PARA method for SQL notes

SQL notes as knowledge building blocks

The PARA method is one of the well-known productivity system, by Tiago Forte.

When it comes to apply this framework to our data management, especially SQL saved queries. We've designed and adapted this framework for your data analysis use cases.

Most of the data tasks have gone to ac hoc analysis with scattered queries. Some of them are saved, but most of them got lost.

We believe every piece knowledge should have a safe place to be stored. Perhaps in the future, you'll be able to connect the dots and reuse them again.

Query isn't just code; it's the fundamental unit of data. That's why we built an app for you to manage your SQL notes into a system and build a centralized repository for all your analyses, and data documentation.

Think of it as a 'second brain' for data analysis.

PARA method categorizes information into four main groups and order them by actionability:

1. Projects: specific SQL projects you are working on. 
2. Areas: Long-term responsibilities you want to manage over time.
3. Resources: SQL patterns that may be useful in the future.
4. Archives: Archived queries, change tracking, and solutions you encounter

PARA method for SQL

Projects

> Specific SQL projects you're working

When working on a project, you often need to execute a series of queries in a specific order. Organizing by project keeps these sequences intact and easily accessible.

Areas

> Long-term responsibilities you want to manage over time. E.g., data cleansing, modeling, common logic, etc.

Organizing queries by ongoing business areas aids in routine tasks. It ensures you're not recreating or searching for the same queries on regular analyses.

Resources

> SQL patterns that may be useful in the future.

It's useful for referencing standard analysis patterns.

Archives

> Archived queries, change tracking, and solutions you encounter

By moving older, less frequently used queries to an Archives section, you keep your active working areas uncluttered and focused on current tasks.

How is Datascale built for SQL organization?

We designed a SQL notes app to help you organize saved queries for your current project and ac hoc analysis. These SQL queries often got lost, and have to rewrite them over and over again.

• Some useful and common logics and filters have never been well-documented.

• Repetitive work among colleagues.

• Copying queries through Team/Slack without a proper repository and URL link to share them.

• No version history, as these queries are changed too often for a Git workflow.

Thus, SQL notes is best designed to be your home for SQL knowledge base for both personal use and team collaboration.