levels:

1. SQLZoo ( A Beginner’s Friend)

• Website: SQLZoo
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

SQLZoo is an ideal starting point for beginners. It offers a structured set of interactive SQL tutorials and exercises. You can practice SQL queries directly in your web browser. The tutorials cover a wide range of SQL topics, ensuring you can progress at your own pace.

Example: SQLZoo provides a beginner’s tutorial on “SELECT from WORLD,” which allows you to practice basic SQL SELECT statements by querying data about countries worldwide.

-- Example SQL Query
SELECT name, price
FROM company
WHERE type = 'mobile';

Cool Features:

• Interactive Learning: It helps you learn SQL by doing, not just reading.
• Teaches Basics to Advanced: Covers SQL from simple to more complex.

Pros:

• Great for Beginners: If you’re new to SQL, this is a great place to start.
• Instant Feedback: It tells you if you’re doing it right or wrong.
• Covers a Lot: You can learn many things about SQL here.

Cons:

• Not Real Databases: It doesn’t use real databases, so it’s not like working on a real job.
• Less Practical: You might not feel how SQL is used in the real world.

2. Codecademy (Beginner-Friendly)

• Website: Codecademy SQL Course
• Skill Level: Beginner

Codecademy offers an interactive SQL course intended for beginners. The course includes hands-on coding exercises with instant feedback, making it easy to learn and practice SQL step by step. Here’s a sample code of a beginner exercise:

Example: You can practice SQL by retrieving specific information from a database. For instance, you can learn to extract data from a table called employees:

-- Example SQL Query
SELECT fst_name, lst_name, title
FROM empls
WHERE dept = 'sales';

Cool Features:

• Interactive Practice: You can practice SQL in a friendly online environment.
• Tracks Your Progress: It keeps an eye on how you’re doing.

Pros:

• Hands-On Learning: You learn by doing, not just listening.
• Easy to Follow: The lessons are set up in an easy-to-follow way.
• Fun to Use: It’s designed to make learning fun.

Cons:

• Not for Advanced: If you’re already good at SQL, you might find it too basic.
• Paid Features: Some advanced stuff might need a paid subscription.

3. SQLFiddle (Intermediate)

• Website: SQLFiddle
• Skill Level: Intermediate

SQLFiddle is a web-based tool that allows you to write and execute SQL queries in various database systems. This platform is perfect for practicing SQL in a real-world context. Here’s a sample use case:

Example: You can use SQLFiddle to experiment with different SQL database systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQLite. For instance, you can create a table and insert data into it.

-- Example SQL Query
CREATE TABLE studs (
    id INT AUTO_INCREMENT,
    name VARCHAR(50),
    age INT
);

INSERT INTO studs (name, age)
VALUES ('Dave', 25), ('Jane', 28), ('Gill', 22);

Cool Features:

• Test on Different Systems: You can practice SQL on different systems like MySQL and PostgreSQL.
• Feels Real: It’s like playing with a real database.

Pros:

• Learn on Real Systems: You get to know how SQL works on different databases.
• Share Your Work: You can show your SQL to others and ask for help.
• See Results Right Away: It quickly tells you what happened after you run a query.

Cons:

• Not Much Learning Material: It’s more for practice, not so much for learning from scratch.
• Not Great for Newbies: If you’re new to SQL, it can be tough.

4. HackerRank (Intermediate to Advanced)

• Website: HackerRank SQL Challenges
• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

HackerRank offers a series of SQL challenges and competitions that are suitable for intermediate and advanced learners. The challenges cover a wide range of SQL topics, and you can earn badges to showcase your skills. Let’s look at a more advanced example:

Example: HackerRank challenges often involve complex SQL queries, such as calculating the average salary of employees in a specific department.

-- Example SQL Query
SELECT department, AVG(salary) as average_salary
FROM employees
GROUP BY department
HAVING AVG(salary) > 50000;

Cool Features:

• Challenges and Competitions: It’s like a game with SQL problems.
• Earn Points: You can get points and show off your skills.

