QueryPRIMM : A PRIMM-Based Tool for Learning SQL

Tools

Ahmed, Abdulhafith and Goodfellow, Martin and Clift, Lee and Anderson, Damien; Velázquez-Iturbide, Ángel and Urquiza-Fuentes, Jaime and Cutts, Quintin and Quille, Keith and Cooper, Stephen, eds. (2026) QueryPRIMM : A PRIMM-Based Tool for Learning SQL. In: ITiCSE 2026: Proceedings of the 31st ACM Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education. ACM, ESP, 819 - 820. ISBN 9798400726330 (https://doi.org/10.1145/3803401.3811960)

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Abstract

Students often find learning Structured Query Language (SQL) challenging, particularly when understanding how queries operate on relational data. Active engagement with queries and their results can help students build stronger understanding of SQL concepts. The PRIMM (Predict-Run-Investigate-Modify-Make) framework provides a structured approach for engaging learners with code through prediction, exploration, and modification activities. This paper presents a web application designed to support learning SQL through PRIMM-based exercises. The platform guides students through predicting query outputs, executing SQL queries, investigating results, modifying queries, and creating their own queries within an interactive environment. The tool provides instructors with a structured way to incorporate PRIMM activities into SQL teaching, while allowing students to experiment with queries and observe their effects on relational data. The platform also supports the creation of custom PRIMM exercises that expand the available practice problems and allow customisation to specific course topics. We describe the system and present example questions that illustrate how it can be used to support SQL learning.

ORCID iDs

Ahmed, Abdulhafith, Goodfellow, Martin ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2151-8442, Clift, Lee ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8313-9934 and Anderson, Damien ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8554-3068; Velázquez-Iturbide, Ángel, Urquiza-Fuentes, Jaime, Cutts, Quintin, Quille, Keith and Cooper, Stephen
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