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Are you looking for a new project to try in SQL (Structured Query Language)? Maybe you’re getting bored with the same old projects and need some fresh ideas.

Not to worry, in this post, I’ll share 17 different unique SQL projects you can try. For each project, I’ll suggest databases that would be best suited for it.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

17 Best SQL Projects For Beginners and Portfolio Building

Here are my picks for the best SQL project ideas to try this year:

1. Store Inventory Control Management Database

For this project, you’ll be creating a SQL database to track inventory in a store. The database should be able to store items, their descriptions, and current stock levels.

You’ll be using SQL queries to load data into the database. The data can then be extracted to track the current stock levels and generate reports to answer questions.

Suggested Databases:

  • MySQL
  • PostgreSQL

These databases work well for this project because they are relational, simple, highly customizable, and can handle decent amounts of data.

Bonus: You can consider connecting this SQL project database to a front-end interface, such as a web page or mobile app. You can also visualize things in a data visualization tool as well.

2. Employee Management System

In this next project, you’ll be using SQL to create a database to track employee information. The database should store basic info about employees such as name, address, phone number, salary history, and job title.

You can use various queries to create reports that list all the employees in the system or only those who meet certain criteria (e.g. salary range). You can also create alerts to notify employees about bonuses, commissions, or changes in the system.

Suggested Databases:

  • Oracle
  • Micorsoft SQL Server

These databases are suitable for this type of project as they come with features that make it easier to manage employee information. They also provide a lot of flexibility when it comes to creating reports and alerts.

Bonus: This project can be extended by creating a user interface to allow employees to view their information, submit changes, and update details.

3. Library Management System

For this project, you’ll be creating a database to track information about library materials. This will be used as a management system to monitor books, periodicals, and other borrowed items in the library.

You’ll need to store basic details such as title, author, publisher, year of publication, ISBN number, and genre. You’ll also need to store data about who borrowed the items when they borrowed them, and when it’s due.

Suggested Databases:

  • MySQL
  • SQLite
  • Microsoft Access

Being on the more basic projects on this list, these databases are an excellent choice because of how simple and straightforward they are for beginners.

These databases can also store a wide range of data types, offer efficient query languages, and provide good scalability. They also make it easy to generate reports about library usage.

Bonus: This project can be extended by creating a web or mobile interface for users to view and search library materials, as well as place holds on items.

4. Travel Agency Database

For this SQL project idea, you’ll be creating a database to store and manage data related to a travel agency.

The database should store information about flights, hotels, cruises, car rentals, and other travel services.

The database should also track the prices of each service so the agency can offer its customers the best deals. You’ll need to be able to do some data analysis of price changes.

SQL reports can also be generated to give an overview of the services and their pricing.

Suggested Databases:

MySQL

PostgreSQL

These SQL databases are suitable for this type of project because they are one of the most common databases around.

5. Accounting System Database

Tracking financial transactions can also make for a good SQL project idea. You’ll be able to use your SQL skills to monitor finance data in an accounting system.

The database should store information about purchases, sales, invoices, expenses, payments received, and payments made.

You’ll also need to store data about customers, vendors, employees and other stakeholders involved in the process.

Suggested Databases:

  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • MySQL

6. Online Retail Application Database

Creating a database for an online store is another one of the many practical SQL project ideas for beginners. This project will be simple for beginners to pick up, as most of you will be familiar with online retail stores.

You’ll be using SQL to manage the products, customers, and orders in the system.

The database should store information about each product such as name, description, price, and images.

It should also store customer details such as name, address, email, and payment information. You’ll be able to track all the data points collected in the registration process.

Suggested Databases:

  • SQLite

7. Student Database Management Information System

Are you a student? Then creating a student database management information system would be an excellent SQL database project idea.

This system will be used to store and track data about students, such as their grades, attendance records, course selections, and more.

You’ll need to store the basic personal details of each student as well as their academic performance. You may even want to track data related to their extracurricular activities.

Suggested Databases:

  • PostgreSQL
  • SQLite

8. Hospital Management System

This SQL project focuses on creating a database for a hospital. This system will be used to manage all operations within a hospital.

For example, it can be used to store and manage data about patients, doctors, nurses, wards, treatments, prescriptions, and more.

The database should also be able to track patient history so that doctors can quickly access and refer back to previous records.

Suggested Databases:

  • MySQL
  • Microsoft SQL Server

9. Event Booking System

If you’re looking for an interesting SQL project idea, why not try creating a database for an event booking system?

