SQL, the Structured Query Language, is a cornerstone skill for anyone working with data. To master this powerful language, consistent practice is crucial. We present a curated list of 12 top-notch platforms that offer a variety of SQL exercises and challenges to help you hone your SQL skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced data professional, these platforms will help you level up your SQL expertise.
- HackerRank: A popular platform for coding challenges, HackerRank offers a vast collection of SQL problems, ranging from beginner to advanced. You can practice SQL queries, joins, aggregations, and more. HackerRank provides a gamified learning experience with points and leaderboards, making learning fun and engaging.
Key Features:
- Extensive SQL challenge library
- Real-world problem scenarios
- Customizable difficulty levels
- Timed challenges to simulate interview conditions
- Detailed solutions and explanations
Best Application: Practicing SQL for technical interviews and assessments.
- LeetCode: While primarily known for coding challenges in other languages, LeetCode also offers a good number of SQL problems. You can practice SQL queries and optimize your solutions to improve your performance.
Key Features:
- Wide range of SQL problems
- Company-specific SQL questions
- Discussion forums for collaborative learning
- Simulated interview environment
- In-depth solutions and explanations
Best Application: Preparing for SQL interviews at top tech companies.
- StrataScratch: StrataScratch specializes in real-world data challenges, including SQL problems from top tech companies. By solving these problems, you can gain practical experience and learn how SQL is applied in real-world scenarios.
Key Features:
- Real-world data challenges from top tech companies
- SQL problems with varying difficulty levels
- Community-driven platform with peer reviews
- Detailed solutions and explanations
Best Application: Gaining practical SQL experience and preparing for data analyst and data engineer roles.
- SQLZoo: SQLZoo offers interactive tutorials and exercises to help you learn SQL step-by-step. It’s a great platform for beginners to understand fundamental SQL concepts, such as SELECT, JOIN, and aggregate functions.
Key Features:
- Interactive tutorials and exercises
- Step-by-step guidance
- Immediate feedback and explanations
- Focus on fundamental SQL concepts
Best Application: Beginners to learn SQL concepts and practice basic SQL queries.
- DataLemur: DataLemur provides a curated collection of SQL interview questions from top tech companies. It’s a valuable resource for preparing for SQL interviews and mastering advanced SQL concepts like window functions and conditional aggregation.
Key Features:
- Curated collection of SQL interview questions
- Detailed explanations and solutions
- Focus on advanced SQL concepts like window functions and conditional aggregation
Best Application: Preparing for advanced SQL interviews and data engineering roles.
- Mode: Mode is a data analysis platform that offers SQL tutorials and exercises. You can learn SQL while working on real-world data analysis projects. Mode’s user-friendly interface and integration with other data tools make it a great platform for both beginners and experienced data analysts.
Key Features:
- Interactive SQL tutorials and exercises
- Real-world data analysis projects
- Collaboration features for team projects
- Integration with other data tools
Best Application: Learning SQL in a practical context and building data analysis skills.
- SQLPad: SQLPad is a web-based SQL editor that allows you to write and execute SQL queries directly in your browser. It’s a convenient tool for testing your SQL code and experimenting with different database systems. SQLPad is ideal for quick practice and experimentation.
Key Features:
- Web-based SQL editor
- Support for multiple database systems
- Quick and easy testing of SQL queries
- No setup required
Best Application: Experimenting with SQL queries and testing code snippets.
- Exercism: Exercism offers a structured learning approach to SQL. You can practice SQL problems and receive feedback from experienced mentors. Exercism’s mentorship program provides personalized guidance and helps you improve your SQL skills.
Key Features:
- Mentorship and code reviews
- Focus on learning through practice
- Wide range of programming languages and tracks
- Community-driven learning environment
Best Application: Improving SQL skills through a structured learning approach and peer feedback.
- Codewars: Codewars is a gamified coding platform where you can practice SQL through challenges called “kata.” It’s a fun and engaging way to improve your SQL skills. Codewars also offers a strong community of programmers, allowing you to learn from others and collaborate on solutions.
Key Features:
- Gamified learning experience
- Competitive coding challenges
- Honor system to maintain code quality
- Diverse range of programming challenges
Best Application: Practicing SQL in a fun and competitive environment.
- SQLBolt: SQLBolt provides simple and effective SQL tutorials and exercises. It’s a good starting point for beginners to learn the basics of SQL. SQLBolt’s clear explanations and interactive exercises make learning SQL easy and enjoyable.
Key Features:
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Clear explanations and examples
- Interactive exercises to reinforce learning
- Focus on core SQL concepts
Best Application: Beginners to learn SQL fundamentals.
- SQL Practice: SQL Practice offers a large collection of SQL practice problems, covering a wide range of topics. It’s a great resource for practicing SQL and improving your problem-solving skills. SQL Practice provides detailed solutions and explanations for each problem, helping you understand the underlying concepts.
Key Features:
- Large collection of SQL practice problems
- Detailed solutions and explanations
- Focus on practical SQL skills
- Customizable practice sessions
Best Application: Practicing SQL for data analyst and data engineer roles.
- SQL Mock Interview: SQL Mock Interview provides simulated SQL interviews with real interviewers. It’s a valuable tool for practicing your SQL skills under pressure and receiving feedback from experienced professionals. SQL Mock Interview can help you improve your communication skills and build confidence for real-world interviews.
Key Features:
- Simulated SQL interviews with real interviewers
- Personalized feedback and coaching
- Opportunity to practice under pressure
- Focus on interview techniques and communication skills
Best For: Preparing for SQL interviews and improving communication skills.
By consistently practicing SQL on these platforms, you can strengthen your foundation, improve your problem-solving abilities, and prepare for SQL-related interviews and job roles. Remember, the more you practice, the more proficient you’ll become in SQL. So, start your SQL learning journey today and unlock the power of data!
Pragati Jhunjhunwala is a consulting intern at MarktechPost. She is currently pursuing her B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology(IIT), Kharagpur. She is a tech enthusiast and has a keen interest in the scope of software and data science applications. She is always reading about the developments in different field of AI and ML.