SQL Server interview questions are an integral part of tech interviews. RDBMS is one of the most commonly used database management systems worldwide. Since SQL (Structured Query Language) is the standard language, top tech companies like Google, Amazon, Oracle, Microsoft, etc., ask SQL interview questions in their technical rounds.
To help you ace your SQL Developer interview, this article will provide you with the most frequently asked SQL Server questions in FAANG interviews, as well as everything you need to know.
If you’re a software engineer, coding engineer, software developer, engineering manager, or tech lead preparing for tech interviews, check out our technical interview checklist, interview questions page, and salary negotiation ebook to get interview-ready!
Having trained over 9,000 software engineers, we know what it takes to crack the most challenging tech interviews. Since 2014, Interview Kickstart alums have landed lucrative offers from FAANG and Tier-1 tech companies, with an average salary hike of 49%. The highest-ever offer received by an IK alum is a whopping $933,000!
At IK, you get the unique opportunity to learn from expert instructors who are hiring managers and tech leads at Google, Facebook, Apple, and other top Silicon Valley tech companies. Our reviews will tell you how we’ve shaped the careers of thousands of professionals aspiring to take their careers to new heights.
Want to nail your next tech interview? Sign up for our FREE Webinar.
SQL interview questions are an important part of technical and coding interviews. In this article, we will go through the top SQL Server interview questions asked to freshers and experienced developers.
We will cover these topics:
SQL Developers design database systems that store and access information related to a business. SQL Developers are responsible for incorporating a high level of technical know-how and data management skills to make the systems safe and secure. Their job is to prevent unauthorized access to these systems as it may put sensitive data and the business’s reputation at risk.
Besides this, SQL Developers are responsible for evaluating network infrastructure and running diagnostic tests. They need to update all information systems to ensure seamless navigation and optimal performance from time to time. To handle sensitive data related to a business, an SQL Developer must possess excellent programming skills, data engineering, and software management skills.
The questions asked in SQL interview questions are typically based on the following topics:
Most SQL Server questions asked in FAANG interviews are based on Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS). RDBMS is used in companies to retrieve and store data safely and securely. Besides core data handling and data management concepts, SQL Server interview questions are based on the position and required work experience.
We’ve curated some SQL Server interview questions and answers commonly asked in tech interviews. Practice these questions to increase your chances of nailing the interview.
Q1. An SQL Server runs on which TCP/IP port?
Answer: An SQL Server runs on port 1433 by default.
Q2. Differentiate between non-clustered and clustered indexes.
Answer: A non-clustered index will not rearrange a given table in the order of the index. The leaf nodes consist of index rows and not data pages. One table can have multiple non-clustered indexes.
A clustered index rearranges a given table in the order of the index. The leaf nodes contain data pages as opposed to index rows. There can be only one clustered index.
Q3. Name some index configurations for a table.
Answer: Some index configurations a table can have are:
A table can have one of the following index configurations: No index, clustered index, one clustered index, and multiple non-clustered indexes, multiple non-clustered indexes
Q4. What do you understand about a recovery model?
Answer: A recovery model communicates with the SQL Server about the data that needs to be stored in the transaction log file and its duration. It also communicates about possible backups. Every database has one recovery model alone. The three kinds of recovery models are full, simple, and bulk-logged.
Q5. Name the different backups available in SQL.
Answer: The backups available in an SQL Server are: Full, Differential, Transactional Log, Copy Only, and File and Filegroup.
Q6. Describe a Full Backup.
Answer: One of the most common types of backup in SQL, a full backup makes a complete backup of a database. It will also keep a section of the transaction log for recovery.
Q7. What do you mean by OLTP?
Answer: OLTP stands for Online Transaction Processing. OLTP breaks down complex information into simpler structures using data normalization rules and is used for data integrity.
Q8. What do you understand about RDBMS?
Answer: RDBMS stands for Relational Database Management Systems. It is a database management system that maintains data in tabular form. It is very useful in creating relationships between tables. RDBMS also serves as a powerful tool for data usage as it is used for recombining data items from multiple files.
Q9. List the properties of the Relational tables.
