Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups
Register | Login
SSS

Select Star SQL VS SQLBolt

Compare Select Star SQL VS SQLBolt and see what are their differences

ScholarSail
AI study tools that generate mindmaps, spaced-repetition flashcards, and 3D memory palaces from your notes. Built-in rich text editor, Pomodoro timer, and colored noise. sponsored
Contents:
  1. » Base Details
  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

Select Star SQL logo Select Star SQL

Education & Reference

SQLBolt logo SQLBolt

SQLBolt provides a set of interactive lessons and exercises to help you learn SQL
  • Select Star SQL Landing page
    Landing page //
    2026-05-03
  • SQLBolt Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-29

Select Star SQL features and specs

  • Completely Free
    Select Star SQL is entirely free to use with no paywalls, subscriptions, or hidden costs. This makes it accessible to anyone who wants to learn SQL regardless of their financial situation.
  • Interactive Hands-On Learning
    The platform provides an interactive SQL environment directly in the browser where learners can write and execute real SQL queries against actual datasets, reinforcing concepts through practice rather than passive reading.
  • Real-World Dataset
    The course uses a compelling real-world dataset about Texas death row executions, which makes the learning experience more engaging and meaningful compared to abstract or contrived examples.
  • Well-Structured Progressive Curriculum
    The course is organized in a logical progression from basic SELECT statements to more advanced concepts like aggregations, joins, and subqueries, allowing learners to build knowledge incrementally without feeling overwhelmed.
  • No Setup Required
    There is no need to install any software, set up a database, or configure an environment. Learners can start writing SQL queries immediately in their web browser, removing a significant barrier to entry for beginners.

Possible disadvantages of Select Star SQL

  • Limited Scope
    The course covers only fundamental SQL concepts and does not address more advanced topics like window functions, CTEs, indexing, database design, or performance optimization, which are essential for professional SQL usage.
  • Single Database Dialect
    The platform teaches SQL using SQLite, and does not cover syntax differences or features specific to other popular database systems like PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, or Oracle, which learners may encounter in real jobs.
  • No Certificate or Credential
    Completing the course does not provide any formal certificate, badge, or credential that learners could use to demonstrate their SQL skills to potential employers or on professional profiles.
  • Limited Practice Exercises
    While the course includes some exercises, the total number of practice problems is relatively small compared to dedicated SQL practice platforms, which may not be sufficient for learners who need extensive repetition to solidify their skills.
  • Single Dataset Can Feel Restrictive
    Using only one dataset throughout the entire course means learners do not get experience working with diverse data schemas, table relationships, or different types of data, which limits exposure to varied real-world scenarios.

SQLBolt features and specs

  • Interactive Learning
    SQLBolt provides interactive lessons that allow users to practice SQL queries directly in their browser, which enhances understanding and retention of the material.
  • Beginner-Friendly
    The platform is designed for beginners, featuring clear explanations and step-by-step instructions that make it easy for newcomers to grasp SQL concepts.
  • Free Access
    SQLBolt offers free access to all of its lessons and exercises, making it accessible to anyone wanting to learn SQL without financial barriers.
  • Instant Feedback
    Users receive immediate feedback on their queries, allowing them to correct mistakes and learn effectively through trial and error.
  • Progress Tracking
    The platform allows users to track their progress through the lessons, helping them stay motivated and see how much they have accomplished.

Possible disadvantages of SQLBolt

  • Limited Advanced Content
    SQLBolt primarily focuses on basic and intermediate concepts, so advanced users may find the content insufficient for more complex SQL topics and practices.
  • No Certificate
    The platform does not offer any form of certification upon completion of the lessons, which might be a downside for users looking to add credentials to their resumes.
  • Lack of Variety in Exercises
    The exercises may become repetitive, which could limit the depth of learning and the ability to apply SQL skills to a wider range of real-world scenarios.
  • No Community Support
    SQLBolt does not have a built-in community or forum for users to ask questions or discuss topics, which can be a disadvantage for learners who benefit from peer support and collaboration.
  • Limited Database Diversity
    The platform uses a simplified database structure for teaching purposes, which might not fully represent the complexity and variety of databases encountered in professional settings.

Analysis of Select Star SQL

Overall verdict

  • Select Star SQL is an excellent free, interactive online book for learning SQL, praised for its engaging, hands-on approach that lets you write and run queries directly in the browser while working through a compelling real-world dataset.

