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105 SQL Interview Questions (2023 Prep Guide)
105 SQL Interview Questions (2023 Prep Guide)
Guide]
What is DBMS?
A database management system (DBMS) is a software system used to oversee the operations of
a database. It helps manage the structure of the database and manipulate the data stored within
it.
Define the term database.
A database is a repository of structured data stored in a computer system.
What is RDBMS? Is it different from DBMS?
An RDBMS (relational database management system) is used to store, query, and manage the
data in a relational database.
An RDBMS is used to manage a relational database, which means that data can be stored only in
the form of tables. This makes relational databases a more advanced and structured alternative
to traditional DBMS systems.
Define tables and fields.
When you store data that is structured in the form of rows and columns, it is known as a table.
The columns that form the table are known as fields.
How do you create a table in SQL?
Use the following command:
1 CREATE TABLE
Here, data_type refers to the data type you want to set for the column. That’s followed by any
constraints that you want to set on the values in the column.
Define a live lock.
A live lock is when a table requires access to an exclusive lock, but is denied access because
there are multiple overlapping shared locks.
Define COMMIT and give an example?
COMMIT is a command used to permanently store the changes that have been made to a table.
Let’s say you have a table that stores employee data and want to delete the data of an
employee who has left the company. The syntax for that would be:
1 DELETE from Employees where EmployeeName = ‘X’
If you want to save this change that you’ve made, you would use the COMMIT command, which
has the following simple syntax:
1 COMMIT;
Assume that you have a table with columns titled idnumber and
employeename. The table has 100 million rows. How would you sample
a random row without affecting the performance of the database?
The following query can be used to sample a random row from the given columns:
select * from table order by rand()
SQL Server Interview Questions
What is an SQL server?
An SQL server is a relational database management system created by Microsoft.
What is CTE in SQL Server?
CTE (common table expressions) is a temporary name given to the result of a query which you
can then reference in an INSERT, DELETE, UPDATE, or SELECT statement.
There are two kinds of CTEs in SQL servers. They are:
Non-recursive CTEs: The subroutines in these CTEs are not repeated during processing.
Recursive CTEs: These CTEs use looped procedures in their execution.
How do you change an SQL server password?
Use the following query to change the password in an SQL server:
How do you uninstall an SQL server?
Make sure that you’ve backed up the SQL server that you’re deleting before continuing with
this process. Once that’s done, follow these steps:
1. Go to Settings in the start menu and select Apps.
2. Enter ‘sql’ in the search box.
3. Select the option which says Microsoft SQL Server along with the version number listed.
4. Click Uninstall.
5. Select the Remove option in the popup.
6. You will now see a page with the Select Instance dropdown. Here you can select the SQL
server that you want to remove. Click Next.
7. You will now see the Select Features page and can select the features that you want to
remove, along with that instance.
8. You will now be able to review the items that you’re removing on the Ready to Remove
page.
9. Hit Remove to initiate the uninstallation process.
How to Prepare for an SQL Interview
Use the following pointers when preparing for an SQL interview.
Theoretical Foundations
Prepare for your interview by learning the basic theory behind databases, relational database
management systems, and SQL as a technology. In your interview, you might be asked about
things like triggers, constraints, cursors, and basic SQL commands.
Writing Queries
To extract specific data from a database, you need to be proficient at writing complex queries.
You will usually be given one or two tables and asked to write various queries to retrieve
information from them. So you should learn how to use aggregate functions, joins, comparison
operators, and subqueries.
Writing Code
Whenever you write code, make sure that you talk through your process so that interviewers can
understand how you go about solving problems. Although solving the problem is the main goal,
make sure that you always use the right syntax so that interviewers aren’t confused about
what you’re doing.
Communicate Effectively
Whether it’s a question about yourself or a technical SQL question, make sure that you
communicate confidently and keep your answers to the point. Recruiters usually don’t have
much time with each candidate and like when they can get the information they want quickly.
SQL Interview FAQs
How long should you prepare for an SQL interview?
This comes down to how familiar you are with SQL. If you’re early in your learning journey,
then give yourself at least three months to prepare.
Are SQL interviews difficult?
SQL interviews are not especially difficult. You can be confident of doing well if you understand
basic database theory and are adept at writing queries.