Pros:

• Fun Learning: It’s like a game, so it’s fun and keeps you going.
• Talk to Others: You can chat with others, ask questions, and learn from them.
• For All Levels: There are easy and hard challenges for everyone.

Cons:

• Some Are Tough: Some challenges are really hard, so if you’re new, you might get stuck.
• Not Many Tutorials: It’s more about solving problems, not so much about learning SQL from scratch.

5. LeetCode (Advanced)

• Website: LeetCode SQL Problems
• Skill Level: Advanced

LeetCode is renowned for its coding challenges, including SQL problems. These challenges are perfect for those looking to take their SQL skills to an advanced level. The platform also provides community discussions and solutions. Here’s an example of an advanced SQL challenge:

Example: LeetCode challenges may involve complex data manipulations and aggregations, such as finding the second-highest salary in a database.

-- Example SQL Query
SELECT DISTINCT Salary as SecondHighestSalary
FROM Employee
ORDER BY Salary DESC
LIMIT 1 OFFSET 1;

Cool Features:

• Puzzles for SQL: Like solving puzzles with SQL.
• Learn from Others: See how others solve problems.

Pros:

• Advanced Stuff: Good if you want to get really good at SQL.
• Talk to People: You can see what others do and learn from them.
• Good for Interviews: Some questions help you get ready for job interviews.

Cons:

• Not for Beginners: It can be really hard if you’re just starting with SQL.
• Not Much for Learning: It’s more about solving problems, not learning step by step.

6. W3Schools SQL Tutorial (Beginner-Friendly)

• Website: W3Schools SQL Tutorial
• Skill Level: Beginner

W3Schools offers an extensive and beginner-friendly SQL tutorial. It includes interactive examples and exercises that allow you to practice SQL in a structured manner. The tutorials cover various SQL topics, making it a valuable resource for beginners. Here’s an example of a simple query:

Example: You can practice SQL by learning how to retrieve data from a table in the tutorial. For instance, you can learn to select data from a table named “customers.”

-- Example SQL Query
SELECT * FROM customers;

Cool Features:

• Real Databases: You set up your own database like a real job.
• Learn by Doing: You learn by practicing on a real database.

Pros:

• Real-Life Practice: This is the closest thing to working on a real job.
• Choose Your System: You can use the kind of database you want, like MySQL or PostgreSQL.
• Good for Everyone: If you’re just starting or already know SQL, you can use this.

Cons:

• Setting Up Can Be Hard: It might be tricky to set up a real database if you’re new.
• No Step-by-Step Learning: You have to find your own way because it’s more about practice.

7. SQLBolt (Interactive)

• Website: SQLBolt
• Skill Level: Intermediate

SQLBolt, previously mentioned, is not just for beginners. It also offers intermediate and advanced SQL tutorials. You can move on to more complex exercises, including JOIN operations and subqueries, as you progress. Here’s an example of an intermediate-level query:

Example: You can practice SQL by learning how to perform SQL JOINs on tables. For example, you can retrieve data from two related tables, “orders” and “customers.”

-- Example SQL Query
SELECT customers.name, orders.product
FROM customers
JOIN orders ON customers.customer_id = orders.customer_id;

Cool Features:

• Lots of Lessons: You can learn a lot about SQL here.
• Try It Live: It’s like practicing in a real coding editor.

Pros:

• Learn Lots: You can learn from the basics to the advanced stuff.
• Practice as You Go: It’s easy to practice right where you’re learning.
• Organized and Simple: The lessons are easy to follow and clear.

Cons:

• Not Real Databases: You don’t practice much with real databases.
• Lots to Learn: Some might find all the lessons a bit too much.

