🧠 SQL for Beginners: The 10 Most Common Queries Explained

If you’re just getting started with SQL (Structured Query Language), you’re learning one of the most valuable skills in tech, data, and analytics. SQL lets you communicate directly with databases, extract insights, and transform raw data into decisions.

Let’s break down the 10 most common SQL queries every beginner should master — with clear, simple examples.

1. SELECT

Used to retrieve data from a database.

SELECT first_name, last_name FROM employees;

Returns all first and last names from the employees table.

1. WHERE

Filters rows based on conditions.

SELECT * FROM orders WHERE amount > 100;

Finds all orders over $100.

1. AND / OR

Combines multiple conditions.

SELECT * FROM customers WHERE country = 'USA' AND age > 30;

1. ORDER BY

Sorts the result set.

SELECT * FROM sales ORDER BY sale_date DESC;

1. LIMIT

Restricts how many results you get.

SELECT * FROM users LIMIT 10;

1. JOIN

Combines data from multiple tables.

SELECT customers.name, orders.amount

FROM customers

JOIN orders ON customers.id = orders.customer_id;

1. GROUP BY

Groups rows for aggregation.

SELECT department, COUNT(*) AS total_employees

FROM employees

GROUP BY department;

1. HAVING

Filters aggregated results.

SELECT department, COUNT() AS total

FROM employees

GROUP BY department

HAVING COUNT() > 5;

1. INSERT INTO

Adds new records.

INSERT INTO customers (name, email) VALUES ('Alice', '[e-mail]');

1. UPDATE / DELETE

Modifies or removes records.

UPDATE products SET price = 19.99 WHERE id = 5;
DELETE FROM users WHERE inactive = true;

✅ Wrap-Up

Learning these fundamental SQL queries gives you the power to explore data confidently, automate reports, and build a foundation for more advanced analytics.

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