Zero2Dataengineer

Zero2Dataengineer

DE Challenge & Solutions

Day 24/30 - DEEP DIVE SOLUTIONS: SQL, PYTHON, ETL, DATA MODELING

Solutions for March 27th, 2025 Challenge – Full Breakdown + Live Runnable Code

Avantikka_Penumarty's avatar
Avantikka_Penumarty
Mar 28, 2025
∙ Paid
Share

Hello Data Engineers,

Today we’re diving into index optimization, list comprehensions with filters, ETL orchestration tools, and Slowly Changing Dimensions (SCDs). Whether you’re building scalable data platforms or preparing for a technical interview, this breakdown is a must-study.

If you haven’t upgraded yet, this is where we go beyond just knowing the answers—giving you expert breakdowns, query tuning techniques, and best practices used in production systems.

Upgrade now and stay ahead of the competition!

Zero2Dataengineer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.


SQL Deep Dive: Indexes and Query Optimization

Challenge Recap:
❓ Which query would benefit MOST from adding an index on the email column?

🔘 A) SELECT * FROM users WHERE email = 'x@example.com'
🔘 B) SELECT COUNT(*) FROM users
🔘 C) SELECT * FROM users ORDER BY id DESC
🔘 D) SELECT DISTINCT department FROM users

✅ Answer: Option A - SELECT * FROM users WHERE email = 'x@example.com'


Why This Happens:

Indexes improve performance only when a query filters rows using a specific column. Filtering by email is a perfect candidate for an index. The other options either scan the entire table or don’t benefit from an index on email.


Where It’s Used in Real-World Applications:

  • User lookup by email or username

  • Customer support systems querying accounts by email

  • Authentication systems


This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Avantika
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture