Set up your computer

You don't need to install anything

• In this course, SQL runs right here in your browser — there's nothing to set up.
• This lesson is optional: read it only if you want SQL on your own computer.
• It takes about 10 minutes, and you only do it once.

Step 1 — Install SQLite

• SQLite is a tiny, free database — perfect for learning.
• Get the sqlite3 command-line tool from sqlite.org/download.html.
• Prefer clicking to typing? Install DB Browser for SQLite from sqlitebrowser.org — a free visual tool.

Step 2 — Install VS Code

• VS Code (Visual Studio Code) is a free, popular code editor from Microsoft.
• Get it from code.visualstudio.com and install it.
• This is where you'll write and run your SQL.

Step 3 — Add a SQLite extension

• Open VS Code and click the Extensions icon on the left.
• Search for SQLite and click Install on a popular one.
• It lets you open a database file and run queries right inside the editor.

Step 4 — Check it worked

• Open a terminal (in VS Code: Terminal → New Terminal) and type:

sqlite3 --version

• You should see a version like 3.45.0. If you do, you're ready.

Step 5 — Run your first query

• Start SQLite on a new database file with sqlite3 test.db, then type:

SELECT 'Hello from my own computer!';

• Press Enter and SQLite prints your text back.
• You just ran SQL outside the browser.