Preparing for a data or backend interview? Download this free SQL queries cheat sheet for interview PDF from Vista Hub. It is an original A4 reference covering SELECT, JOINs, aggregates, CTEs, and window functions.
What is in the PDF
The PDF is 8 pages. It covers:
- SELECT, WHERE, ORDER BY, and LIMIT patterns
- INNER JOIN vs LEFT JOIN with short examples
- GROUP BY, HAVING, and common aggregate questions
- Subqueries and CTEs
- Window functions such as RANK and ROW_NUMBER
- Index talking points
- Interview-style patterns like second-highest salary
Examples follow ANSI-style SQL. Small syntax differences exist between MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server. The sheet notes the common ones.
You will see clear patterns for filtering, sorting, joining tables, grouping results, and ranking rows. Each section is short so you can revise it quickly.
Who it is for
Freshers, data analysts, and anyone preparing for SQL interview questions. It works as a printable study sheet beside your practice notebook. Not a full textbook — just the patterns that come up often in interviews.
Backend developers who need a quick refresh on JOINs and window functions will also find it useful. The sheet focuses on what interviewers usually ask, not on advanced database administration.
How to use
Download and print the PDF. Practice each query on a sample table. Write the query yourself first, then check the sheet. Revise the JOIN and window function pages the day before an interview. Use it for quick recall, not as the only study material.
Create a small sample table with employees or orders. Run the JOIN examples. Try the second-highest salary pattern. Note any syntax difference for the database you use most. Repeat the hard pages until you can write them without looking.
Keep the printed sheet near your desk while you practice. It is short enough to revise in one sitting before an interview.
Focus first on JOINs and GROUP BY. These appear in most SQL interviews. Then move to window functions if the role needs analytics. Practice writing the queries by hand or in a notebook so you remember the syntax under pressure.
Useful tools (Amazon)
FAQ
Is this SQL cheat sheet free?
Yes. Free PDF download from Vista Hub.
Which SQL topics are asked most in interviews?
JOINs, GROUP BY with HAVING, subqueries or CTEs, and window functions. Second-highest salary style questions are also common.
Does it work for MySQL and PostgreSQL?
Yes. Examples are ANSI-style. Small syntax differences exist — the sheet points them out.
Also read:
This sheet is for interview practice only. It is not official documentation for any database.