Why this product is good

  • It's completely free and accessible online with no signup required
  • Features an interactive interface where you can write and execute SQL queries directly in the browser
  • Uses a compelling, thought-provoking dataset (Texas death row executions) that keeps learners engaged
  • Teaches SQL through active problem-solving rather than passive reading
  • Progresses logically from basic concepts to more advanced topics like window functions and self-joins
  • Includes exercises with solutions to reinforce learning
  • Well-written and clearly explained, making complex concepts approachable for beginners

Recommended for

  • Complete beginners who want to learn SQL from scratch
  • Self-taught learners who prefer hands-on, interactive practice
  • Students and professionals looking to build a solid foundation in querying databases
  • Aspiring data analysts and data scientists
  • Anyone wanting a free alternative to paid SQL courses
  • People who learn best by doing rather than just reading theory

Analysis of SQLBolt

Overall verdict

  • SQLBolt is a great resource for learning SQL, particularly for beginners and those who learn best through interactive, hands-on experience. Its clear lessons and practical exercises make it effective for understanding essential SQL concepts. However, advanced learners might seek additional resources to explore more complex topics after completing SQLBolt's lessons.

Why this product is good

  • SQLBolt is highly regarded due to its interactive approach to teaching SQL. The platform offers a series of exercises that allow users to practice and apply SQL syntax directly within their lessons. This hands-on approach helps reinforce learning and can be more engaging than traditional textbook methods. Additionally, SQLBolt's clean, intuitive interface makes it accessible for beginners, and its structured lessons gradually increase in complexity, which helps learners build a strong foundation in SQL. The platform is free to use, making it an attractive option for those looking to learn without financial investment.

Recommended for

    SQLBolt is recommended for beginners who are new to SQL or those with limited experience who need a refresher on basic concepts. It is also useful for anyone who prefers learning through interactive and practical exercises rather than purely theoretical content.

Select Star SQL videos

No Select Star SQL videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

SQLBolt videos

+ Add

Learn SQL in 2 Hours | SQLBolt Solutions

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Select Star SQL and SQLBolt)

Select Star SQL

SQLBolt

Online Education
11 11%
Online Education
89% 89
Online Learning
8 8%
Online Learning
92% 92
Online Courses
12 12%
Online Courses
88% 88
Data Management
100 100%
Data Management
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using Select Star SQL and SQLBolt. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SQLBolt seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 124 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Select Star SQL mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Select Star SQL yet. Tracking of Select Star SQL recommendations started around May 2026.

SQLBolt mentions (124)

  • SQL Cheatsheet
    I hope this helps you with interview prep as it does to me. I find https://sqlbolt.com/ super helpful if you want to learn SQL queries in depth. Thanks! - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • Free SQL courses for beginners in 2026
    SQLBolt - Introduction to SQL - Browser-based interactive tutorial with progressive lessons and immediate practice exercises, offering a quick and practical way to learn SQL fundamentals directly in your browser without setup, though it lacks formal certification and may not cover advanced database administration topics. - Source: dev.to / 9 months ago
  • Diving Deeper into SQL: Advanced Queries and Real-World Applications
    To overcome these challenges, I relied on SQL documentation, online tutorials, and practice sites like DataLemur and SQLBolt. These resources were invaluable in helping me build confidence and refine my skills. - Source: dev.to / 9 months ago
  • Where to Learn SQL for Free: Best Platforms and Resources
    SQLBolt focuses exclusively on giving you hands-on practice with increasingly complex queries. The platform starts with simple SELECT statements and progressively moves to complex joins and subqueries. You'll get immediate visual feedback while the site explains concepts briefly before each practice section. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • SQL for Beginners - A Complete Guide.
    SQLBolt - Great for learning SQL using problem solving approach by answering various quizzes after each topic. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Select Star SQL and SQLBolt, you can also consider the following products

SQLZOO - SQLZoo includes tutorials and reference to support people learning SQL. It features:

PostgreSQL Exercises - Education & Reference

DataLemur - Practice SQL Interview Questions & Data Science Interview Questions asked by FAANG.

SQL Teaching - The easiest way to learn SQL

The Odin Project - How it works. This is the website we wish we had when we were learning on our own. We scour the internet looking for only the best resources to supplement your learning and present them in a logical order.

Programming Hub - The best app to learn 14+ programming languages such as Python, Assembly, HTML, VB.

Loading...