Writing SQL Queries
This presentation covers the fundamental concepts of writing SQL queries,
including filtering, grouping, and exporting data. It aims to provide a
comprehensive understanding of how to manipulate and retrieve data
effectively using SQL.
Introduction to SQL
SQL is the standard language for managing relational databases. It plays a vital role in helping data professionals retrieve
insights critical for decision-making.
1 What is SQL? 2 Importance of SQL 3 Basic SQL Syntax
SQL, or Structured Query SQL is crucial for data analysis Understanding basic syntax is
Language, is the standard and database management, vital for writing SQL queries,
language for managing and enabling businesses to retrieve including SELECT, FROM,
manipulating relational insights from data. WHERE clauses.
databases.
Filtering Data
Comparison Operators
2
Utilizes operators like =, <, >, <=, and
Using WHERE Clause >= for establishing conditions.
1
Filters records based on specific
conditions to enhance relevance.
Logical Operators
3 Combines conditions using AND, OR,
and NOT for complex queries.
Sorting Data
1 ORDER BY Clause 2 3 Sorting with NULL Values
Sorting Multiple Columns
Values
The ORDER BY clause sorts
Users can sort by multiple NULL values are sorted first in
the result set of a query in
columns in a single query for a ascending order and last in
ascending or descending order.
more organized view. descending order.
Grouping Data
The process of grouping data is essential for data GROUP BY Clause
analysis, allowing insights to be gained from summary
Groups rows with the same column values into
rows and aggregate functions. Different clauses, like
summary rows.
GROUP BY and HAVING, play vital roles in this process.
Aggregate Functions
Includes COUNT, SUM, AVG, MAX, and MIN for
data insights.
HAVING Clause
Filters groups based on aggregate results for better
insights.
Joining Tables
Join Syntax
Critical for retrieving data from
multiple tables.
Types of Joins Self Joins
Joins a table to itself for hierarchical
SQL supports various types of joins.
data.
1 3
Understanding Subqueries in SQL
in SQL
What is a Subquery?
A subquery is a query nested within another SQL query.
Types of Subqueries
Single-row, multiple-row, and correlated subqueries serve different
purposes.
Benefits of Subqueries
Simplifies complex queries, enhancing readability and maintainability.
Data Exporting Techniques
Data exporting is crucial for analysis and reporting. SQL
Exporting Data
offers versatile options, such as exporting to various
formats, using SELECT INTO for transformations, and SQL provides various methods for exporting data
taking advantage of built-in export tools in database from a database, such as to CSV or Excel.
systems.
Using SELECT INTO
The SELECT INTO statement allows users to create
a new table from existing data.
Export Tools
Many database management systems include tools
for data exporting.
Best Practices in SQL
2 Optimizing Queries
Query optimization techniques
enhance performance and reduce
Writing Readable Code
execution time.
Writing clear and readable SQL 1
code is essential for collaboration
and maintenance.
Testing Queries
Always test SQL queries with sample
3 data before deploying in production.
Common SQL Functions
SQL provides a variety of functions that facilitate data
String Functions
manipulation and analysis, including string, date, and
numerical functions. These functions are essential for Functions like CONCAT, SUBSTRING, and LENGTH
efficiently managing and analyzing datasets in various help in string data manipulation.
applications.
Date Functions
NOW(), DATEADD(), and DATEDIFF() are used for
date and time calculations.
Numerical Functions
ROUND(), FLOOR(), and CEILING() provide
mathematical operations on numbers.
Use Cases
Customer Segmentation
Sales Performance Analysis Employee Timesheet Summary
Group customers by spending
Identify top-selling products and behavior and region. Support payroll and resource
analyze revenue trends. Enable targeted marketing based on planning processes.
purchasing patterns. Summarize total hours worked per
Support business decisions with
employee each month.
data-driven product insights.
.
Scenario based
2 Sales Analysis Scenario
How would you write a SQL query to
find the top 5 product categories by
Student Grades Scenario
total sales in the last 6 months?.
How can you calculate the 1
average grade per course, only
for students who scored above Web Traffic Scenario
50?
Can you write a query to count the
number of unique visitors per country
3 for the last 30 days?
Quiz?
Write an SQL query What SQL clause Which clause do What SQL function What SQL function
to select all do you use to filter you use to group counts the number calculates the total
columns from the records based on a rows by a column of rows in a group? sum of values in a
employees table. condition? called category? column named
price?
Case Studies
You are a data analyst for a retail company that sells products across
multiple stores nationwide. The company tracks sales data in a
database with the following simplified tables:
Your manager wants answers to the following questions:
What is the total sales revenue (quantity × price_per_unit) per product
category for May 2025?
Which store in the “East” region had the highest total sales revenue
during May 2025?
List the top 3 products by total quantity sold in the “Mall Store” in May
2025.
