DB2 for the COBOL Programmer

I use this book at work all the time for projects where we are adding DB2 to old COBOL programs. I have a little bit of SQL experience, so I generally use this book as a reference. It also helps me use a variety of DB2 features to make the queries simpler and do what I really want.

Buy this book!!! ... I wanted to refresh my basic DB2/COBOL skills, so I ordered a copy of this book. "DB2 for the COBOL Programmer" is written in a clear and concise fashion which even a novice programmer can start using immediately. SQL theory and application are presented in a way that can only be described as inspired. Curtis Garvin and Steve Eckols have done an outstanding job taking the reader from zero to competent professional in this book. I only wish that more 'techie' books were written like this one (and it's companion, Part 2).

This is an excellent resource for all those baffled programmers who need to learn DB2 fast. Thos book provides clear-cut examples, syntax, and the results of the various SQL commands that are most likely to be needed by any programmer. All the basics from simple SELECT statements are covered all the way up to ORDER BY clauses, joins and so on. A special chapter on using SPUFI was also a big help. The emphasis here is on the COBOL language and mainframe computers, but it is an excellent learning tool for anyone. The book teaches by example and can be finished easily within a week (The example programs are what make it look so big). A must-read for anyone interested in relationall databases.