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Beginner belt Lesson 1 · Introduction to SELECT
Beginner · Lesson 1 of 6

Introduction to SELECT

Learn how to read data from a PostgreSQL table using SELECT.

What is SELECT?

SELECT is the SQL statement you use to read data from a database. Every query that returns rows starts with SELECT.

Basic syntax

SELECT column1, column2
FROM table_name;

To return all columns, use *:

SELECT *
FROM customers;

Try it

Run this against the classic company dataset:

SELECT first_name, last_name, email
FROM customers
LIMIT 5;

Real-world note

In production, avoid SELECT * — always name the columns you need. It keeps queries readable and protects you when someone adds or reorders columns.

Summary

  • SELECT reads data; it never changes it.
  • Name your columns explicitly.
  • LIMIT keeps exploratory queries fast.