Mission briefing

SQL Protocol: The Free SQL Game That Teaches Real Queries

SQL Protocol is a free SQL game: play in your browser, no install, no signup. Press Continue as Guest, take a mission, and learn SQL by writing queries that actually run against a live database. No multiple choice, no flashcards.

Story

Story Campaign

A 15-chapter story campaign. You play a covert operative running missions against live databases, from SELECT and WHERE through JOINs, GROUP BY, window functions, CTEs, and schema design. Every mission runs the SQL you type.

Browse the chapters>>
Interview Mode

The Proving Ground

SQL interview practice under a real clock. Three floors of timed drills modeled on real data interviews: Floor 1 beginner, Floor 2 intermediate, Floor 3 advanced.

Enter the Proving Ground>>
Arena

1v1 PvP

A multiplayer SQL game mode. You and an opponent get the same puzzle in a single round, and the fastest correct query wins. Leave the match and your opponent takes it.

Queue for the Arena>>

How it works

  1. Open sqlprotocol.com and press Continue as Guest. The game starts instantly: nothing to download, no account required, and it is free.
  2. Each stage gives you a schema and an objective. You type real SQL into the terminal and the server checks your result.
  3. Sign in with Google whenever you want to save progress across devices and appear on the leaderboards.

This is a SQL practice game, not a video course: you learn by writing queries. Desktop only, because the typing experience is the game.

Who it's for

  • Candidates preparing for data analyst, data engineering, and backend interviews who want drills that feel like the real thing.
  • Self-taught developers and students who want a structured, story-driven path from their first SELECT to window functions.
  • Anyone who abandoned a SQL tutorial out of boredom and would rather rank up in a game.

Curious how ranked matches work? Read about competitive SQL. Common questions live in the FAQ, and the story behind the project is on the about page.

Learn SQL with free guides

Short, practical guides that pair with the campaign chapters. Read the concept, then play the mission that drills it.

Ready to run your first query?

Play free in your browser. No install, no signup: continue as a guest, or sign in with Google to save progress. Desktop only.

Start playing