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Getting Started with Oracle LiveSQL: a free SQL learning platform

I’m STOKED to introduce your new go-to for learning SQL right in your browser, LiveSQL! Built on Oracle Database, LiveSQL skips the downloads and setup hassles—zero installations, just SQL 🔥 Whether you’re a student new to databases, a curious hobbyist, or a dev brushing up on SQL, this platform is your new, completely FREE SQL playground.

Even without signing up for an account, you can jump in, run queries, explore datasets, and even try tutorials without signing up. Want to create your own database objects? Create a free account to unlock cool extras like building your own tables , creating sequences or views, and saving favorite tutorials in the Tutorial Library.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through LiveSQL’s basics—running your first query, touring the homepage, setting up an account, and more. Let’s dive in!

1. What You Can Do Without an Account

LiveSQL’s magic starts the second you visit—no signup needed. Here’s what you can dive into right away:

  • Run SQL Queries in the Worksheet: Open the Worksheet and start typing queries. Check the Navigator panel to find pre-loaded tables for experimenting. It’s perfect for trying SQL commands without any setup

  • Save Your Work Locally: Wrote a query you love? ❤️ Save it as a .sql file to your device or store it in your browser’s local storage, so you can pick up where you left off next time you’re back.

  • Explore Tutorials in the Library: Browse the Library’s tutorials created by SQL experts to learn new tricks. Follow along hands-on, no account required. (Note: to execute any table-modifying database operations within the tutorials, you’ll need to sign up for a free account!)

2. Tour the LiveSQL Homepage

Before you dive deeper, let’s check out LiveSQL’s interface to get comfy:

  • Navigator Panel: On the left, this panel lists tables and datasets you can query (public ones for now, or your own after signing up).

  • Worksheet: Your SQL sandbox in the center. Write, run, and save queries here—where the SQL goodness happens!

  • Query Result Panel: Below the Worksheet, see your query results, plus tabs for script output, Explain Plan (query breakdown), and SQL history (where you can see all your past queries that have been executed).

  • Library: On the right, find tutorials and community tips. It’s your new go-to hub for learning and inspiration! :)

This layout makes LiveSQL a breeze to navigate, whether you’re just exploring or ready to dive into writing some SQL!

3. Setting Up an Account

Want to create your own tables and favorite your most used tutorials? A free Oracle account unlocks LiveSQL’s full potential. Here’s how to get started:

  • Visit LiveSQL: Go to LiveSQL’s website and click the “Start Coding” button

  • Then, on the next page you visit, click “Sign In” (top right)

  • Create an Account: No Oracle account? Hit “Create an Account,” add your email, name, and password, then check your inbox for a verification link

  • Verify and Sign In: Click the link, sign in, and you’re ready to roll!

Why Sign Up?

  • Your Own Schema: Build and manage tables, insert data, create views, and more in your own personal environment

  • Tutorials: Like or favorite tutorials to track your progress

  • Advanced Features: Play around with stored procedures and sequences for next-level SQL skills 😎

5. Discovering Tutorials

LiveSQL’s Library is packed with tutorials to boost your SQL game, and you can start them without signing up (sweet, right??) Here’s how:

  • Find the Library: Click the “Library” tab on the homepage.

  • Browse and Filter: Sort tutorials by popularity or search for topics like “filter rows.”

  • Pick One: Click a tutorial to see its steps, then hit “Insert into Editor” to try it out.

Tutorials are hands-on, guiding you through real SQL tasks. Try the Querying and Filtering Rows tutorial to learn how to fetch data with SELECT—it’s a great first step for beginners!! (don’t forget: you’ll need to sign up for a free account to perform any table-modifying database operations within the tutorials).

6. Getting Help

Having issues? As the LiveSQL product manager, I’ve got your back :)

  • DM or @ me on X if you have any questions or concerns!

  • Utilize the Oracle Community: Visit Oracle’s LiveSQL forum for advice from myself and the LiveSQL team.

  • Experiment: The Worksheet is safe and unbreakable—play around to learn by doing!

I’m here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out to me!

Jump into LiveSQL at livesql.oracle.com and start your free SQL journey today! Want more LiveSQL greatness? Follow me on X for tips, tutorials, and a deeper dive into LiveSQL’s advanced features. Happy querying!!