# SQL basics

Learn the core operations before looking up individual SQL statements.

Source: https://particledb.ai/sql/basics/

Start with [relational data](/guides/relational-data/) for a complete example.

## Read and write

- [SELECT](/sql/select/): choose columns, filter, sort and limit.
- [Writes](/sql/insert-update-delete/): insert, update and delete.
- [Joins](/sql/joins/): combine related records.
- [Aggregations](/sql/aggregations/): summarize groups.

## Define data

Choose [types](/sql/data-types/), create [tables and indexes](/sql/ddl/) and use [schemas](/getting-started/databases-and-schemas/) to organize objects.

## Use application inputs safely

Bind values through the client's parameter API. Use an allowlist for dynamic identifiers. Handle nulls and [conversion errors](/sql/casting/) explicitly.

## Group changes

Use [transactions](/sql/transactions/) when database changes form one application operation. Schema commands may have different transaction requirements.

## Related

[Documentation home](/docs/) · [Troubleshooting](/guides/troubleshooting/)