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Learning SQL through Gamification

Exploring SQL can be an adventure in its own right, especially when you mix learning with the element of play. I've come across a variety of websites that offer a unique twist on learning SQL through gamification. Imagine diving into stories where you're solving mysteries, unraveling puzzles, and unlocking secrets—all while picking up SQL skills. This method has completely changed the game for me, making learning feel more like a leisurely hobby than work. It’s about turning the learning curve into an exciting journey of discovery. I hope this sparks your curiosity and inspires you to dive into the exciting challenges listed below. Enjoy your journey into SQL and have fun along the way!

  • LeetCode Curated SQL 70 is a compilation of 70 practice problems focused on SQL, a language used for querying databases.
  • Noah’s Rug is a set of short data challenges, first released in 2022 as Hanukkah of Data. The same fictional dataset is used for all puzzles. Explore this dataset with the tools of your choice to figure out the answers, light the Hanukkah candles, and find Noah’s missing rug.
  • PostgreSQL Exercises is designed to offer practical, hands-on experience for learning PostgreSQL through a series of questions and explanations based on a single, simple dataset.
  • The SQL Murder Mystery is an interactive game designed to teach SQL concepts and commands through solving a crime. It's targeted at both beginners looking for a unique way to practice SQL and experienced users interested in a fun challenge. Participants are tasked with solving a murder that took place in SQL City by querying a database to uncover clues.
  • Datastar is an educational text-based space sim written and played in SQL!
  • SQL Police Department (SQLPD) is an interactive learning platform where users can improve their SQL skills by solving fictional crimes. The website offers a unique approach to practicing SQL through engaging, problem-solving exercises. It's designed for users at various levels of expertise in SQL, making it an educational tool that combines learning with an element of fun.
  • Lost at SQL is an interactive SQL learning game designed by Robin Lord to help players pick up basic SQL skills through engaging game play. It encourages players to use SQL queries to obtain information, emphasizing the practical applications of SQL in processing large datasets, standardization across industries, and the importance of SQL for data analysis and machine learning preparation. The game aims to make learning SQL an investigative and immersive experience, differentiating from simply using automated tools for query writing.
  • In SQL Island you survived a plane crash and are stuck on SQL Island for the time being. By making progress in the game, you will find a way to escape from this island.

You can also try interactive tutorials like https://sqlbolt.com/ solve challenges at Hackerrank https://www.hackerrank.com/domains/sql (and even get certified) or solve generic problems from code golf https://code.golf/ using SQL (filter for SQL).

Finally get inspired by pros like Alex Bolenok aka quassnoi who does crazy things in SQL like GPT in 500 lines of SQL, solving the Rubik’s Cube in SQL, quantum computer emulator in SQL, 3D picture of the coronavirus in SQL, GIF decoder in SQL, Settlers of Catan in SQL, Conway’s Game of Life in SQL and drawing fractals in SQL.