sqlEASYSQL
Warm up with recursive org chart
Easy SQL arena: recursive CTEs, depth limits, and cycle safety
XP reward
105
Coins
9
Target time
21m
HR imported a reporting tree and one accidental cycle is breaking the org browser. You are working inside an analytics warehouse, and the arena only clears when the result is safe, deterministic, and explainable.
Learning objective
Learn to apply recursive CTEs, depth limits, and cycle safety in an analytics warehouse while explaining the invariant, safety constraints, and hidden edge cases.
Mission order
employees(id, manager_id, name, active). Implement the direct solution first, then document the one edge case that can break it. Submit the solution plus enough reasoning to pass hidden edge cases.Visible checks
returns read-only result set
Expected: no mutation statements
uses deterministic ordering
Expected: stable review output
Clear requirements
- Demonstrates recursive CTEs, depth limits, and cycle safety
- Handles the visible sample and hidden edge cases
- Keeps output deterministic and explainable
- Stays read-only
Secure validation contract
Judge type
SQL
Complexity target
Readable single-pass aggregate or join
SQL schema
employees(id, manager_id, name, active).
Workspace
SQL query console
sqlsafe mock judge
Charging editor core
Test Results
Run the visible checks when your first pass is ready.
Clear Protocol
1Read the scenario and restate the expected output shape.
2Run visible checks before chasing hidden edge cases.
3Use Genie for one nudge if stuck, then explain the invariant.
4Submit only when the result is deterministic and safe.
Rewards
XP
105
Coins
9
Mission Route
Hints
Hints are metered and logged for No Hint Hero runs.
Genie Mentor Core
Hint protocol / contextual guardrails active
Progressive hints
Failed-test aware
Solution guarded
Mission: sql-easy-recursive-cte0 attempts0 failed tests0 hints used
Progressive hint depth
Genie: Genie online. I use your mission, attempts, failed tests, hints, and path context to coach the next rep without dumping answers first.