Do you ever find yourself writing an SQL query and forgetting the syntax of some function? That sometimes happens to me too. Fortunately, LearnSQL.com has prepared this awesome Ultimate SQL Cheat Sheet you can always have on hand. Print it or save it to your browser's favorites and make your data querying more efficient!
If you are looking for an SQL Cheat Sheet, it is safe to assume that you already know what SQL is. Nevertheless, this Cheat Sheet was designed as a complete solution for both beginners and professionals.
If you’re already convinced that this Cheat Sheet is exactly what you need, scroll to the PDFs section and download it. However, if you are wondering why would one ever need an SQL Cheat Sheet, stay for a little while. I’ll explain it in this article.
- Download Ultimate SQL Cheat Sheet in PDF format (A4)
SQL is very popular in the IT industry, and many students and early practitioners are eager to learn it. Outside of IT, other professionals (like me!) have found SQL very useful. For some of you, this article will be the first SQL-related text you’ve ever read. With that said, let's start from the very basics so that newcomers can fully understand the purpose and application of SQL.
What Is SQL?
SQL, or Structured Query Language, is used to communicate with relational databases. It has been a standard tool for working with data for decades and is much used by analysts and developers around the world.
Working with data has long ceased to be the domain of IT departments. And the demand for SQL goes way beyond programming. Check out How SQL Helps Everyone in Your Office. An increasing number of companies are striving to base their decisions and plans on metrics. This is what we call being data driven.
Because of its versatility, SQL can be used in web or software development, data analysis, finance, HR, marketing, etc. But why should non-technical people bother learning SQL?
Why Use SQL?
SQL is the language of data. With SQL queries, you can manipulate, analyze and retrieve data out of a database. As you may guess, everyone who works with data should know at least the basics of SQL. For some examples of using SQL in everyday life, I recommend taking a look at this article.
An SQL query is simply a request to the database to return some data. SQL is based on English to the extent that even a non-IT person will understand the general purpose of a simple query. Think of SQL as a system of questions that you send to the database. If your question is built correctly, the database understands it and you will get the information you requested. You don't need to know what is going on inside the database for this to work. Pretty cool, right?
If you've never written an SQL query and you'd like to learn how to use the power of data, start with our SQL Basics course. This is a great set of 129 interactive SQL exercises that will give you the foundational skills to work with relational databases. What's more, you don't even need to install anything. All that’s needed is an Internet connection and a browser.
Benefits of The Ultimate SQL Cheat Sheet
So why would someone who doesn’t use SQL all the time need this cheat sheet?
If you don’t regularly write SQL queries, you may find yourself in a situation where you just aren’t quite sure how to get the data you need – even if a very basic SQL query is all that’s needed. And that’s normal; our brain is designed in a way that it tends to forget skills that aren’t used frequently. But the way our brain works also plays a trick in learning SQL.
This language is fairly easy to learn. In a short time, you’ll be able to write complex SQL queries (although it will still be challenging!). However, the real difficulty will likely appear later, when you start forgetting what you’ve learned because you’re not using it.
To be fair, I don’t use SQL daily. Neither am I a pro like my other colleagues at LearnSQL.com. I am, however, a strong believer in writing everything down while learning a new skill. With any tool or skill, it’s good to have some notes or instructions you can refer to as needed.
That’s why I am so excited about these SQL Cheat Sheets, which are adapted to different levels of SQL proficiency and are super handy when you’re writing queries.
Topics Covered in Our Ultimate SQL Cheat Sheet
1. SQL Basics
Learning the basics of SQL was enough for me to start writing simple SQL queries. After going through a few courses and with some help of the SQL Basics Cheat Sheet, I’ve upgraded most of my marketing processes to a whole new productivity level.
The SQL Basics Cheat Sheet provides you with the syntax of all basic clauses like SELECT, WHERE, and FROM. It also includes some basic JOINs, with advice on how to write different join conditions. Finally, there are examples of using SQL subqueries or set operations.
It is safe to say that learning SQL Basics is the bare minimum to start using SQL to your advantage. While the basics may be good enough for some non-IT specialists to start querying their data, imagine what you could do after learning more advanced SQL.
2. SQL JOINs
Once you know the SQL basics, you’ll inevitably have to connect data from two or more tables at some point. This is exactly what SQL JOINs do – they connect data from different tables based on matching column values. There are a few major kinds of SQL JOINs:
- NATURAL JOIN
- LEFT JOIN
- RIGHT JOIN
- FULL JOIN
- CROSS JOIN
SQL JOINs are a vast topic. To learn more, watch the short YouTube video embedded below, then read the article SQL JOIN Types Explained.
By the way, remember to comment on the video and subscribe to our YouTube channel!
3. Standard SQL Functions
Standard SQL Functions work with any standard-compliant database (for example, PostgreSQL or MS SQL Server). In our Standard SQL Functions Cheat Sheet, we cover:
- Text functions
- Numeric functions
- Aggregate functions
- Date and time functions
- Functions dealing with NULL values
Being able to process data with standard SQL functions is a nice way to stand out in professions that require intermediate or better SQL skills. Learning these functions is highly recommended for SQL developers, programmers, software engineers, data analysts, business analysts, and other professionals that frequently work with databases.
If you have never learned Standard SQL Functions and you’re in one of the above professions, I suggest starting with the Standard SQL Functions course. It comes highly recommended by my developer friends.
4. Window Functions
Window Functions (which are also called “analytic functions”) are the newest and most advanced SQL commands. As companies started relying more on complex data-driven solutions, analysts and developers started using SQL window functions to create more sophisticated reports.
There are still not many courses on window functions available, but our SQL Window Functions course offers everything an intermediate-level SQL practitioner needs to learn these helpful tools. If you already have some experience with window functions but you’re not quite confident in your skills, take this practice set.
Boost Your Skills With Our SQL Cheat Sheet
Now that you know what SQL is used for, use it! Our Ultimate SQL Cheat Sheet will help you recall anything you’ve learned but forgotten. Remember, we tend to forget the skills that we don't use regularly. And if you want to build your SQL skills, our courses are here to help.
What’s that? You want to get serious and learn all SQL has to offer? Our All Forever Package gives you lifetime access to all practice sets and all SQL courses on the platform. What's more, you’ll also be able to enroll in all upcoming courses and practice sets. We’ve designed everything to make your learning journey efficient, practical, and fun. In the category of money for quality, it is the best offer on the market.
See you in class!
