Absolute Beginner's Guide to Databases

This is just what I was looking for, it's clear and covers the basics, the fourdational information about databases. I'm very pleased with the purchase.

This won't necessarily be a book you look at much once you've digested its contents. What it does is outline basic database concepts using Access in its examples. You can use the book to get a basic Access database started, but don't rely on it if you're looking to create databases. Get an Access or database design book if that's your primary goal - IF, that is, IF you can make heads or tails out of most of what those books are talking about. What I love about the book is its dedication to simplicity: I looked all over the place for a book that outlined basic database concepts in an easy to understand manner, and found book after book that promised to be 0-60, and spent about, oh, 2 pages on the 0-10. Where's the core basics, guys? Answer: in this book. It'll getcha up to 10 MPH, and then you can move on to bigger and better stuff. After reading this book (and I had it bookmarked twelve ways come Sunday for about two months), I am finally ready to consider those more advanced books. I'm not a dummy, but sometimes a simple book is needed to bridge the gap between being a novice and being experienced. This was the book for me, and I highly recommend it to anybody who needs more than 2 pages of core database theory explanation. It's also easy to read and very user-friendly, by the way.

I had no experience with databases before I read this book. I didn't even understand the basic concepts. This book includes basic definitions, detailed database design, SQL statements, how to use Microsoft Access (creating tables, relationships, queries, forms and reports). If you have little or no experience with databases, you will definitely take advantage of this book. It's very easy to read.

I have been looking for a basic, easy to understand book on database analysis and design. It seems like any of the design tools on the market cost 000's of dollars. I had no idea Visio had the abilities Mr. Petersen discussed and illustrated in his book.The one chapter that discussed how to use Visio as a database design tool is enough to convince me this book is a must have for anybody wishing to learn how datbases work!

Finally, a simple and concise book that talks about introductory database concepts AND design. In the matter of a short space, John has done a supurb job of boiling down the material to an understandable level.