Table of Contents
Introduction
In the rapidly evolving field of data science, SQL (Structured Query Language) remains a fundamental tool for handling and analyzing large datasets. As data scientists, we understand the criticality of optimizing our workflow and simplifying complex tasks. In this comprehensive guide, we present 13 SQL statements that will empower you to efficiently tackle 90% of your data science tasks. By mastering these essential SQL commands, you’ll enhance your productivity and gain valuable insights from your data, SQL Statements for Data Science.

1. SELECT: Querying Data
The SELECT statement lies at the core of SQL, enabling us to extract data from relational databases. Its versatility and power make it a vital tool for data scientists. Whether you need to retrieve specific columns, filter rows based on conditions, or perform aggregations, the SELECT statement has got you covered.
Here’s an example:
SELECT column1, column2
FROM table
WHERE condition;
2. JOIN: Combining Data from Multiple Tables
Data often resides in multiple tables, necessitating the JOIN statement to merge information and create a cohesive dataset. By leveraging JOIN, you can establish relationships between tables using shared columns.
Here’s a simple JOIN example:
SELECT column1, column2
FROM table1
JOIN table2 ON table1.column = table2.column;
3. GROUP BY: Aggregating Data
When it comes to summarizing data and performing aggregations, the GROUP BY statement is indispensable. It allows us to group rows based on a specific column and apply aggregate functions to calculate meaningful statistics.
Consider the following example:
SELECT column, COUNT(*)
FROM table
GROUP BY column;
4. HAVING: Filtering Aggregated Results
After performing aggregations using GROUP BY, the HAVING clause enables us to filter the results based on specific conditions. It acts as a conditional filter for grouped data. SQL Statements for Data Science
Here’s an example:
SELECT column, COUNT(*)
FROM table
GROUP BY column
HAVING COUNT(*) > 10;
5. ORDER BY: Sorting Results
To sort query results in ascending or descending order, we can utilize the ORDER BY clause. It ensures that the output is organized according to the specified column(s).
Here’s an example:
SELECT column1, column2
FROM table
ORDER BY column1 DESC;
6. LIMIT: Restricting Result Size
The LIMIT clause is useful when we only need a subset of the query result. It allows us to restrict the number of rows returned by a query.
Here’s how it works:
SELECT column1, column2
FROM table
LIMIT 10;

7. DISTINCT: Eliminating Duplicate Entries
To eliminate duplicate records from query results, we can employ the DISTINCT keyword. It ensures that only unique values are returned for the specified columns. SQL Statements for Data Science
Here’s an example:
SELECT DISTINCT column
FROM table;
8. UNION: Combining Result Sets
The UNION operator allows us to combine the results of two or more SELECT statements into a single result set. It helps us consolidate data from different tables or queries with compatible column types.
Here’s an example:
SELECT column1, column2
FROM table1
UNION
SELECT column1, column2
FROM table2;
9. CASE: Conditional Expressions
The CASE statement provides a way to perform conditional logic within a query. It allows us to apply different expressions or values based on specified conditions.
Here’s an example:
SELECT column,
CASE
WHEN condition1 THEN result1
WHEN condition2 THEN result2
ELSE result3
END AS new_column
FROM table;
10. SUBQUERIES: Nesting Queries
Subqueries allow us to embed one query within another, providing powerful ways to retrieve data based on complex conditions. They can be used in SELECT, FROM, WHERE, or HAVING clauses.
Here’s an example:
SELECT column1, column2
FROM table1
WHERE column1 IN (SELECT column
FROM table2
WHERE condition);
11. CREATE TABLE: Creating New Tables
The CREATE TABLE statement enables us to create new tables in our database, defining the structure and properties of the table’s columns. SQL Statements for Data Science
Here’s a basic syntax example:
CREATE TABLE table_name (
column1 data_type,
column2 data_type,
...
);
12. ALTER TABLE: Modifying Existing Tables
To modify the structure or properties of an existing table, we can utilize the ALTER TABLE statement. It allows us to add, modify, or drop columns as needed. SQL Statements for Data Science
Here’s an example:
ALTER TABLE table_name
ADD new_column data_type;
13. DROP TABLE: Removing Tables
When we no longer need a table in our database, we can use the DROP TABLE statement to remove it entirely. Exercise caution while using this statement as it permanently deletes the table and its data.
Here’s an example:
DROP TABLE table_name;
Conclusion: SQL Statements for Data Science
Congratulations on mastering these essential SQL statements for data science tasks! With this comprehensive knowledge, you now have the tools to efficiently handle and analyze data, unlocking valuable insights. Remember to practice these statements in real-world scenarios to solidify your understanding. Embrace the power of SQL and propel your data science journey to new heights! SQL Statements for Data Science.
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