How to remember where to put what part of a SQL query?

Hi Jack!

Generally, SQL order of operations is as follows:

SELECT DISTINCT <column_name> AS <new_column_name>
FROM <left_table> AS <new_table_name_A>
<join_type> JOIN <right_table> AS <new_table_name_B>
ON <join_condition> (<new_table_name_A>.<column_name> = <new_table_name_B>.<column_name>)
WHERE <where_condition>  
GROUP BY <group_by_list>
HAVING <having_condition>
ORDER BY <order_by_list>
LIMIT <limit_condition>;

Keep in mind, this is the customary way to write the query, but actual execution happens in a different order (see second link below).

And I recommend, if you don't generally do it already, to stack your queries like above for easier readability (it makes editing and debugging the query much easier).

More info:

https://learnsql.com/blog/sql-order-of-operations/

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/4596467/order-of-execution-of-the-sql-query

I also recommend checking these out, if you haven't already:

https://teamtreehouse.com/library/sql-basics/getting-data-from-a-database/review-practice-with-sql-playgrounds

To practice writing/running queries:

https://sqlpad.io/playground/

https://www.w3schools.com/sql/trysql.asp?filename=trysql_asc

https://sql-playground.wizardzines.com/

I hope this all helps.

Stay safe and happy coding!

BTW, this passes task 1:

SELECT COUNT(*) AS scifi_book_count
FROM books
WHERE genre = "Science Fiction";

This passes task 2:

SELECT COUNT(*) AS jk_book_count
FROM books
WHERE author = "J.K Rowling"

Again, I hope that helps.

Stay safe and happy coding!