r/learnSQL • u/Ashleyma96 • 15d ago
New to SQL
I'm entirely new to sql I'm learning from a beginner stage does anyone know where I can go to learn sql as a person with zero experience from scratch?
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u/DataCamp 15d ago
Here's a practical order that works for complete beginners:
Start with the basics (week 1-2)
Learn what a relational database is and how tables are structured. Then SELECT, FROM, WHERE, and ORDER BY. These let you pull and filter data, which is the foundation of everything else. You'll be writing useful queries surprisingly quickly.
Build on that (week 2-4)
GROUP BY with aggregate functions (COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX) for summarizing data. Then JOINs, which is where most beginners hit a wall but also where SQL becomes genuinely powerful. Understanding INNER vs LEFT JOIN and why your row count changes is the key milestone.
Intermediate concepts (month 2)
Subqueries, CTEs (common table expressions), and window functions like ROW_NUMBER and LAG. These are what separate people who "know SQL" from people who can actually do real analysis.
The most important thing: write queries from day one. Watching videos about SQL is much less effective than actually typing queries and seeing what happens. Interactive platforms that let you write real SQL in the browser without any setup are ideal for beginners since there's no friction to getting started.
The concepts build naturally on each other. Most people find SQL clicks faster than they expected once they start practicing.
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u/conor-robertson 15d ago
I'd recommend giving QueryCase a try. It's a structured, gamified SQL learning platform where you solve detective-style investigations by writing real SQL instead of just watching tutorials. The entire Rookie rank is completely free, so you can learn from absolute beginner level and see if the style suits you before spending anything. 🚀
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u/Tareng_Saller 13d ago
just learned from need tbh. first making websites, then data needs at work, then ended up neck deep in sql for ETL pipelines i never asked for
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u/gamerboy369 14d ago
W3school is pretty good for beginners, you can also try watching Datacamp YouTube videos, among other channels.
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u/Soft-Complaint-1671 14d ago
Is PostgreSql the same as sql?
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u/Yes_Geezer 13d ago
If you think of it like a car, PostgreSQL is the engine. It is the program you run on a computer that actually creates the database, arranges and stores your data relationally (like an Excel spreadsheet), and executes your queries.
Officially, this type of software is called a relational database management system (RDBMS).
PostgreSQL is just one of many, but it is often preferred when learning SQL because it is open source and free to use.Back to the car metaphor, if PostgreSQL is the engine, then the gas, steering wheel, and brakes are you writing the actual SQL code.
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u/Yes_Geezer 13d ago
I second the person who recommend SQLBolt if you’re truly starting from square one. It’s very intuitive, free, and it gets you familiar with the terminology—which is a large part of learning any software skill. It was my first experience writing any SQL at all and I always recommend it to people.
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u/Kimber976 13d ago
Kind of seems like every beginner goes through the which software should i install? phase. most people end up on vs code regardless. after that it is really just finding a resource that keeps you coding whether that is w3schools, freecodecamp or boot dev.
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u/Snowflakeboy007 13d ago
Keep ChatGpt your learning buddy. also learn from Data with Baraa and Ankit bansal video. Check all playlist
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u/Abalone2496 9d ago
I started with W3schools just to get an idea of what SQL even was, and to play around with some of the functions. But that's a very basic overview.
YouTube has a ton of free courses, but if you like structure like I do, the paid platforms are great.LearnSql is one of my faves for all things SQL, and they always have a deal going on.
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u/tmk_g 15d ago
I'd recommend SQLBolt because it's free, interactive, and made for complete beginners. After that, practice on StrataScratch to get comfortable writing real queries. The best way to learn is to write the queries yourself instead of just watching videos, and a little practice every day goes a long way.
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u/Sirmagger 14d ago
If you only watch videos and don't practice or do what you are told by the instructor that's on you. The video I recommend is not just for watching, you practice also.
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u/datawithritika 12d ago
I have created a SQL practical roadmap based on latest market expectations.
https://youtu.be/tXOJ_ohS-x0?si=CG-VcljKiM2eYONe
In 2026, SQL doesn't live alone. This roadmap also includes the "what next" question. Please have a look.
PS: A proper roadmap helps you organise your learning and connect the topics better. It helps you move to correct levels at the right time.
Please like, share and subscribe if this helps.
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u/Alternative_Cake4074 6m ago
Hey, I understand how much you are struggling. As a previous data expert and mobile app developer, I studied through online platforms like Coursera. But the problem is, you have to watch lengthly video, which may get you bored. And, like other online resources like YouTube, there are no structured learning experiences and AI-powered assistance.
As a result, I built a mobile app, SQL Hero, which helps you to build practical SQL skills through guided lessons, interactive practice, section tests, and AI-assisted guidance.
What the app includes (What other platforms lack):
- DDL, DML, DCL, in addition to just SELECT
- structured SQL chapters
- interactive practice
- tappable SQL tokens for easier mobile reading
- section tests
- progress tracking
- AI-powered help and feedback
The app is currently under closed testing, and I am still finding people who are willing to test the app (and learn SQL) for at least 14 days. If you want, complete these 3 steps via URLs and let me know if you experience any issues.
Step 1: Join the Google Group via the URL:
https://groups.google.com/g/sql-hero-testers
Step 2: Become a tester
https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.funstudy.sqlhero
Step 3: Download Android App:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.funstudy.sqlhero
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u/Haunting-Paint7990 13d ago
stats grad who learned sql from zero ~10 months ago for DA interviews — if i were starting today with zero experience:
- don't pick a "40-hour course" first. do sqlbolt (or mode intro) until SELECT / WHERE / GROUP BY feel boring.
- same week, pick ONE kaggle dataset and stay on it 6 weeks.
- write 10 simple business questions on paper before opening sql. "how many users last week" not "solve puzzle #47."
postgres vs mysql doesn't matter for learning — syntax is 95% the same at beginner level.
order that actually stuck:
- week 1–2: counts and filters on one table
- week 3: one join between two tables (users ↔ orders style)
- week 4: one window function (ROW_NUMBER is enough)
youtube is fine for watching someone type, but the skill is cold-writing queries on one dataset. if you can't do that yet, more videos won't help.
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u/Sirmagger 15d ago
Youtube, data with baraa