SQLNoir

Solve mysteries through SQL.

Step into a smoky 80s detective agency, question suspects with SQL queries, and crack the case one statement at a time.

Start Investigation
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Query-driven cases

Every clue is hidden in a database. Use SQL to interrogate the data and expose the culprit.

No setup needed

Built-in SQL workspace powered by SQL.js. Just open a case and start digging.

Earn detective XP

Solve cases to earn XP and level up your detective badge as you take on tougher investigations.

Welcome, Detective

The city is buzzing. New evidence just landed on your desk.

Open the Case Files

How SQLNoir works

Each case drops you into a story-driven investigation. You read the brief, study the database schema, and run SQL queries in a built-in editor to surface clues. As you connect tables, eliminate suspects, and validate alibis, you practice real SQL patterns: filtering, joins, aggregates, and subqueries. No setup or installs. Just open a case file and start interrogating the data.

Your XP and solved-case count track your progress, so you can start as a rookie and work up to the advanced cases at your own pace. Beginner cases teach fundamentals, while advanced cases push you with layered joins and trickier conditions.

Ready to see it in action?

Start Solving Cases

Who this is for

• Developers wanting a hands-on, story-first way to practice SQL fundamentals and joins.

• Data analysts preparing for interviews who need realistic querying scenarios.

• Students who learn faster through narrative and immediate feedback instead of dry textbooks.

• Instructors looking for engaging SQL exercises without any environment setup for learners.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers before you start your first case.

Do I need an account to play?

You can open and solve cases without creating an account. Sign in to track XP, progress, and solved cases across devices.

How does access work?

All cases are open from the start — there's nothing to unlock. The difficulty levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced) are just a guide: start with a beginner case and progress at your own pace. XP tracks your progress as you solve cases.

What SQL do I need to know?

Beginners can start with simple SELECTs. Intermediate and advanced cases introduce joins, grouping, filters, and subqueries as you progress.

Will this help with interviews?

Yes. Cases mimic realistic data puzzles you might see in data and engineering interviews. It's great for practicing under a narrative without rote question banks.

What if I get stuck on a case?

Every case gives you a schema view and a list of objectives to work from, plus a notes panel to track your thinking. If you're still stuck, the community Discord and the help page are good places to ask.