8. Mode Analytics (Advanced)

• Website: Mode Analytics
• Skill Level: Advanced

Mode Analytics provides an advanced SQL tutorial with a focus on data analysis and exploration. It’s designed for users who want to leverage SQL for in-depth data analytics and visualization. You can practice complex queries and data manipulation. Here’s an example of an advanced SQL query:

Example: You can practice SQL by creating advanced data visualizations using SQL queries, like plotting time series data or creating interactive dashboards.

-- Example SQL Query (for data visualization)
SELECT date, revenue
FROM sales_data
GROUP BY date
ORDER BY date;

Cool Features:

• Data Analysis Focus: It’s all about using SQL for data analysis.
• See Your Data: You can turn data into charts and dashboards.

Pros:

• Advanced Data Analysis: Good if you want to learn how to analyze data deeply.
• Useful Skills: You learn how to use data for real-world decisions.
• Good for Analysts: People who want to work with data will like this.

Cons:

• Not for Starters: If you’re just starting, you might find it too tough.
• Not for All SQL: It’s not good for learning all SQL things, especially for databases.

9. SQL Pad (Intermediate to Advanced)

• Website: SqlPad
• Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

StrataScratch offers an interactive SQL platform with a vast library of real-world SQL challenges. It’s suitable for users looking to enhance their SQL skills through practical problem-solving. You can practice SQL by tackling real data problems from various domains. Here’s an example of an advanced challenge:

Example: You can practice SQL by solving complex problems, such as optimizing a query for performance or analyzing datasets to draw actionable insights.

-- Example SQL Query (for data analysis)
SELECT product_category, AVG(revenue) as avg_revenue
FROM sales_data
GROUP BY product_category
HAVING AVG(revenue) > 1000
ORDER BY avg_revenue DESC;

Cool Features:

• Real-Life Problems: You solve real data problems from different jobs.
• Learn by Doing: You get better at SQL by doing it.

Pros:

• Solve Real Stuff: You learn to solve real problems with data.
• Many Kinds of Problems: It has lots of different things to practice on.
• Good for Work: If you want to work with data, this is great practice.

Cons:

• Not for Starters: If you’re just starting with SQL, it might be too hard.
• Some Paid Stuff: If you want to use all the things, you might need to pay.

Remember, the choice of the platform depends on your skill level and your specific SQL learning objectives. Each of these platforms offers a unique approach to learning and practicing SQL, so explore them to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Happy SQL practicing!

10. Your Local Database (Practical)

• Skill Level: All Levels

For a real-world experience, consider setting up your own local database using software like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQLite. This hands-on practice allows you to create databases, load data, and run queries. Here’s a practical example:

Example: You can create a simple table in your local database and insert data into it:

-- Example SQL Query
CREATE TABLE products (
    product_id INT PRIMARY KEY,
    product_name VARCHAR(50),
    price DECIMAL(10, 2)
);

INSERT INTO products (product_id, product_name, price)
VALUES (1, 'Widget', 19.99), (2, 'Gadget', 29.99), (3, 'Doodad', 9.99);

How to Use SQL Practice Platforms

The best way to test your SQL programming skills is to start with the basics and then gradually work your way up to more challenging exercises. As you practice, be sure to pay attention to the feedback that the platform provides. This feedback can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and it can also help you learn from your mistakes.

Here are some additional tips for practicing SQL:

• Practice regularly. The more you practice, the better you will become at SQL.
• Use a variety of resources. There are many different SQL practice resources available, so don’t be afraid to try different ones until you find one that works for you.
• Challenge yourself. Don’t be afraid to try more challenging exercises, even if you make mistakes. The more you challenge yourself, the better you will become at SQL.
• Get help. If you get stuck on a particular exercise, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a friend, mentor, or online forum.

Conclusion

Practicing SQL is a valuable investment in your career, and the platforms mentioned in this tutorial cater to different skill levels. Start with beginner-friendly options, progress to more advanced challenges, and don’t forget to apply your skills to real-world projects. As you practice and gain confidence, you’ll become a proficient SQL user. Happy querying!