Introduction to SQL

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is the standard language for

managing and manipulating relational databases. It allows you to store,
retrieve, and update data in a structured way, making it a crucial skill
for data professionals and developers.

DA by Diyansh Rana
SQL Syntax and Data Types
SQL Syntax Data Types
SQL (Structured Query Language) is a SQL supports a variety of data types,
programming language used to including numbers (integer, decimal),
manage and manipulate relational text (varchar, char), dates and
databases. It follows a specific syntax timestamps, booleans, and more.
with keywords like SELECT, FROM, Proper data type selection is crucial
WHERE, and more to perform various for efficient data storage and
operations. querying.

SQL Statements
The fundamental SQL statements include SELECT to retrieve data, INSERT to add
new data, UPDATE to modify existing data, and DELETE to remove data. These
statements form the core of SQL programming.
SQL Statements: SELECT, FROM, WHERE

SELECT Statement FROM Clause WHERE Clause

The SELECT statement is used The FROM clause specifies the The WHERE clause is used to
to retrieve specific data from table(s) from which the data filter the results of a SELECT
one or more tables in a should be retrieved. This is a statement, allowing you to
database. It allows you to required part of the SELECT retrieve only the rows that
specify the columns you want statement, as it tells the meet specific criteria. This is a
to retrieve and apply filters to database where to look for the powerful way to focus your
the data. requested data. queries and get the exact data
you need.
Aggregate Functions: SUM, AVG, COUNT,
MIN, MAX

SUM AVG COUNT MIN

The SUM aggregate The AVG aggregate The COUNT aggregate The MIN aggregate
function calculates function calculates function counts the function returns the
the total of all values the average of all number of rows in a minimum value in a
in a specified column values in a specified specified table or specified column or
or expression. column or expression. view. expression.
Joins: INNER JOIN, LEFT JOIN, RIGHT
JOIN, FULL JOIN

1 INNER JOIN 2 LEFT JOIN

Combines rows from two tables based on Combines rows from two tables, returning
a related column, returning only the all rows from the left table and the
matching rows from both tables. matching rows from the right table.

3 RIGHT JOIN 4 FULL JOIN

Combines rows from two tables, returning Combines rows from two tables, returning
all rows from the right table and the all rows, whether the condition is met or
matching rows from the left table. not, filling in missing values with NULL.
Subqueries and Nested Queries
Subqueries Correlated Nested Queries Performance
Subqueries Considerations
Subqueries are SQL Nested queries are
queries nested Correlated subqueries that are Subqueries and
within other SQL subqueries nested within other nested queries can
statements, such as reference a column subqueries, creating be computationally
SELECT, INSERT, from the outer a hierarchy of intensive, so it's
UPDATE, or DELETE. query, allowing you queries. They enable important to
They allow you to to perform you to perform optimize them for
perform complex, comparisons and intricate data performance.
multi-level queries filtering based on analysis and Techniques like
by breaking down data from multiple decision-making by rewriting queries,
the problem into tables. They are a breaking down the using indexes, and
smaller, more powerful tool for problem into leveraging temp
manageable parts. solving complex manageable steps. tables can help
business problems. improve efficiency.
Window Functions: RANK,
DENSE_RANK, ROW_NUMBER
Rank Functions RANK() vs. ROW_NUMBER() Use Cases
DENSE_RANK()
SQL window ROW_NUMBER() These functions are
functions like RANK() assigns simply assigns a invaluable for tasks
RANK(), gaps in ranking for sequential number like finding top
DENSE_RANK(), tied values, while to each row, performers,
and DENSE_RANK() regardless of ties. analyzing sales
ROW_NUMBER() does not, providing a This is useful for leaderboards,
allow you to more continuous creating a unique detecting outliers,
generate ranking sequence. This can identifier or ordering and providing
values across a be important results. meaningful rankings
result set. These are depending on your in reports and
powerful tools for analysis needs. dashboards.
analyzing data and
making comparative
insights.
SQL Optimization Techniques

1 Query Optimization 2 Partitioning and Sharding

Techniques like indexing, query rewriting, Splitting large tables into manageable
and use of appropriate data types can partitions or distributing data across
dramatically improve SQL query multiple servers can boost scalability and
performance. speed.

3 Caching and Materialized Views 4 Monitoring and Tuning

Pre-computing and storing frequently Regularly analyzing query plans,
accessed data can reduce the need for resource usage, and performance metrics
expensive joins and aggregations. is crucial for identifying and addressing
bottlenecks.
Advanced SQL Concepts: CTEs,
Recursive Queries, Pivot/Unpivot

Common Table Recursive Queries Pivot and Unpivot

Expressions (CTEs)
Recursive queries allow you to Pivot and Unpivot are
CTEs are temporary result sets write queries that reference techniques that allow you to
that can be referenced within a themselves, enabling you to transform data from rows to
SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, or traverse hierarchical data columns (Pivot) or columns to
DELETE statement. They allow structures like organizational rows (Unpivot). This can be
you to write complex, charts or bill of materials. This extremely useful for reporting,
recursive queries and improve powerful technique unlocks data normalization, and
readability and maintainability new possibilities for data preparing data for analysis.
of SQL code. analysis.
Real-World SQL Examples and Case
Studies
Explore how SQL is applied in real-world
scenarios, from analyzing sales data to
optimizing web application performance. Delve
into case studies showcasing the power of SQL
for extracting insights, automating processes,
and driving data-driven decision-making.

Discover techniques for handling complex data

structures, integrating multiple data sources,
and leveraging advanced SQL features to solve
practical business challenges.