How to Use SQL JOIN with Multiple Tables

Sometimes you may be inclined to combine data from different columns over multiple tables. You can do this using a JOIN. JOIN is used to combine columns from two or more tables. Tables are joined two at a time, making a new virtual (in memory) table containing all the relevant row combinations from the original two data sets. Because there are multiple types of JOIN commands, it’s a good idea to understand all of them. That way, you’ll never be confused about which type of JOIN to use when you create your own statements.

As a developer, you may have different approaches to handling database queries. In this tutorial, we’ll elaborate on how to join datasets with some of the more frequently used methods, including consolidating multiple datasets in a single SELECT statement. Practice and experience will make it easier to know when to use which type of query.

If you are new to writing SQL queries or need a refresher, you might want to start with our list of useful SQL commands. It will give you an overview of using operations like INSERT INTO, DELETE, and ORDER BY. 

Different types of SQL JOINs

Types of SQL JOINS

Following are the different types of SQL join operations:

• SQL INNER JOIN (or sometimes called simple join)
• SQL LEFT OUTER JOIN (usually called LEFT JOIN)
• SQL RIGHT OUTER JOIN (usually called RIGHT JOIN)
• SQL FULL OUTER JOIN (usually called FULL JOIN)
• SQL CROSS JOIN

Recommended Learning Platform course

70-461, 761: Querying Microsoft SQL Server with T-SQL course

Phillip Burton • over one million students so far, I Do Data Limited