A month ago, I launched a small passion project called SQL Noir — a web-based detective game where you solve crimes using real SQL queries.
I built it as a way to teach SQL through storytelling and logic — not textbooks. Each mission is a different case, with its own database and clues hidden inside tables. The only way to crack the case? Query your way to the truth.
To my surprise, it blew up! Reddit, Hacker News, and a bunch of blogs picked it up, and over 10,000 people played it on launch day. Since then, I've been getting ~700 daily visits — and players are even sharing how it helped them learn SQL for job interviews, or just made practicing SQL more fun.
🚨 Now: 2 New Cases Are Live!
I've just added two brand new missions, each with their own unique crimes, clues, and twists.
If you've played before — now’s your chance to return and put your detective hat back on.
If you're new to the game — it's free, no login, and beginner-friendly. Just bring your logic and basic SQL (or learn as you go).
💬 I'd love your feedback
If you give it a try, I'd really appreciate your thoughts:
- Are the cases too hard or too easy?
- Did the story make it more fun to learn?
- Any ideas for future crimes?
Also, if you're into open source, I'd love help creating even more missions — each one is just a database and a story.
Thanks for reading — and happy sleuthing 🕵️
P.S. If you’ve ever played SQL Murder Mystery or SQL Island, you’ll feel right at home.
Top comments (2)
I'm not really into sports betting yet, but I've been thinking about giving it a try recently. In We're going to Rio!, I often see some users discussing bets, and I think it's better for beginners to start with simple types of bets and with small amounts. Gradually, you can study statistics and trends to make more informed bets.
It looks good, if you add more animatiosn or images that will make it more interactive? That's pretty cool.