Answer: Here are the main properties of Relational tables:
1. Values are atomic in nature.
2. Column values are similar.
3. Every row is unique.
4. Column sequence is insignificant.
5. Row sequence is insignificant.
6. Each column needs to have a unique name.
Q10. Differentiate between a unique key and a primary key.
Answer: The fundamental differences between a unique key and a primary key are:
The values in the Unique key column identify every row in a table in a unique way. They make a default non-clustered index. Only one NULL is allowed.
The primary key column values identify every row in a table in a unique manner. One cannot reuse Primary key values. A primary key creates a clustered index on the column. This column’s values cannot be null.
Check some Amazon SQL Interview Questions here.
Take a look at the top Facebook SQL Interview Questions here.
These are some frequently asked SQL Server DBA interview questions:
Take a look at these SQL Server interview questions for developers:
Here are some advanced SQL Server interview questions for experienced candidates:
Recommended Reading: Oracle SQL Interview Questions
Q1. What is the salary of an SQL Developer?
The average salary of an SQL Developer is approximately $87,398 per year.
Q2. Are SQL Developer jobs in demand?
According to the 2020 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, SQL is the third most commonly used language by professional developers and coding enthusiasts. Even though the language is 46 years old, it continues to be in high demand among FAANG companies because it is semantically mature, has evolved with time, is open source, secure, extensible, and logically founded.
Q3. Which companies use SQL?
A. Some of the major companies that use SQL are Microsoft, Accenture, Cognizant, NTT Data, Dell, Stack Overflow, and more.
Q4. What are the top skills an SQL Developer should have?
A. If you are considering a career in app development, web development, or other data programming positions, here are some SQL skills that you should work on: Microsoft SQL server skills, Execution, Database management, PHP, SQL Joins, Indexing, Related SQL system, OLAP, Technical SQL data analysis, Managing database architecture, Problem-solving, Critical thinking, Collaborative skills, Precision and detail-oriented skills, Decision-making skills.
Q5. What are the top SQL Server interview questions?
The SQL Server interview questions will differ as per your experience level. Some of the most commonly asked questions are: Describe an SQL Profiler, Name the TCL Commands available on SQL, What are the differences between local and global temporary tables? Can SQL servers be linked to other servers? To get more such SQL Server interview questions, visit Interview Kickstart.
Ready to crack your next SQL Server interview? Register for IK’s webinar today to learn how you can leverage exclusive interview preparation courses and mock interviews with experts.
Interview Kickstart has helped over 9,000 engineers land coveted offers from FAANG and tier-1 companies. Our instructors are technical leads and hiring managers at FAANG and know exactly what it takes to crack tough tech interviews.
Want to learn more? Sign up for our FREE webinar on How to Nail Your Next Tech Interview.
Attend our free webinar to amp up your career and get the salary you deserve.
693+ FAANG insiders created a system so you don’t have to guess anymore!
100% Free — No credit card needed.
Time Zone:
Get your enrollment process started by registering for a Pre-enrollment Webinar with one of our Founders.
The 11 Neural “Power Patterns” For Solving Any FAANG Interview Problem 12.5X Faster Than 99.8% OF Applicants
The 2 “Magic Questions” That Reveal Whether You’re Good Enough To Receive A Lucrative Big Tech Offer
The “Instant Income Multiplier” That 2-3X’s Your Current Tech Salary
The 11 Neural “Power Patterns” For Solving Any FAANG Interview Problem 12.5X Faster Than 99.8% OF Applicants
The 2 “Magic Questions” That Reveal Whether You’re Good Enough To Receive A Lucrative Big Tech Offer
The “Instant Income Multiplier” That 2-3X’s Your Current Tech Salary
Just drop your name and email so we can send your Power Patterns PDF straight to your inbox. No Spam!
By sharing your contact details, you agree to our privacy policy.
Time Zone: Asia/Dhaka
We’ve sent the Power Patterns PDF to your inbox — it should arrive in the next 30 seconds.
📩 Can’t find it? Check your promotions or spam folder — and mark us as safe so you don’t miss future insights.
We’re hosting a private session where FAANG insiders walk through how they actually use these Power Patterns to crack interviews — and what sets top performers apart.
🎯 If you liked the PDF, you’ll love what we’re sharing next.
Time Zone:
