SQL Interview Questions

Check out 30 of the most common SQL interview questions and take an AI-powered practice interview

MySQLPostgreSQLDatabase DesignQueriesJoins
30+
Questions
12
Basic
13
Intermediate
5
Advanced
Q1

What is SQL and when should you use it?

BasicFundamentals
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Q2

How do you connect to SQL?

BasicConnections
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Q3

What are the basic data types in SQL?

BasicData Types
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Q4

How do you create and manage databases in SQL?

BasicDatabase Management
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Q5

What are tables/collections in SQL?

BasicTables & Schema
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Q6

How do you perform CRUD operations in SQL?

BasicCRUD Operations
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Q7

What are primary keys and foreign keys in SQL?

BasicKeys & Relationships
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Q8

How do you write basic queries in SQL?

BasicQueries
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Q9

What are joins/lookups in SQL?

BasicJoins & Relationships
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Q10

How do you handle NULL values in SQL?

BasicNULL Handling
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Q11

What are constraints in SQL?

BasicConstraints
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Q12

How do you import/export data in SQL?

BasicData Migration
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Q13

How do you optimize queries in SQL?

IntermediateQuery Optimization
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Q14

What is indexing in SQL?

IntermediateIndexing
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Q15

How do you handle transactions in SQL?

IntermediateTransactions
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Q16

What are stored procedures/functions in SQL?

IntermediateStored Procedures
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Q17

How do you implement data validation in SQL?

IntermediateValidation
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Q18

What is normalization/denormalization in SQL?

IntermediateNormalization
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Q19

How do you handle concurrent access in SQL?

IntermediateConcurrency
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Q20

What are triggers in SQL?

IntermediateTriggers
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Q21

How do you implement full-text search in SQL?

IntermediateSearch
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Q22

What is query execution plan in SQL?

IntermediateExecution Plans
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Q23

How do you handle large datasets in SQL?

IntermediateBig Data
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Q24

What are views in SQL?

IntermediateViews & Templates
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Q25

How do you monitor performance in SQL?

IntermediateMonitoring
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Q26

How do you implement sharding in SQL?

AdvancedSharding
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Q27

What is replication strategy in SQL?

AdvancedReplication
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Q28

How do you handle distributed SQL?

AdvancedDistributed Systems
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Q29

What are advanced optimization techniques in SQL?

AdvancedAdvanced Topics
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Q30

How do you implement high availability in SQL?

AdvancedHigh Availability
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Companies Hiring SQL

Google
Amazon
Microsoft
Meta
Netflix
Uber
PayPal
LinkedIn
Spotify
Airbnb

Salary Insights

Average in India
₹5-20 LPA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SQL used for?

SQL is widely used for storing, managing, and retrieving data efficiently. It's valued for its performance, reliability, and extensive ecosystem.

How long does it take to learn SQL?

Learning SQL basics typically takes 1-3 months of dedicated study. Achieving proficiency requires 6-12 months of practice and real-world projects. Mastery comes with years of experience and continuous learning.

What are the job prospects for SQL developers?

SQL developers are in high demand across industries. With strong SQL skills, you can pursue roles in database administration, data engineering, with competitive salaries ranging from ₹5-20 LPA.

What prerequisites are needed for learning SQL?

Understanding of data structures and basic SQL are helpful prerequisites for learning SQL.

Which companies use SQL?

Major companies using SQL include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Netflix, and many more. SQL is adopted across startups to enterprise organizations.

Introduction

Preparing for database interviews with SQL expertise? Database knowledge is fundamental for any developer working with data-driven applications.

SQL is widely used for data storage, retrieval, and management. Understanding its architecture, query optimization, and best practices is essential.

This guide covers SQL interview questions ranging from basic CRUD operations to advanced topics like indexing, replication, and performance tuning.

Whether you're a backend developer or data engineer, these questions will help you demonstrate strong database expertise.