Basic SQL Queries
Definitions, Rules, Examples, and
Execution Flow
What is SQL?
• SQL (Structured Query Language) is used to
interact with relational databases.
• It helps in storing, retrieving, updating, and
deleting data efficiently.
• Used in industries like banking, e-commerce,
and data analysis.
• Supported by databases like MySQL,
PostgreSQL, SQL Server, and Oracle.
Data Retrieval in SQL
• SQL provides commands to retrieve and filter
data:
• SELECT → Fetches specific or all columns from
a table.
• WHERE → Filters rows based on conditions.
• ORDER BY → Sorts results in ascending or
descending order.
SELECT Statement
• Rules:
• - Retrieves data from a table.
• - Can select all columns (*) or specific
columns.
• Syntax:
• SELECT column_name FROM table_name;
• Execution Order: FROM → SELECT → ORDER
WHERE Clause
• Rules:
• - Filters records based on conditions.
• - Can use operators like =, >, <, LIKE, etc.
• Syntax:
• SELECT * FROM table WHERE condition;
• Execution Order: FROM → WHERE → SELECT
→ ORDER BY
ORDER BY Clause
• Rules:
• - Sorts results in ascending (ASC) or
descending (DESC) order.
• - Can sort by multiple columns.
• Syntax:
• SELECT * FROM table ORDER BY column DESC;
• Execution Order: FROM → WHERE → SELECT
SQL Query Execution Flow
• 1. FROM - Identify the source table.
• 2. WHERE - Filter rows based on conditions.
• 3. SELECT - Choose specific columns.
• 4. ORDER BY - Sort results as needed.
• Execution follows this order, NOT the written
order in SQL!
Best Practices
• - Use SELECT to retrieve only necessary
columns for efficiency.
• - Use WHERE to filter records and improve
query performance.
• - Use ORDER BY cautiously as sorting large
data sets can be slow.
• - Always use proper indentation and
formatting for readability.
• - Understand SQL execution order: FROM →
WHERE → SELECT → ORDER BY.
Summary
• - SQL is a powerful tool for managing and
retrieving data.
• - SELECT retrieves data from tables.
• - WHERE filters records based on conditions.
• - ORDER BY sorts results in a specified order.
• - Understanding query execution flow
improves SQL efficiency.
Thank You!
• Questions?
• Feel free to practice SQL queries for better
understanding!