Software Alternatives & Startups

Select Star SQL VS SQLBolt

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

Select Star SQL

Education & Reference

Rating
0 reviews
SQLBolt

SQLBolt provides a set of interactive lessons and exercises to help you learn SQL

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, SQLBolt seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 125 times since March 2021.

social mentions
0 vs 125
Online Education popularity
10% vs 90%
alternatives listed
12 vs 54

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

SSS
Select Star SQL
SQLBolt
Website selectstarsql.com sqlbolt.com
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

SSS
Select Star SQL 5 features
SQLBolt 5 features
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

SSS
Select Star SQL
SQLBolt

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

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.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

SSS
Select Star SQL 0 videos + Add
SQLBolt 1 video + Add

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

Learn SQL in 2 Hours | SQLBolt Solutions

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
SSS
Select Star SQL
SQLBolt
10% 10%
90% 90%
8% 8%
92% 92%
12% 12%
88% 88%
100% 100%
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?

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

SSS
Select Star SQL 0 mentions
SQLBolt 125 mentions

Tracking Select Star SQL since May 2026.

  • Learn SQL by Typing It: Three Browser Database Terminals Compared
    Disclosure: I help build these simulators; they are part of 50+ free DevOps games and simulators. For more practice beyond them, SQLBolt and PostgreSQL Exercises are excellent and free, and SQL Murder Mystery is the most fun anyone has... - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
  • 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 / 8 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... - Source: dev.to / 11 months ago

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Alternatives to Select Star SQL and SQLBolt

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