SQL in Data Analysis Workflows

Context

Data analysts and analytics engineers are often asked which tools they use for analysis and why. In SQL-focused roles, interviewers want to understand not just tool familiarity, but how you choose the right tool for querying, transforming, validating, and communicating data.

Core question

Explain what tools you use for data analysis, with a focus on where SQL fits in your workflow. Compare SQL with other common tools such as spreadsheets, Python, BI dashboards, and notebooks. Discuss:

1. What each tool is best suited for
2. Why SQL is often the foundation for structured data analysis
3. How you decide when to stay in SQL versus switch to another tool
4. Common trade-offs around scale, reproducibility, collaboration, and speed

Scope guidance

Keep the answer practical and interview-oriented. The interviewer is not looking for a list of every tool you know; they want a clear framework for choosing tools and a strong explanation of why SQL is essential for working with relational data.