Learn MySQL Programming

Master SQL from basics to advanced topics with practical, production‑style examples. Perfect for beginners and developers who want to query data effectively.

Start Learning Try MySQL Online

MySQL Programming Tutorial

Learn SQL step-by-step using MySQL: from installation to writing efficient queries with joins, aggregates, transactions, and constraints.

Topics
SQL SELECT (I)
SQL SELECT AND, OR, NOT SELECT DISTINCT SELECT AS Alias LIMIT/TOP/FETCH FIRST IN / NOT IN BETWEEN IS NULL / IS NOT NULL MAX() / MIN() COUNT() SUM() / AVG()
SQL SELECT (II)
ORDER BY GROUP BY LIKE / NOT LIKE Wildcards UNION Subquery Views CTE ANY / ALL CASE HAVING EXISTS
SQL JOINS
Joins Overview INNER JOIN LEFT JOIN RIGHT JOIN FULL OUTER JOIN CROSS JOIN Self JOIN
Database and Table
CREATE DATABASE CREATE TABLE DROP DATABASE DROP TABLE ALTER TABLE BACKUP DATABASE
Insert, Update and Delete
INSERT INTO UPDATE SELECT INTO (Copy) INSERT INTO SELECT DELETE / TRUNCATE
Constraints
Constraints Overview NOT NULL UNIQUE PRIMARY KEY FOREIGN KEY CHECK DEFAULT CREATE INDEX Composite Key
Additional Topics
Comments Data Types Operators Date & Time Join Three Tables SUBSTRING() SQL Commands REPLACE() REGEXP Stored Procedures SQL Injection
Try MySQL Editor

Self JOIN

Join a table to itself to compare rows. Common for hierarchical data (manager → employee) and friend relationships.

Example
SELECT a.name AS person, b.name AS friend\nFROM people a JOIN people b ON a.friend_id = b.id;

Use distinct aliases to keep columns clear when a table appears twice.

Practice as You Learn

Use the MySQL editor to run queries and adjust examples. Build confidence by experimenting with different WHERE clauses, JOINs, and aggregates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install MySQL to learn SQL?

No. You can practice SQL using our online MySQL editor. Installing MySQL locally is recommended for deeper learning and real-world workflows.

What are the most common SQL commands?

The essentials include SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, CREATE TABLE, and JOIN. Mastering these gives you a strong foundation.

How do I avoid slow queries?

Use proper indexes, filter with WHERE, and limit scanned rows. Review query plans with EXPLAIN and avoid SELECT *

Is MySQL different from SQL?

SQL is the language. MySQL is a database system that uses SQL. Syntax is mostly standard, with a few MySQL-specific features.

Learn MySQL the Practical Way

Start with simple queries, then grow into building tables, defining relationships, and writing robust joins. This tutorial keeps examples short and readable so you can copy, run, and adapt them quickly.

Hands-on SQL for Real Projects

From reporting to analytics, SQL is the backbone of working with data. The examples here mirror everyday tasks—filtering rows, summarizing with GROUP BY, and combining tables using JOINs—so you learn skills you can use immediately.

Built for Mobile and Desktop

This page is fully responsive and optimized for reading on mobile. Use the editor to test queries on the go and keep practicing wherever you are.

Keep Going

Bookmark this tutorial and come back as you progress. Small, consistent practice turns SQL into a superpower for your applications and analytics.