SQL Case Files – A browser-based SQL detective game

Hi HN,

I built a small side project called SQL Case Files — a detective-themed SQL practice game that runs entirely in the browser. You solve cases by writing real SQL queries against a SQLite database, and the story progresses as you uncover clues from the data.

A few things I focused on:

• Runs 100% locally in the browser using SQLite WASM • No sign-up, no backend, no data collection • Short “cases” instead of quizzes — each clue comes from a query result • Minimalist noir UI inspired by detective files • A validator that compares result sets rather than SQL text (so alternate solutions work) • Works offline after first load (PWA)

I built it because I wanted a more narrative/immersive way to relearn SQL, and I’m hoping to hear what the HN community thinks — especially around:

• Are the cases too easy/too hard? • Is the validator forgiving enough? • Ideas for new case formats or mechanics? • Any performance issues on older devices?

If you try it, I’d love your feedback or bug reports. Thanks for taking a look.

This is very polished! I worked on http://learngitbranching.js.org/ which is a similar approach (browser simulated lessons).

My one suggestion is that you might want to allow people to jump into the harder lessons right away vs having to go through the basics. The first few lessons being simple selects wasn't the most engaging. Just a suggestion!

Very nice :)