Analyze data like a pro even if you re a beginner. Practical SQL is an approachable and
fast-paced guide to SQL (Structured Query Language) the standard programming language for
defining organizing and exploring data in relational databases. Anthony DeBarros a
journalist and data analyst focuses on using SQL to find the story within your data. The
examples and code use the open-source database PostgreSQL and its companion pgAdmin interface
and the concepts you learn will apply to most database management systems including MySQL
Oracle SQLite and others.* You ll first cover the fundamentals of databases and the SQL
language then build skills by analyzing data from real-world datasets such as US Census
demographics New York City taxi rides and earthquakes from US Geological Survey. Each chapter
includes exercises and examples that teach even those who have never programmed before all the
tools necessary to build powerful databases and access information quickly and efficiently. You
ll learn how to: Create databases and related tables using your own data Aggregate sort and
filter data to find patterns Use functions for basic math and advanced statistical operations
Identify errors in data and clean them up Analyze spatial data with a geographic information
system (PostGIS) Create advanced queries and automate tasks This updated second edition has
been thoroughly revised to reflect the latest in SQL features including additional advanced
query techniques for wrangling data. This edition also has two new chapters: an expanded set of
instructions on for setting up your system plus a chapter on using PostgreSQL with the popular
JSON data interchange format. Learning SQL doesn t have to be dry and complicated. Practical
SQL delivers clear examples with an easy-to-follow approach to teach you the tools you need to
build and manage your own databases. * Microsoft SQL Server employs a variant of the language
called T-SQL which is not covered by Practical SQL.
