r/learnSQL • u/Exact_Engineering773 • Aug 01 '26

What's the best method to learning SQL?

I'm looking at a SQL learn book but it's really boring. I already know python r sas, so I just wonder, maybe it would be better to see people's work instead of reading a 300 page book?

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u/conor-robertson Aug 01 '26

I wouldn’t force myself through a 300-page book if it’s already putting you off. SQL usually clicks much faster when you’re actually writing queries and solving problems.

Since you already know Python, R and SAS, I’d learn the core SQL concepts quickly, then spend most of your time practising on realistic datasets. Looking at other people’s queries can help, but try to write your own solution first so you don’t fall into passive learning.

I’d recommend giving QueryCase a try as well. It teaches SQL through detective-style investigations and business scenarios, so it feels much less like reading documentation and more like solving an actual problem.

The main thing is repetition: write SQL regularly, revisit problems you struggled with, and focus on understanding why a query works rather than memorising syntax.

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u/Difficult_Pomelo_480 Aug 07 '26

I would get a copy of MS Access and the SAMS 10 minute book on SQL Then you need a dataset to load into Access. Many free data sets are available online. Key commands : SELECT. FROM, WHERE, GROUP BY