Daily SQL Hacks Every Analyst Should Use
Structured Query Language (SQL) is more than just a technical requirement for analysts—it is the backbone of data-driven decision-making. Whether you are working in finance, healthcare, retail, or technology, SQL allows you to extract, transform, and interpret data efficiently. Yet, many analysts only use basic queries without exploring powerful techniques that can significantly improve productivity and accuracy. In this article, we explore practical and professional SQL hacks every data analyst should use daily to optimize workflows, improve query performance, and enhance analytical impact. 1. Master SELECT with Precision Most analysts use SELECT *, but experienced professionals avoid it in production environments. Selecting only required columns improves query speed and reduces memory usage. It also enhances readability and prevents unexpected schema changes from breaking dashboards or reports. Instead of: SELECT * FROM sales_data; Use: SELECT order_id, customer_name, revenue FROM sa...