data-skill-challenges/challenges/basic_sql_training

Basic SQL Training

A training folder to help participants get familiar with SQL and our Data Warehouse (DWH). It includes a mix of learning material, beginner-level exercises with answers, and more open-ended challenges based on real internal requests.

This training is intended for Domain Analysts or anyone looking to improve their ability to query and explore data independently. Early exercises focus on foundational SQL and navigating the DWH, while later challenges mimic real-life data requests and require more analytical thinking.

Learning Material

• Complete SQLBolt.com chapters 1-12 + Subqueries
• Fiddle around O'Reilly Head First SQL.pdf Chapters 1, 6 and 8

Goals

The training encourages the development of the following skills:

• Understand and explore DWH tables and schemas
• Write basic SQL queries using SELECT, WHERE, GROUP BY, ORDER BY
• Perform joins between tables using primary and foreign keys
• Use aggregation functions like COUNT, SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX
• Apply filtering logic and subqueries
• Export and analyze results in Excel or Power BI
• Present findings clearly and concisely

The early exercises have defined answers to help build confidence, while the open-ended challenges simulate real data tickets and require the use of domain knowledge, assumptions, and creativity.

Inventory

• O'Reilly Head First SQL.pdf: This thoroughly revised book teaches you SQL fundamentals and how to really take advantage of it.
• SQL Training Exercises.doc: Basic SQL questions with provided solutions to get familiar with the syntax and the DWH structure. In DOCX format for editing.
• SQL Training Exercises.pdf: Same content as the DOC version, in PDF format for easy sharing with participants.
• SQL Open Challenges.doc: Advanced SQL challenges based on real internal data requests ("Data Captain tickets"). These are open-ended and don't include answers.
• SQL Open Challenges.pdf: Same content as the DOC version, in PDF format for easy sharing with participants.

How to Use

• Share the learning material with the participants.
• Have some learning sessions for the participants to get more familiarized with our DWH.
• Provide the exercises and challenges once they have finished studying the basics of SQL.
• Set a timeline for them and review after finishing.

Solutions

The basic exercises come with the solutions included. The Open Challenges do not.