SQL Projects: Understanding SQL and How to Use It

What is SQL? 

Researchers at IBM developed structured query language (SQL) in the 1970s. This programming language stores, analyses, and gathers data for websites, software, and applications, making it an essential data science tool. SQL is a standard relational database management systems language frequently used in different systems, such as MySQL, MS Access, Oracle, Sybase, Informix, Postgres, and SQL Server. It also qualifies as an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) language. 

SQL is an increasingly in-demand skill as it is one of the most powerful database operating languages. SQL can change or modify existing data, insert and organise new data, or even delete data sets entirely. A versatile database creation and management tool, you can use SQL to alter entire database systems for various purposes. 

Because SQL is such a helpful and flexible tool, you can find plenty of projects, no matter your skill level. 

10 potential SQL projects 

Given the various uses for SQL across multiple industries, here are some ideas to help get you started on a new project: 

Salary management database 

Do you want to help companies manage their salary databases? SQL can organise and analyse data regarding employees’ salaries, payments, benefits, taxes, working hours, leave, and compensations. This is a fundamental part of any workplace and a leading project that provides value to organisations and may offer versatile opportunities. 

Student database management 

This project aims to gather and organise students’ records, including names, addresses, contact details, scholarships, attendance, mark sheets, year of admission, etc. You can use SQL to analyse and structure data entries. In managing students’ personal information, it is vital to construct an effective, secure database that is not only organised effectively but built to protect private information.   

Library management system 

This project aims to manage a library database system with SQL. A library management system would hold data about every book in the library – title, genre, author, price, etc. – and organise it for user advantage. The system would let users know how many book copies are available, allow them to browse the inventory and check out books, and increase efficiency in the book checkout process. SQL is an incredibly effective tool in library management systems because it updates and edits database systems as much as necessary. As new inventory circulates in and out, it’s essential to have the ability to update information for users.

X-Press publishing 

If you are new to SQL projects and are interested in X-Press publishing, Microsoft may be a huge help. Microsoft walks you through X-Press publishing step-by-step, providing necessary information and examples. Code Academy, another beginner-friendly platform for SQL projects, has various projects you can try with guided videos if you need help.

Cryptocurrency exchange 

If you’re interested in forms of digital currency, you might want to check out projects relating to cryptocurrency exchanges. You can use SQL to analyse different forms of cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, Ether, and Dogecoin. Some of the most popular apps and platforms for cryptocurrency exchange include eToro, Uphold, and Coinbase. 

Retail application database 

This project is about online shopping – an increasingly popular means of buying and selling products virtually. For a project like this, SQL not only organises data relating to stock and inventory but also allows users to browse and purchase product inventory. A database like this would also require users to provide a unique user ID, a password, and personal information like full name, home address, and payment information. As stores continue to adopt online platforms for buying and selling products, the ability to use SQL in this manner is becoming increasingly relevant.

Carbon emissions calculator 

Carbon emissions calculators are in high demand due to growing global attention to environmental issues. This project aims to create a database that can calculate the carbon footprint of any building by analysing specific data inputs. SQL will collect and organise data based on water use, energy use, transportation, building structure, climate, workdays per year, etc. The overall goal of this project is to promote conservation and bring attention to carbon usage. 

Blood donation database 

This project aims to gather and organise all data related to blood donations: patient name, age, blood type, and health level, information about the blood bank, and information regarding the bank donors. You can use SQL in the database formation to organise all this data and make it more digestible for users. At the same time, protecting private property and personal information is vital here. As an SQL user, developing efficient and protective databases will be essential. 

Inventory control management

This project aims to improve inventory organisation by ensuring a decline in overstocks and understocks, both of which are not conducive to a healthy business. You can use SQL to create a database that will organise stock and inventory information to simplify ordering new stock and keeping track of what inventory. Like library management systems, SQL is an excellent tool for inventory-based projects because you can edit and revise database information.

Hospital management system 

This project works to organise and streamline data regarding hospital functions. SQL, in this instance, collects and manages data regarding patients, hospital staff, room availability, admissions and discharges, and supplies inventory. With so much data considered, it might benefit you to have a novice-level understanding of SQL before diving into a project this large. Luckily, plenty of resources are out there to help you build a solid foundation of SQL knowledge. 

Next steps with SQL

If you want to learn more about SQL, consider taking online courses to expand your knowledge and sharpen your skills. For example, you can find Introduction to Structured Query Language, SQL for Data Science, or Learn SQL Basics for Data Science from world-class institutions on the Coursera platform.  

specialization

Meta Database Engineer

Launch your career as a Database Engineer. Build job-ready skills for an in-demand career and earn a credential from Meta. No degree or experience required to get started.

4.6

(2,119 ratings)

65,356 already enrolled

Beginner level

Learn More

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

database management, Tabular records, database administration, SQL and Python syntax, MySQL, Database (DB) Design, Database (DBMS), Django (Web Framework), Python Programming, Data Management, Data Model, Extraction, Transformation And Loading (ETL), Data Warehousing, Project Management, Application development, Computer Programming, Application Programming Interfaces (API), Cloud Hosting, Relational Database, Data Structure, Computer Science, Algorithms, Communication, Pseudocode, Version Control, Github, Bash (Unix Shell), Web Development, Linux