This system can be used to store and manage data related to events such as concerts, parties, conferences, or any other type of event. It should be able to track customer details, tickets sold and remaining tickets, and other relevant information.

The database should also be able to generate reports on the number of tickets sold, revenue generated, and profits.

Suggested Database:

MySQL

10. Music Collection & Store Database

Are you a music lover? Then creating a database for managing a music collection and store can be the perfect SQL project idea.

This system will be used to store information about artists, albums, tracks, and other related data. It should also include features such as user registration and authentication, search filter capabilities, reviews/ratings for music, and more.

Suggested Database:

  • MySQL
  • PostgreSQL

Basic SQL projects like these will make for excellent beginner practice, as data is generally cleaner and easier to query on SQL.

11. Airline Reservation System

If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge, then creating a database for an airline reservation system can be an interesting SQL project.

This system will be used to store and manage data related to flight bookings, passengers, aircraft, and more. You’ll need to think about how to handle different types of flights, passenger bookings, and other complex data points.

Suggested Databases:

  • MySQL
  • MS SQL Server

12. Hotel Management System

If you’re in the tourism industry, creating a database for a hotel management system can be an interesting SQL project. This system will be used to store and manage data related to rooms, reservations, guests, staff, and more.

You can include data points from different types of rooms, guest bookings, payment processing, and room occupancy.

Suggested Databases:

  • MySQL

13. Movie/Cinema Database

For movie fans, creating a database for a movie or cinema can be a good first SQL database project. This system will be used to store and manage data related to movies such as titles, release dates, actors/actresses, box office receipts, reviews, and ratings.

Suggested Databases:

  • MySQL
  • SQLite

14. Sports League Database

Are you a huge fan of sports? Then creating an SQL project for a sports league can be a great project idea. This system will be used to store and manage data related to teams, players, matches, scores, and team standings.

Suggested Databases:

  • MySQL

15. Payroll Management System

For those of us in the corporate world, creating a payroll management system can be an interesting SQL project.

This system will be used to store and manage data related to employee salaries, bonuses, deductions, taxes, and more.

Suggested Databases:

  • MySQL
  • SQL Server

16. Car Dealership Database

If you’re in the automotive industry, creating a database for a car dealership would be a practical project to try. This system will be used to store and manage data related to vehicles, customers, sales, inventory, and more.

Suggested Databases:

  • SQLite
  • MySQL

17. News Website Database

If you’re looking for a project that’s more web-based, then creating a database for a news website can be a great idea.

This system will be used to store and manage data related to articles, authors, comments, ratings, and other relevant information.

Suggested Databases:

  • MySQL
  • PostgreSQL

Related Questions

What are SQL databases used for?

SQL databases are used to store, manage, and query data. They can be used for a wide variety of applications such as websites, e-commerce stores, financial systems, and more.

SQL is the language used to interact with databases, so having a basic understanding of the language is essential when working with databases.

What are some good SQL projects?

Some good SQL projects include a library database, airline reservation system, hotel management system, movie/cinema database, sports league database, payroll management system, car dealership database, and news website.

Each project will require different types and amounts of data depending on the complexity of the project.

How do I create a SQL project?

Creating SQL projects is not difficult. You’ll need to decide on a project idea, choose a database program, create the necessary tables and columns, write relevant queries, and import the required data from an external source.

Lastly, generate reports to answer simple questions from the data.

Can I learn SQL in 15 days?

Yes, it is possible to learn the basics of SQL in 15 days. Start by familiarizing yourself with the language’s syntax and commands. Then move on to writing simple queries and practice manipulating data within a database program like SQLite, MySQL, or SQL Server.

With consistent practice, you should be able to gain a basic understanding of SQL within 15 days.

It’s also important to note that mastering SQL will require more than 15 days of study, so continue to practice and keep learning even after your initial 15 days are up.

Is Python or SQL easier?

SQL is easier than Python. SQL is designed to query and extract data from a database, so the syntax of the language is relatively simple and straightforward.

Python, on the other hand, is used for developing complex applications, so the syntax can be tougher to learn.

However, this depends on your coding background and goals.

Wrapping Up

And that’s all the top 17 SQL database projects for beginners! From library databases to sports league management systems, there’s something for everyone at each difficulty level.

Remember that practice is key when learning any language (even SQL), so take some time and start experimenting with these project ideas today.

I hope this article has been helpful, thanks for reading!

I'm a tech nerd, data analyst, and data scientist hungry to learn new skills, tools, and software. I love sharing content with my years of experience in data science, marketing, and tech startups.