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SQL Fundamentals · Inserting & Querying Data · Lesson 5 of 17

Selecting Data

Concept

Selecting Data

SELECT retrieves data from a table. The star selects every column, while naming specific columns retrieves only those.

By the end of this lesson
  • Explain the core idea behind Selecting Data.
  • Predict output before running a change.
  • Test one realistic and one unusual input.
  • Use the result to make the next decision.
How to study this page
  1. 1. Read one concept.
  2. 2. Change the example.
  3. 3. Run, compare, and explain.
  4. 4. Complete the challenge below.
ExampleRunnable
SELECT * FROM students;
SELECT name, age FROM students;
Try it Yourself »
Self-check before continuing

Without looking at the example, describe what changes when you modify one input in Selecting Data. Then reopen the editor and prove your explanation with a small test.

You are ready to continue when you can predict, test, and explain the result.

Your turn

Write a SELECT statement that returns only the name column from students.

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Console

Output will appear here...