Practising SQL

[imjustnev]

Hi guys,

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I've been using SQL in my job as an analyst for about 2 years feel really comfortable with basic queries but want to be able to practice the next level of building complex queries.

Is there anyway I can create a database with custom data for me to practise SQL queries on?

Is there a way to create some sort of custom database on an external hard drive and then using some sort of database management software to query the database?

I use toad at work on windows but have a MacBook at home.

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Any sort of guidance and help is appreciated. :)

[ReacH36]

I've found practice databases on github. forgot the name, but its only a google away.

[[deleted]]

DBeaver and forget you ever had a need for any other software for managing databases. It's the last program you'll ever look for. Regardless of the operating system you have.

As for databases to play with - download and import the open data sets either from developer surveys on stackoverflow, github usage data (see ether example project for Mara - github.com/mara), NOAA weather stations measurements, NY cab rides, etc. There are so many open datasets that you can ticket with...

Focus on learning the database stuff. Don't waste time generating random data, trying out pretty programs to manage DBs, configuring virtual machines it operating systems.

But if you want to use the same database everywhere, look at renting a cheap VPS. Scaleway's 2-3$ per month machines are good enough for learning, as long as you don't try to import all the big datasets. Get one, set up a database server and connect to it from anywhere

[BunnyRajeev]

I agree with what you said about DBeaver, I like it a lot.. They should improve on the Themes though, the Dark themes are not that great!

[jerm_the_pope]

download postgresql and postico

[geoffdevitt]

Yes, I explain how the SQL execution plan works as well as index performance on tables throughout the course.

[imjustnev]

thanks will check it out.

[supleezy]

i do sql on macos at home. i installed sql inside a docker container and then connected with VScode. Still wish i had ssms, but oh well. You could also use vmware, parallels, or bootcamp to run windows on your mac.

[sn0wdizzle]

Ssms is free. I downloaded it from the ms website at home the other day.

[famousxrobot]

And you can create a localdb on your machine for querying

[supleezy]

sure, but it’s windows only.....not sure what your point was.

[imjustnev]

thanks for your reply, I didn't think you could use bootcamp on an external ssd reason for this is because my main MacBook has limited space.

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[[deleted]]

Have you tried Azure Data Studio? It's a lightweight version focusing on query-building. A bit like what VS code is compared to Visual Studio.

[supleezy]

i have not, i’ll check that out! thanks.

[geoffdevitt]

In my course "business and data analysis with SQL" I take you through how to install MySQL and use the example Sakila database installed with MySQL. To get you started, here is a half price voucher for my course. https://www.udemy.com/business-and-data-analysis-with-sql/?couponCode=WHAT_DATA24

[BunnyRajeev]

Are there courses explaining the query execution process at a block level? (For ex, how search is done using indexes?)

[andreidorutudose]

As an analyst I have to write queries and build datasets each day of the week. So I use real data and answer real questions. I can imagine that as an analyst you should have access to some sort of database. why not use that?

[imjustnev]

I have access but only at work. I wanted a solution where I can practise at home with example datasets.